Australia’s largest rail freight company QR National has demonstrated its commitment to the grain industry, announcing a contract with Glencore Grain Australia for rail haulage services in New South Wales.
Under the three year agreement, QR National Freight will commence rail services later this month from various regional NSW locations into Port Kembla, and will also establish operations in Cootamundra and Moss Vale.
The agreement is conditional on access agreements being signed with Port Kembla Port Corporation and Railcorp.
QR National Freight CEO Ken Lewsey said QR National had an established position as a national grain haulier and was responsive to the growing needs of Australian grain growers and traders.
"We’re pleased to assist Glencore Grain Australia with the significant grain harvest task in NSW under this agreement." Mr Lewsey said.
"QR National has more than 100 years’ experience in servicing our customers in the agricultural sector.
"This announcement demonstrates QR National is well positioned to respond to the needs of local grain traders and to strengthen their position as market leaders," he said.
Experienced locomotive drivers from the Cootamundra and Moss Vale regions are being recruited to support operations.
Rollingstock is being redeployed to New South Wales from QR National’s Western Australian operations.
QR National Freight hauls almost 60 million tonnes of agricultural products and minerals each year across Australia