Direct Rail Services

Providing a comprehensive range of rail transport and network support services. Safe, Secure, Reliable. This account is managed office hours 0830 - 1630

[Direct Rail Services @DRSgovuk]

Read more - https://t.co/DccXqvAkBo

[Direct Rail Services @DRSgovuk]

Celebrating 20 years of partnership with @Tesco. Together, we've built one of the UK’s most successful rail freight operations, cutting carbon, removing lorries from the roads and driving innovation across logistics. Here's to the next 20 years. #RailFreight #Sustainability

[Direct Rail Services @DRSgovuk]

We're delighted to win Freight & Logistics Achievement of the Year with @Tesco . Celebrating 20 years of partnership, innovation and growth, the judges recognised our work as a "game changer" in British rail freight.
#NationalRailAwards #NationalRailAwards2026

[Direct Rail Services @DRSgovuk]

Investing in the future of rail. DRS has launched new ETCS training simulators, giving drivers hands-on experience to support the safe rollout of digital signalling.
Read more - https://t.co/peci3ZAg2m

[ASM_Railway_Photography @ASMRailPhotos]

🖍️| 4S44 1016 Daventry Int Rft Recep Fl to Coatbridge (Drs)

📣| @DRSgovuk
🚅| 88010 ‘Aurora’
🚅| 68034 ‘Rail Riders 2020’
📍| Butterwell Junction
📆| 13/04/2026

#class88 #88010 #68034 #directrailservices

📸| Photography by @ASMRailPhotos ©️

[Direct Rail Services @DRSgovuk]

We're proud to have successfully completed a rail freight campaign supporting a major project in Cumbria.

Ahead of schedule, we've helped remove 17,000+ HGV journeys from local roads and save an estimated 700+ tonnes of CO₂.

https://t.co/IQLHe8V5fU

[Rail Freight Group (RFG) @RailFreightUK]

High cube containers are now the global standard but UK loading gauge constraints risk holding rail freight back. In our Handbook, DRS’s Tony Hewitson explains how ultra-low IDA wagons can open new routes and support modal shift. https://t.co/bjHKBG70Mh
#RailFreight #Intermodal

[Direct Rail Services @DRSgovuk]

Yesterday, we began a new operational trial using a Class 93 locomotive on our intermodal services between Daventry and Coatbridge.

This is the first time we've operated a C93 in service and, over the next two weeks, we'll be assessing its performance.

Image credit: Sam Dixon

[Direct Rail Services @DRSgovuk]

Last week, DRS welcomed pupils from Austin Friars School to our Kingmoor depot for Rail Safety Week 2026. They explored our engineering facility, control room and a loco cab, and received bespoke Class 68 and 88 models in school colours.
https://t.co/iZa8mTOTwN

[Direct Rail Services @DRSgovuk]

We are shocked and saddened to see the reports of a collision involving two passenger trains at Bedford South yesterday evening. Our thoughts are with the families, friends and colleagues of everyone affected by this tragic incident.

[Alpha Charlie Rail and Aviation @ACRailandAir]

@DRSgovuk 88005 “Minerva” as it passes through Stafford on the down fast working
4S45 1626 Daventry Int Rft Recep FL to Coatbridge (DRS), complete with some tones and a wave whilst being in the very capable hands of @Electra88007.
(10/05/26)

[Direct Rail Services @DRSgovuk]

We are offering surplus rail assets for sale, including four Class 57 locomotives (57304, 57307, 57308, 57309) plus associated parts and materials.
Closes: 12:00 midday, 27 May 2026
More information:
https://t.co/vmEDsaciyz

[Direct Rail Services @DRSgovuk]

Unfortunately, we have taken the difficult decision to cancel our upcoming open day. Following further planning, we could not deliver the event to the standard expected. All tickets will be refunded automatically.

Full info: https://t.co/yxg8BXGEo7

[Direct Rail Services @DRSgovuk]

@cliffordbeeton From our website - "Tickets cost £6.13 (including booking fee) for adults with under 16s free. The £5 ticket price is used to aid UK charities and other deserving community causes."
https://t.co/orwR4Gv2Lm

[Direct Rail Services @DRSgovuk]

@cliffordbeeton Hi, the ticket price has remained at £5 but there is a £1.13 administration fee the ticketing platform charge, as all of the ticket price goes to charities & deserving causes we have had to pass on this additional charge rather than reduce the money raised.

[Direct Rail Services @DRSgovuk]

Last month, DRS staged a unique night-time photoshoot featuring one of our Class 68 locomotives and all 25 JNA wagons.

Rail enthusiasts donated to Eden Valley Hospice, raising £580 for a charity close to our hearts.

Read more - https://t.co/21mG0I0aBt

[Direct Rail Services @DRSgovuk]

Reliable rail freight is at the heart of what we do, and during this busy season, we’re committed to delivering for retailers, suppliers, and families nationwide.
From all of us at DRS, thank you for your continued support. Wishing you a merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

[Direct Rail Services @DRSgovuk]

Today marks the end of our provision of Thunderbird duties on the WCML.
For the past 13 years, DRS has been on call to clear the line in the event of a Pendolino breakdown. Thank you to all of our, traincrew, engineers and everyone who made this service a success.
F.A.B.

[Direct Rail Services @DRSgovuk]

We’re thrilled one of our drivers has won a coveted Rail Hero Award at the Railway Benefit Fund’s prestigious Heart of Gold Awards.

Chris's actions saved a life that day and he's an inspiration to us all.

https://t.co/ZXiizDyqB9

[Direct Rail Services @DRSgovuk]

2017: Class 88 arrives in the UK and wins RFG award. Two new Class 68s added.
Images: Class 88s on the ship, and being lifted off.
#DRS30Years #30yearsofDRS #30years