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Heavy Haul Rail is hiring Groundstaff to support safe, punctual, and economical movement of trains and vehicles across multiple locations in the UK. You will perform shunting, train preparation, and documentation tasks while following strict safety rules and procedures.
This outdoor role operates in all weather and hours, requiring strong safety awareness, clear communication, and the ability to work under pressure. Training and proficiency assessments are provided and encouraged.
Together, we move what matters We are at the start of something powerful. Heavy Haul Rail was created with a simple but transformative belief: the UK deserves a smarter, cleaner, more resilient freight future. And we have the opportunity to build it. Every role in this business carries purpose. Whether you work in operational delivery, driving trains, engineering, or business support, the work you do contributes directly to reducing emissions, easing road congestion, strengthening supply chains and powering British industry. This is meaningful work, with real impact.
Who we are Previously operating as Freightliner’s Heavy Haul business, we are now an independent company following CMA CGM Group’s acquisition of Freightliner UK’s Intermodal Logistics business in January 2026. Heavy Haul Rail is the UK’s next-generation rail freight partner built for a sector ready to evolve. We believe it’s time to move differently. Congested roads, rising emissions, fragile supply chains. These aren’t just logistical challenges; they’re environmental and economic wake-up calls. We’re here to lead the modal shift, helping businesses transition from road to rail with confidence, clarity, and measurable impact. We move 17 million tonnes of freight a year for customers in the industrial, energy and construction markets. The company operates 95 locomotives and over 1000 wagons. Heavy Haul Rail’s team of 950 supports customer deliveries to over 100 locations across the UK, running 250 trains per week. Heavy Haul Rail also supports the renewal and maintenance of the rail infrastructure and supports passenger train operators and rolling stock companies, including the provision of drivers and route conducting services. But none of this happens without us, its people.
As a member of our team working as Groundstaff you will ensure that the preparation and movement of trains or vehicles are carried out in a safe, punctual, and economical manner in accordance with the rules and regulations currently in force. Our Groundstaff team work outside in all conditions, at all times of the year, day or night. Our Groundstaff play a key role in the running of our operations. You don’t necessarily need rail experience, but you do need to demonstrate how your transferrable skills meet the following:
This post is subject to standard pre-employment checks including employment references, medical & D&A screening, and successful DBS background checks.
Here, you’re not one small part of a big machine. You’re a key contributor with national significance and real-world impact. We want our colleagues to feel proud of the work they do, connected to our mission and empowered to shape the future of this business. As part of Heavy Haul Rail, you can expect:
We know where we’re heading. We know why it matters. Now, it’s time to move, to make it real, together.
Contact careers@heavyhaulrail.co.uk for queries.
Heavy Haul Rail is the UK’s next-generation rail freight partner built for a sector ready to evolve. We believe it’s time to move differently. Congested roads, rising emissions, fragile supply chains. These aren’t just logistical challenges; they’re environmental and economic wake-up calls.
We move 17 million tonnes of freight a year for customers in the industrial, energy and construction markets. The company operates 95 locomotives and over 1000 wagons. Heavy Haul Rail’s team of 950 supports customer deliveries to over 100 locations across the UK, running 250 trains per week.
Our people are our most important asset. We strive to empower our employees, ensuring they are trained and competent, fit for work, always informed, and completely engaged in our culture that places safety and wellbeing firmly at the heart of everything we do. We are looking for the most committed and reliable individuals who possess the knowledge, skills and experience needed for their roles. In return we can offer considerable career progression, and a rewarding career in an award-winning team alongside: