Advenza Freight: All Images

Advenza Freight was founded in 2001, obtaining a safety case in 2002 and a licence to operate from the Rail Regulator on 16th November 2003. Initially Advenza struggled to secure guarantees from Network Rail on timing and regularity of train paths, only being able to obtain permission to "spot bid" for free train paths, so was unable to reliably secure paths for its trains to be able to commence commercially viable operations. In January 2004 it reached agreement with Network Rail and was to start running containerised palletised freight between Barking & Glasgow. After refinancing of the company and negotiations with other train operators to provide rolling stock and traction, services between London (Willesden) & Glasgow (Mossend) began on 25th October 2004. This was a nightly service in both directions, operating as the UK's only Class 1 freight service at the time, hauled by EWS Class 90 electric locomotives operating up to 110 mph. The north and south bound services were timed to cross at Preston where the train crews would change over. The service only ran for three weeks however as the ‘turn up and go’ pallet service failed to attract sufficient customers resulting in the service being closed and the company being put up for sale. In 2005 Cotswold Rail acquired Advenza primarily for its safety case. In 2006 Advenza gained permission to operate passenger trains on the UK network. In addition to operating locomotives for Cotswold Rail's passenger charters, Advenza also undertook the transportation of rolling stock, as well as operating several scrap metal trains which included workings from Stockton on Tees to Cardiff & Shipley, as well as between Hitchin & Sheerness. A service moving flyash from West Burton Power Station to Tilbury operated briefly, commencing on 2 June 2009. The company was wound up on 7th October 2009 after an application by HM Revenue & Customs over unpaid taxes.