The CMA CGM Group, a global leader in sea, land, air, and logistics solutions, has announced the acquisition of Freightliner in the United Kingdom. The deal covers Freightliner’s rail and road operations, inland terminals, and brand rights.
With this move, CMA CGM strengthens its intermodal presence in Europe and reaffirms its commitment to advancing the modal shift from road to rail, an essential pillar of decarbonizing global supply chains. The transaction is expected to close in early 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. Other Freightliner entities—Heavy Haul, Rotterdam Rail Feeding, and Freightliner Poland/Germany, will remain under their current ownership.
Freightliner will continue to operate independently under its existing management teams, maintaining its multi-user and multi-customer model. Rail freight, which significantly reduces CO₂ emissions compared to road transport, will form the backbone of CMA CGM’s enhanced offering of integrated intermodal services spanning maritime, rail, road, and terminal operations.
Unlocking Synergies
The integration of Freightliner opens opportunities to:
Expand intermodal offerings that combine shipping, rail, and road transport.
Improve connectivity between major European ports and the UK hinterland via strategically placed inland terminals.
Accelerate innovation in sustainable and decarbonized logistics solutions.
Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of the CMA CGM Group, said, “The acquisition of Freightliner, a leading rail freight operator, strengthens our intermodal presence in the United Kingdom, a strategic market for CMA CGM. It enables us to connect sea, rail, and road more efficiently, delivering better solutions for our customers. It is also a concrete step in expanding lower-carbon transport options, supporting both their needs and the decarbonization of global trade.”
Tim Shoveller, CEO of Freightliner Group, added, “This transaction marks an exciting new chapter for Intermodal and Heavy Haul, allowing each to focus on their distinct markets under separate ownership. The intermodal business will thrive within CMA CGM’s portfolio, while heavy haul continues to expand in the bulk materials sector. Our customers will see continuity in leadership, operations, and service quality, with strong transition plans in place.”
CMA CGM’s Growing UK Footprint
CMA CGM already maintains a significant presence in the UK, employing nearly 7,200 people across maritime, logistics, and inland operations. Its shipping agency runs 28 services, carrying 802,000 TEUs to and from the UK in 2024.
In intermodal transport, the Group moved 200,000 TEUs by rail and road between January and July 2025 through subsidiary CCIS. CEVA Logistics, another CMA CGM arm, employs 6,768 staff at 103 UK sites, offering 718,000 sqm of warehousing capacity, and managing 33,800 tonnes of air freight and 69,400 TEUs of ocean freight annually.
This acquisition cements CMA CGM’s role as a major player in sustainable logistics in the UK, offering integrated, end-to-end solutions to meet the evolving needs of customers and global trade.
