DB Cargo UK

In 1988, British Rail's (BR) freight operations were split into two divisions Railfreight Distribution (RfD) and Trainload Freight (TLF).{{sfn|Butcher|2011|p=13}} RfD took over BR's Freightliner and Speedlink services and general wagonload and trainload services, excluding coal, petroleum, aggregates and metals.{{sfn|ECMT|2001|p=68}} BR's bulk trainload services were handled by the Trainload Freight division.{{cite book |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=vWhpkyrFvjAC |title = Railways, urban development and town planning in Britain: 1948–2008 |first = Russ |last = Haywood |publisher = Ashgate Publishing |year = 2009 |page = 150 |isbn = 9780754673927 }}{{sfn|Parker|2012|p=479}} During 1991, the Rail Express Systems brand was created to handle mail and postal services.{{sfn|ECMT|2001|p=67}}

After the passing of the Railways Act 1993, five rail freight companies were formed from RfD and TLF.{{sfn|Butcher|2011|p=13}}{{sfn|Parker|2012|pp=479–480}} On 1 April 1994, TLF was split into three separate geographical businesses: Trainload Freight North East, Trainload Freight West and Trainload Freight South East, with each initially given existing contracts, based on the geographic origin of the traffic flow or in the case of power station coal the split was determined by the location of the power stations concerned. There were also some trainload services previously operated by the contract services business of RfD.{{cite magazine |title = New identities for freight companies |magazine = Rail |issue = 221 |date = 2 March 1994 |page = 13}}{{sfn|ECMT|2001|p=70}} The three new businesses were to be re-branded as Loadhaul, Mainline Freight and Transrail Freight for the short duration of their existence.{{sfn|ECMT|2001|p=70}}{{cite magazine |title = New freight identities revealed |magazine = Rail |issue = 231 |date = 20 July 1994 |page = 8}}{{cite magazine |title = Bright new identies for TLF businesses |magazine = The Railway Magazine |issue = 1121 |date = September 1994 |page = 12}}

The remainder of RfD was split into two companies: Freightliner (container operations between ports), with the residual RfD company operating freight trains through the Channel Tunnel.{{sfn|Butcher|2011|p=13}} The Mail and Parcels business were sold as Rail Express Systems and Red Star Parcels.{{sfn|Parker|2012|pp=479–480}} These companies were subsequently put up for sale by competitive tender.{{sfn|Parker|2012|pp=479–482}}

File:66161 , Tupton.jpg and coal wagons near Tupton, Derbyshire in May 2011]]

File:92001 'Victor Hugo' at Crewe Works.jpg at Crewe Works in June 2003]]

A new company, North and South Railways Limited, was formed for the purpose of bidding for the ex-BR freight businesses being offered for sale.{{cite web |url = http://data.companieshouse.gov.uk/doc/company/03116332 |publisher = Companies House |title = DB Schenker Rail (UK) Holdings Limited formerly English, Welsh & Scottish Railway Holdings Limited formerly North & South Railways Limited: company no 3116332 |access-date = 1 June 2022}} It was owned by a consortium, headed by Wisconsin Central,{{sfn|Butcher|2011|p=13}}{{sfn|Parker|2012|p=480}} and financed by multiple investment firms, including Berkshire Partners, Goldman Sachs and Fay Richwhite.{{cite news |url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/markets/2811265/German-rail-giant-confirms-300m-deal-for-EWS-shares.html |title = German rail giant confirms £300m deal for EWS shares |newspaper = The Daily Telegraph |date = 29 June 2007}}

On 9 December 1995, North and South Railways purchased Rail Express Systems for £24 million.{{cite web |url = https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/written-answers/1996/nov/27/rail-privatisation|work=Parliamentary Debates (Hansard) |title = Rail Privatisation |date = 27 December 1996 |publisher = Hansard, House of Commons |at = volume 296, 275W}} With this purchase came the contract for the Royal Mail train service, including the Travelling Post Office trains, and the contract to haul the Royal Train.{{sfn|Nash|Fowkes|2004|p=67}} A fleet of 164 locomotives and 677 postal vans were included along with depots at Bristol Barton Hill, Cambridge, Crewe and London Euston.{{cite magazine |title = Confirmed – Wisconsin Central buys Rail express systems |magazine = Rail |issue = 268 |date = 20 December 1995 |page = 9}}

Then, on 24 February 1996, British Rail's three trainload freight companies, Loadhaul, Mainline Freight and Transrail Freight were acquired for £225 million.{{cite web |url = http://www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/hc9899/hc02/0280/0280.pdf |title = The Sale of Rail Freight Distribution |publisher = Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions / National Audit Office |date = 26 March 1999 |page = 2 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120320150938/http://www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/hc9899/hc02/0280/0280.pdf |archive-date = 20 March 2012}} The sale included 914 locomotives and 19,310 wagons.{{cite magazine |title = BR freight is finally sold to Burkhardt |magazine = Rail |issue = 274 |date = 13 March 1996 |page = 6}}

All four companies were subsequently merged into North and South Railways,{{cite book |title = The dynamics of freight transport development: a UK and Swiss comparison |first = Philippe|last = Thalmann |publisher = Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. |year = 2004 |pages = 34–36 |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=hFDrKNKmJ8UC |isbn = 0-7546-3756-5}} nullifying the government's effort to create multiple competitive rail freight firms through the privatisation;{{sfn|ECMT|2001|p = 88 }} the decision to allow the creation of a rail freight company with a dominant market position was justified by the additional competition faced from other transport modes.{{sfn|Parker|2012|p=480}}{{cite book |title = Competition in Regulated Industries |editor-first = Dieter |editor-last = Helm |editor-first2 = Tim |editor-last2 = Jenkinson |page = 187 |orig-year = 1998 |year = 2003 |chapter = 8. The Rail Industry |first = W. P. |last = Bradshaw}} At the time, rail had a 6% share of the freight market.{{cite magazine |title = The end of rail freight as we know it |magazine = The Railway Magazine |issue = 1140 |date = April 1996 |page = 7}}

Initially, the four companies continued to trade under their existing names. However, on 25 April 1996, the English, Welsh & Scottish (EWS) brand was unveiled.{{cite magazine |title = Wisconsin unveils its new-look livery |magazine = Rail |issue = 278 |date = 8 May 1996 |page = 7}}{{cite magazine |title = Wisconsin Central decides: It's the English, Welsh & Scottish Railway |magazine = The Railway Magazine |issue = 1142 |date = June 1996 |page = 8}}

On 10 July 1996, in accordance with the new branding, the holding company's name was changed to English, Welsh & Scottish Railway Holdings Limited. In October 1996, Loadhaul and Mainline Freight were merged with Transrail Freight, and employees transferred to Transrail Freight, which was then renamed to English, Welsh & Scottish Railway Limited.{{harvnb|ORR|2006|p=6}}{{cite magazine |title = New EW&S logo launched as company runs its first train |magazine = The Railway Magazine |issue = 1148 |date = December 1996 |page = 6}}

One of the first actions of the enlarged company was to seek volunteers for redundancy, as it sought to reduce staff numbers by around 3,000, from 7,600.{{cite news |url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/rail-freight-to-slash-workforce-1303273.html |title = Rail freight to slash workforce |first = Christian |last = Wolmar |date = 5 April 1996 |newspaper= The Independent}}

On 24 December 1996, EWS was announced as the preferred bidder for the loss-making Railfreight Distribution,{{cite web |url = http://data.companieshouse.gov.uk/doc/company/03232475 |publisher = Companies House |title = DB Schenker Rail International Limited formerly English, Welsh & Scottish Railway International Limited formerly Railfreight Distribution Limited: Company no 3232475 |access-date = 1 June 2022}}{{cite magazine |title = English, Welsh & Scottish set to take over Railfreight Distribution |magazine = Rail |issue = 296 |date = 15 January 1997 |page = 9}} for which it received grants and subsidies estimated to amount to £242 million over eight years .{{harvnb|Sale of RfD|1999}} including subsidies for the use of the Channel Tunnel.{{cite news |url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/br-prefers-us-firm-as-freight-bidder-1316014.html |title = BR prefers US firm as freight bidder |first = Matthew |last = Horsman |date = 26 December 1996 |publisher = The Independent |work = www.independent.co.uk}} Railfreight Distribution's businesses included international containerised freight, movement of cars and automotive components by rail, and freight services for the Ministry of Defence. The sale, which included 157 locomotives, was concluded on 12 March 1997.{{cite magazine |title = RfD sale to EWS formally agreed |magazine = Rail |issue = 301 |date = 26 March 1997 |page = 10}} At this point, EWS controlled 90% of the rail freight market.{{cite magazine |title = The complete rise and fall of EWS |magazine = Rail |issue = 612 |date = 25 February 2009 |pages = 62–65}} Railfreight Distribution was renamed English Welsh & Scottish Railway International on 1 December 1998.

The new company had a vast portfolio, comprising in excess of 900 locomotives, 19,000 freight wagons, and 7,000 employees. Track access charges were renegotiated and, following 1,800 job redundancies, the work force was involved in profit sharing and other incentivised working plans; as a consequence, shipping rates were reduced by over 30%.{{cite book |title = International Directory of Company Histories |volume = 24 |editor = Jay P. Pederson |publisher = St. James Press |year = 1999 |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=DVUkAQAAMAAJ| chapter-url = http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/Wisconsin-Central-Transportation-Corporation-Company-History.html|chapter = Wisconsin Central Transportation Corporation |isbn = 9781558623651}} Many locomotives inherited on foundation were considered unreliable, and expensive to maintain;{{cite book |title = Illustrated Directory of Trains of the World |first = Brian |last = Hollingsworth |publisher = MBI Publishing Company |year = 2000 |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=xpuDHyry6TEC |isbn = 0-7603-0891-8 |chapter = Class 66 Co-Co freight locomotive |page = 468 |chapter-url = https://books.google.com/books?id=xpuDHyry6TEC&pg=PA468}} the company invested heavily in modernisation of its rolling stock; by 2002, £750 million had been invested in this manner,{{cite book |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=MXRaLBLnwwcC |title = Ports: Oral and written evidence |publisher = The Stationery Office |year = 2003 |editor = House of Commons Transport Committee |chapter = Mr Graham Smith, Planning Director and Mr Allen Mardsen, English, Welsh & Scottish Railway (EWS) examined |pages = EV 16 – EV 18 |isbn = 9780215020314}} resulting in the delivery of 280 new locomotives and in excess of 2,000 new wagons.{{sfn|Nash|Fowkes|2004|p=71}}The main orders were: 250 EMD Series 66 locomotives from GM-EMD built in USA/Canada, 30 JT 42HW-HS from Alstom / Electro Motive Diesel (Spain/USA), and around 2500 wagons from Thrall Car Manufacturing Company, built at the Thrall Europa, York works.

File:No.60068 Charles Darwin (Class 60) (6738817037) (cropped).jpg

Around this time, the company was represented by a logo that was colloquially known as the "Beasties", consisting of three heads: the lion of England, the dragon of Wales and the stag of Scotland. A larger version of the logo was called the "Big Beasties".{{cite book |last = Gleed |first = Edward |date = 2016 |title = British Rail Class 60 Locomotives |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=CiA9DQAAQBAJ&q=EWS%20rail%20three%20head%20logo&pg=PT281 |publisher = The Crowood Press |isbn = 9781785001505 }}

Services included mail, locomotive hire, wagonload traffic (branded 'Enterprise', founded by Transrail Freight), cross channel trains via the Channel Tunnel, trainload freight including oil, aggregates, cement and traffic related to the coal, electricity generation and steel industries, and infrastructure trains for Railtrack.{{sfn|Nash|Fowkes|2004|pp=67, 69–72, 72–73}} Following privatisation EWS began to compete for Intermodal contracts,{{#tag:ref|After 2002 began intermodal services from the ports of Felixstowe, Southampton, and Tilbury.|group="note"}} while it faced competition from Freightliner in its core markets.{{sfn|Nash|Fowkes|2004|p=68, 72}}{{cite magazine |title = Freightliner Heavy Haul division challenges EWS |magazine = The Railway Magazine |issue = 1186 |date = February 2000 |page = 6}} In 1999, the company's turnover was £533.7 million, representing an 80% market share in terms of value.{{sfn|Nash|Fowkes|2004|p=79}}

On 1 April 1998, open access operator National Power's rail division was taken over by EWS, along with its six Class 59 locomotives and 106 wagons.{{cite magazine |title = EWS to acquire National Power's entire rail division from next April |magazine = Rail |issue = 312 |date = 27 August 1997 |page = 6}}{{sfn|Nash|Fowkes|2004|p=71}}

During late January 2001, the Canadian National Railway announced it had agreed to purchase Wisconsin Central.{{cite web |url = https://www.nytimes.com/2001/01/31/business/company-news-canadian-railway-to-buy-wisconsin-central.html |title = Canadian railway to buy Wisconsin Central |work = The New York Times |date = 31 January 2001}} The deal, which included Wisconsin Central's 42.5% stake in EWS, was concluded in October 2001.{{cite magazine |title = EWS comes under CN |magazine = The Railway Magazine |issue = 1208 |date = December 2001 |page = 15}}

During 2003, the Royal Mail terminated its mail train contract with EWS; this traffic was transferred to aircraft and road transport instead.{{cite news |url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/royal-mail-switches-post--transport-from-rail-to-road-and-air-745287.html |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100314070103/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/royal-mail-switches-post--transport-from-rail-to-road-and-air-745287.html |url-status = dead |archive-date = 14 March 2010 |title = Royal Mail switches post transport from rail to road and air |first = Alan |last = Jones |date = 6 June 2003 |publisher = The Independent |work = www.independent.co.uk}}{{cite web |url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/2967564.stm |title = Mail trains to be scrapped |work = BBC News |date = 6 June 2003}} EWS acquired the assets of wagon bogie company Probotec Limited in 2005.{{cite web |url = http://www.worldcargonews.com/htm/n20050609.982188.htm |title = EWS acquires Probotec |date = May 2005 |work = www.worldcargonews.com |access-date = 27 December 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160204052523/http://www.worldcargonews.com/htm/n20050609.982188.htm |archive-date = 4 February 2016 |url-status = dead }}{{cite journal |url = http://connection.ebscohost.com/c/articles/17204554/ews-acquires-probotec-assets |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131220120232/http://connection.ebscohost.com/c/articles/17204554/ews-acquires-probotec-assets |url-status = dead |archive-date = 20 December 2013 |title = EWS acquires Probotec assets |date = June 2005 |journal = Logistics & Transport Focus |volume = 7 |issue = 5 |page = 14}}{{#tag:ref|Probotec was formed in 2004 from Powell Duffryn Rail.{{cite web |url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/industry-news-in-brief-33.html |title = Industry News in Brief |date = 1 June 2004 |work = www.railwaygazette.com |quote = Powell Duffryn Rail [has been] renamed Probotec Ltd, a name 'derived from Professional Bogie Technologies'.}} Powell Duffryn Rail originated as the Cambrian Wagon Company, registered 1905, numerous amalgamations and changes of shareholding, became part of Powell Duffryn in 1935;{{cite web |url = http://www.archiveswales.org.uk/anw/get_collection.php?coll_id=2103&inst_id=33&term=Llanelli%20%7C%20Wales |title = Glamorgan Archives – Cambrian Wagon Works Ltd and Powell Duffryn Wagon Co. Ltd records |work = www.archiveswales.org.uk |first = Hayden |last = Burns |date = December 2003 |access-date = 19 December 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131219234909/http://www.archiveswales.org.uk/anw/get_collection.php?coll_id=2103&inst_id=33&term=Llanelli%20%7C%20Wales |archive-date = 19 December 2013 |url-status = dead }} also acquired the Gloucester Railway Carriage and Wagon Company in 1986.Moody's International Manual. vol. 3. 1995. p. 6792|group="note"}} It was formed into a new subsidiary, Axiom Rail, that also took over responsibility for some of the depots, and leasing surplus locomotives overseas.{{cite magazine |journal = Rail |date = 20 December 2006 |title = Axiom gets its act together |issue = 555 |pages = 42–43}}

During October 2005, the company launched a new subsidiary, which traded as Euro Cargo Rail, based in the French market.{{cite web |url = http://www.infrasite.net/news/news_articles.php?ID_nieuwsberichten=3070 |title = Euro Cargo Rail Third Rail Freight Operator in France |publisher = infrasite.net |date = 11 April 2005 |access-date = 14 September 2014 |archive-date = 18 October 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141018161109/http://www.infrasite.net/news/news_articles.php?ID_nieuwsberichten=3070 |url-status = dead }}{{cite web |url = http://www.eurocargorail.com/en/press.html |title = Press |publisher = Euro Cargo Rail |access-date = 15 September 2014 |archive-date = 3 November 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141103111430/http://www.eurocargorail.com/en/press.html |url-status = dead }}{{cite magazine |title = Euro Cargo Rail |magazine = Rail |issue = 667 |date = 6 April 2011 |page = 67}} Several Class 66 locomotives were transferred from EWS to Euro Cargo Rail.{{citation needed|date=June 2022}}

In November 2005, EWS acquired the wagon maintenance business Marcroft. Due to the potential of the acquisition to reduce competition in the UK wagon repair market, the acquisition was referred to the Competition Commission by the Office of Fair Trading, which required EWS to sell all or part of the business, excluding Marcroft's works at Stoke on Trent,{{cite web |url = http://www.competition-commission.org.uk/our-work/directory-of-all-inquiries/ews-railway-holdings-marcroft-engineering-inquiry |title = EWS Railway Holdings Limited / Marcroft Holdings Limited merger inquiry |date = 12 September 2006 |publisher = Competition Commission |url-status = usurped |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130522153351/http://www.competition-commission.org.uk/our-work/directory-of-all-inquiries/ews-railway-holdings-marcroft-engineering-inquiry |archive-date = 22 May 2013}} which were incorporated into Axiom.{{citation needed|date=June 2022}}

By 2006, company turnover was reportedly approaching £1 billion.{{cite book |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=FCcBalMesw0C |title = Freight transport: eighth report of session 2007–08 |editor = House of Commons: Transport Committee |publisher = The Stationery Office |year = 2008 |page = EV 80 |isbn = 9780215521941 }} In 2006, the Office of Rail Regulation fined EWS £4.1 million for engaging in anti-competitive practices in the coal haulage business; at the time, the company held a virtual monopoly on such traffic, and its practices had led to official complaints from both Enron and Freightliner Heavy Haul in the early 2000s.{{cite news |url = http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/d3f96020-7622-11db-8284-0000779e2340.html#axzz3DKi60CtS |archive-date = 14 September 2014 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20140914225600/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/d3f96020-7622-11db-8284-0000779e2340.html%23axzz3DKi60CtS |url-status = dead |title = Rail regulator fines EWS in competition case |first = Robert |last = Wright |date = 17 November 2006 |publisher = Financial Times}}{{sfn|ORR|2006|pp=1–5|loc= §1–17}}{{#tag:ref|Complaints made in 2003 alleging predatory pricing in the passenger charter sector were not upheld.{{cite web |url = http://www.oft.gov.uk/OFTwork/competition-act-and-cartels/ca98/decisions/railway-pricing |archive-url = http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20140402142426/http://www.oft.gov.uk/OFTwork/competition-act-and-cartels/ca98/decisions/railway-pricing |url-status = dead |archive-date = 2 April 2014 |title = English Welsh and Scottish Railway – No. 3/12/2003 – Decision by the Rail Regulator under the Competition Act 1998 |publisher = Office of Fair Trading}}|group="note"}}

File:59206 at NRM York (1).jpg at the National Railway Museum, York in January 2009]]

On 28 June 2007, Deutsche Bahn announced it had agreed to purchase EWS, subject to receiving regulatory approval,{{cite web |url = https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmselect/cmtran/266/266vw08.htm |title = Transport Committee – Written evidence from DB Schenker |publisher = Parliament of the United Kingdom |date = 25 November 2013 |quote = DB Schenker is wholly owned by Deutsche Bahn AG }}{{cite web |url = http://www.db.de/site/bahn/en/db__group/press/press__information/db__group/070628__acquisition.html |title = Deutsche Bahn plans takeover of EWS and Transfesa |access-date = 28 June 2007 |date = 28 June 2007 |publisher = Deutsche Bahn |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070705181810/http://www.db.de/site/bahn/en/db__group/press/press__information/db__group/070628__acquisition.html |archive-date = 5 July 2007 |url-status = dead }} in exchange for £309 million.{{cite magazine |title = EWS sold to German Railways |magazine = The Railway Magazine |issue = 1276 |date = August 2007 |page = 6}} At the time of the acquisition, EWS had a market share of around 70% in the United Kingdom rail freight sector and had around 5,000 employees.{{cite news |title = German rail giant confirms £300m deal for EWS shares |first = Alistair |last = Osborne |date = 29 June 2007 |newspaper = The Telegraph |url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/markets/2811265/German-rail-giant-confirms-300m-deal-for-EWS-shares.html}} After the transaction was approved by the European Commissioner for Competition,{{cite web |url = http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/decisions/m4746_20071106_20212_en.pdf |title = Case No COMP/M.4746 – Deutsche Bahn / English Welsh & Scottish Railway Holdings (EWS) |date = 6 November 2007 |publisher = Office for Official Publications of the European Communities}}{{cite magazine |title = Go-ahead for EWS sale to German Railways |magazine = The Railway Magazine |issue = 1281 |date = January 2008 |page = 8}} the transaction was completed on 13 November 2007.Annual Accounts for 9 months ended 31 December 2007: English Welsh & Scottish Railway Holdings Limited

At the time of the sale, it was announced that EWS would not be rebranded,{{cite web |url = http://www.ifw-net.com/freightpubs/ifw/indexarticle.htm?artid=1182561242956 |title = DB gets go-ahead for rail takeovers |date = 29 June 2007 |last = Falkner |first = James |publisher = International Freighting Weekly |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110713005758/http://www.ifw-net.com/freightpubs/ifw/indexarticle.htm?artid=1182561242956 |archive-date = 13 July 2011 }} however, on 1 January 2009, EWS was rebranded as DB Schenker along with Deutsche Bahn's Railion and DB Schenker divisions.{{cite web |url = http://www.ifw-net.com/freightpubs/ifw/indexarticle.htm?artid=20017601082&src=ticker |title = EWS to rebrand as DB Schenker in new year |date = 17 December 2008 |publisher = ifw-net.com |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090104002621/http://www.ifw-net.com/freightpubs/ifw/indexarticle.htm?artid=20017601082&src=ticker |archive-date = 4 January 2009}}{{cite magazine |title = EWS becomes DB Schenker |magazine = Rail |issue = 608 |date = 31 December 2008 |page = 17}}

The first locomotive painted in DB Schenker livery was Class 59 59206 at Toton Depot in January 2009,{{cite magazine |title = Class 59 is first to receive UK DB Schenker German livery |magazine = Rail |issue = 610 |date = 28 January 2009 |page = 7}} being formally unveiled at the National Railway Museum, York on 21 January 2009.{{cite press release |url = http://www.rail.dbschenker.co.uk/press/news_210109.html |title = DB Schenker unveils new look for UK rail freight at the National Railway Museum, York| date = 21 January 2009| publisher = DB Schenker| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111007005446/http://www.rail.dbschenker.co.uk/press/news_210109.html |archive-date = 7 October 2011 }}{{cite magazine |title = DB Schenker unveils new look |magazine = The Railway Magazine |issue = 1295 |date = March 2009 |page = 11}} {{#tag:ref|Previously two EWS locomotives had received DB Schenker branding — including a light blue British Rail Class 60 60074 named "Teenage Cancer Trust"{{cite web |url = https://www.teenagecancertrust.org/articles/news-view.php?Id=933 |title = Media Center |publisher = teenagecancertrust.org |access-date = 15 October 2010 }}{{dead link|date=November 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}|group="note"}}

File:Class 90 90018 DB Schenker JP Euxton 14 Oct 16.jpg

During 2009, DB Schenker Rail began work to enable Class 92 hauled trains to operate freight services on the High Speed 1 by installing in cab TVM signalling. The project received funding from the European Commission and it was originally anticipated services would begin in early 2010.Sources:
{{cite magazine |url = http://www.railwayherald.org/magazine/pdf/RHUK/Issue179HIGH.pdf |title = Class 92 modifications for HS1 freight |magazine = Railway Herald |date = 1 June 2009 |issue = 179 |page = 3 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111009151919/http://www.railwayherald.org/magazine/pdf/RHUK/Issue179HIGH.pdf |archive-date = 9 October 2011 }}
{{cite web |url = http://www.rail.dbschenker.co.uk/cmsnews/news_article.asp?src=h&guid={A5CBB8C1-9533-46CA-9F55-514A7A9F2F4D} |title = Freight trains set to use High Speed 1 |date = 16 April 2009 |publisher = DB Schenker Rail |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090425165156/http://www.rail.dbschenker.co.uk/cmsnews/news_article.asp?src=h&guid=%7BA5CBB8C1-9533-46CA-9F55-514A7A9F2F4D%7D |archive-date = 25 April 2009 }} On 25 March 2011, a modified Class 92 locomotive travelled from Dollands Moor to Singlewell using the TVM430 signalling system for the first time.{{cite press release |url = http://www.rail.dbschenker.co.uk/cmsnews/news_article.asp?guid={7EA84D2B-CABE-4C5C-87F1-5FE863AC84F7} |title = European sized rail freight to arrive in the UK soon, following successful locomotive trial |publisher = DB Schenker Rail (UK) |date = 25 March 2011 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110722185909/http://www.rail.dbschenker.co.uk/cmsnews/news_article.asp?guid={7EA84D2B-CABE-4C5C-87F1-5FE863AC84F7}|archive-date = 22 July 2011}} The first of five planned test trains ran as a loaded container train from Hams Hall, West Midlands to Novara, Italy on 27 May 2011.{{cite press release |url = http://www.rail.dbschenker.co.uk/cmsnews/news_article.asp?guid={B3DB6B7C-BD63-431F-B8D3-DC42B0205886} |title = DB Schenker Rail operates first freight train over High Speed 1 |publisher = DB Schenker Rail (UK) |date = 27 May 2011 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110722185930/http://www.rail.dbschenker.co.uk/cmsnews/news_article.asp?guid=%7BB3DB6B7C-BD63-431F-B8D3-DC42B0205886%7D |archive-date = 22 July 2011 }}{{cite news |url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/first-freight-on-high-speed-1.html |title = First freight on High Speed 1 |date = 29 May 2011 |work = Railway Gazette International |location = London}}{{cite magazine |title = Inaugural freight train on HS1 |magazine = The Railway Magazine |issue = 1324 |date = August 2011 |page = 9}} DB planned to upgrade an additional five Class 92 locomotives to allow them to run on High Speed 1, making a fleet of six.{{cite news |url = http://www.railway-technology.com/news/newsdb-schenker-to-upgrade-locomotives-for-high-speed-1-service/ |title = DB Schenker to upgrade locomotives for High Speed 1 service |work = Railway Technology.com |date = 12 December 2011}}{{cite web |url = http://www.rail.dbschenker.co.uk/cmsnews/news_article.asp?guid={9EA987E2-E67C-414E-985A-06D76202BA5B} |title = Locomotives upgraded for European rail freight services on High Speed 1 |date = 7 October 2011 |work = Press Releases |publisher = DB Schenker Rail (UK)|quote = investment will give DB Schenker Rail UK a fleet of six High Speed 1 enabled locomotives}}{{Dead link|date=August 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite magazine |title = More Class 92 freights on HS1 |magazine = The Railway Magazine |issue = 1329 |date = January 2012 |page = 87}}

In July 2011, a trial run of wagons carrying curtain walled swap bodies built to a larger European loading gauge was run from Dollands Moor, Folkestone to east London.{{citation |url = http://www.rail.dbschenker.co.uk/cmsnews/news_article.asp?guid={6615441E-DDCE-4B79-899D-D2C781985F0C} |title = DB Schenker Rail operates first European sized freight train over High Speed 1 |date = 27 July 2011 |publisher=DB Schenker Rail (UK) |work = www.rail.dbschenker.co.uk |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120422063800/http://www.rail.dbschenker.co.uk/cmsnews/news_article.asp?guid=%7B6615441E-DDCE-4B79-899D-D2C781985F0C%7D |archive-date = 22 April 2012 }} From 11 November 2011, a weekly service using European sized swap bodies has run between Barking, London and Wroclaw, Poland using High Speed 1.{{cite magazine |url = http://www.railpro.co.uk/magazine/?idArticles=1184 |title = Rail Professional interview: Alain Thauvette |date = December 2011 |first = Katie |last = Silvester |publisher = Rail Professional |magazine = www.railpro.co.uk |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120420024023/http://www.railpro.co.uk/magazine/?idArticles=1184 |archive-date = 20 April 2012 }}{{cite web |url = http://www.rail.dbschenker.pl/site/logistics/rail/railpolska/en/company/press/news/wroclaw__london.html |title = DB Schenker delivers first Poland to UK service |date = 15 November 2011 |publisher = DB Schenker Rail (UK) |work = www.rail.dbschenker.co.uk }}{{dead link|date=December 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

On 2 March 2016, DB Schenker was rebranded as DB Cargo UK.{{cite web |url = http://uk.dbcargo.com/rail-uk-en/News_Media/news/10867046/new_brand.html |title = The UK's leading rail freight company announces rebrand |publisher = DB Cargo UK |date = 2 March 2016 |access-date = 23 March 2016 |archive-date = 11 November 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171111041727/http://uk.dbcargo.com/rail-uk-en/News_Media/news/10867046/new_brand.html |url-status = dead }} On 17 October 2016, new DB Cargo UK CEO Hans-Georg Werner announced plans to cut 893 jobs in a bid to counter 'unprecedented' market changes, these being a combination of factors, including changes in the British Government's energy policy that had resulted in the early closure of coal-fired power stations, hence DB Cargo UK ran 78% fewer coal trains compared to 2015, while UK steel volumes were also dropping as the industry had been impacted by high energy prices; this resulted in DB Cargo UK running 33% fewer steel trains from 2015. However, Werner recognised that "overall UK steel demand remains stable".{{cite magazine |url = https://www.railwaygazette.com/freight/db-cargo-plans-to-cut-893-jobs-in-face-of-unprecedented-market-changes/43364.article |title = DB Cargo plans to cut 893 jobs in face of 'unprecedented' market changes |website = Railway Gazette International |access-date = 17 September 2020}}

During 2017, DB Cargo UK announced an after-tax loss for the financial year of £57 million against a turnover of £325 million.{{cite web |url = https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/02938988/filing-history |title = DB CARGO (UK) LIMITED – Filing history (free information from Companies House)|website = beta.companieshouse.gov.uk |access-date = 17 September 2020}}

In early 2019, DB Cargo signed an agreement with Maritime Transport Ltd to create a new rail freight operation called Maritime Intermodal. From 1 April 2019, Maritime took over the running of DB's freight terminals at Trafford Park (Manchester), Birmingham (Birch Coppice) and Wakefield Europort. Seven British Rail Class 66 locomotives have been repainted in blue Maritime livery and named:

• 66005 Maritime Intermodal One
• 66047 Maritime Intermodal Two
• 66142 Maritime Intermodal Three
• 66051 Maritime Intermodal Four
• 66162 Maritime Intermodal Five
• 66090 Maritime Intermodal Six
• 66148 Maritime Intermodal Seven

It is expected that up to ten locomotives will receive the blue livery.{{cite journal |title = Maritime Intermodal launched |journal = Rail Express |date = May 2019 |issue = 276 |pages = 6–7}}

File:37411 'The Scottish Railway Preservation Society' at Carlisle.JPG at Carlisle station on an Arriva Trains Northern service in August 2004]]

EWS inherited a fleet of 1,231 locomotives from its British Rail acquisitions. This fleet, which was mainly diesel powered, had an average age in excess of 30 years; furthermore, roughly 300 were inoperable, having been cannibalised for spares. To enable the company to offer lower pricing to customers, EWS needed to reduce operating costs and increase availability, and quickly concluded that this goal would require new traction to be procured.{{cite web |url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/ews-workhorses-will-deliver-savings.html |title = EWS workhorses will deliver savings |work = Railway Gazette |date = 1 April 1998 |access-date = 6 February 2014}}

During May 1996, the company placed a £375 million order for 250 Class 66 and 30 Class 67 diesel-electric locomotives with the American locomotive manufacturer Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD); the deal was referred to as "the biggest British loco order since steam days".{{cite magazine |title = EWSR orders 250 new locomotives |magazine = Rail |issue = 280 |date = 5 June 1996 |page = 6}} These replaced a large proportion of its original fleet, including all of the 20, 31, 33, 37, 47, 56, 58, 73 and 86 class locomotives.{{cite magazine |title = EWS has big loco switch-off |magazine = The Railway Magazine |issue = 1236 |date = April 2004 |page = 64}} Through improved utilisation, they also replaced many of the newer 60 and 90 class locomotives as well.

During 1999, EWS gained the attention of the Rail Regulator for its practice of scrapping serviceable locomotives rather than making them available for sale to potential competitors; on future disposals, the company was compelled to make efforts to sell units before being allowed to scrap them.{{cite magazine |title = EWS must sell, not scrap its locomotives says Regulator |magazine = Rail |issue = 356 |date = 5 May 1999 |page =12}}

Several of the firm's redundant locomotives saw further use on infrastructure trains in Europe, such as numerous Class 37s operated in France (40), Italy (2) and Spain (14),{{cite magazine |title = British Beef is Alive and Kicking in France |magazine = Rail |issue = 371 |date = 1 December 1999 |pages = 30–35}}{{cite magazine |title = EWS confirms 37s for its Italian work |magazine = Rail |issue = 413 |date = 11 July 2001 |page = 56}}{{cite magazine |title = EWS wins 37 Spanish work |magazine = Rail |issue = 397 |date = 29 November 2000 |page = 15}} Class 56s in France (30),[http://www.wnxx.com/focus/france.htm France] wnxx.com and Class 58s in France (26), the Netherlands (3) and Spain (8).{{cite magazine |title = Class 58 ACTS the part |magazine = Rail |issue = 489 |date = 9 June 2004 |pages = 40–45}}

During September 2010, twenty Class 60s were offered for disposal by DB Schenker.{{cite web |url = http://www.rail.dbschenker.co.uk/disposals/disposals.html |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101212090018/http://www.rail.dbschenker.co.uk/disposals/disposals.html |archive-date = 12 December 2010 |title = Items for disposal – New Items for September 2010 |work = www.rail.dbschenker.co.uk}}{{cite magazine |url = http://www.railwayherald.org/magazine/pdf/RHUK/Issue238.pdf |title = First 60s to be sold by DB Schenker |magazine = Railway Herald |page = 5 |issue = 238 |date = 23 September 2010}} Many marked for disposal had sustained catastrophic failures or were otherwise in a poor condition. During November 2010, the firm announced that a batch of 20 Class 60s would be overhauled.{{cite magazine |magazine = Rail Express |date = December 2010 |issue = 175 |page = 5 |title = DBS revives shelved class 60 overhaul plan}} According to Rail Magazine, rumours that DB Schenker was interested in replacing the Class 60's engines were prevalent around this time.{{cite web |url = https://www.railmagazine.com/trains/current-trains/the-resurgent-60s |title = The resurgent '60s' |publisher = railmagazine.com |first = Richard |last = Clinnick |date = 21 August 2013}} In January 2011, DB Schenker announced that seven units would undergo overhauls, along with an option to overhaul a further fourteen members of the class; this work reportedly extended the fleet's operational life by 15 years. During January 2013, the overhaul programme was described as an "upgrade" that created a new fleet of "Super 60's".{{cite press release |url = http://www.rail.dbschenker.co.uk/cmsnews/news_article.asp?src=h&guid={6E0F0995-0DBF-43A2-83B0-5503EEC448A8} |title = DB Schenker Rail invests in 'Super 60' high power locomotives |publisher = DB Schenker Rail UK |date = 18 January 2013 |access-date = 21 April 2014 }} The programme involved the complete overhaul, but not total replacement, of the locomotive's engine, as well as the refurbishment of various elements, including the traction motors, bogies, control gear, cabs, and electrical systems.{{cite magazine |url = https://www.railmagazine.com/trains/current-trains/making-the-class-60s-super-again |title = Making the Class 60s 'super' again |magazine=Rail |first = Richard |last = Clinnick |date = 4 September 2013}}

In 2018, DB Cargo sold ten Class 66 locomotives to GBRf for an undisclosed sum, comprising eight stored and two active locomotives many with significant engine defects.{{cite magazine |url = https://www.railwaymagazine.co.uk/4324/gb-railfreight-buys-db-cargo-class-66s/ |title = GB Railfreight buys DB Cargo Class 66s |first = Nigel |last = Devereux |date = 4 January 2018 |access-date = 17 September 2020 |magazine = Railway Magazine}} In 2019, it also sold all of its 59/2 fleet to Freightliner following the latter's takeover of the Mendip stone traffic.{{cite web |url = https://rail-record.co.uk/class-59-2-freightliner/ |title = DB Cargo Class 59/2s Sold To Freightliner |date = 3 November 2019 |access-date = 17 September 2020}} DB Cargo also sold five Class 60s to private sales/metal recyclers.{{citation needed|date=June 2022}}

In 2023 in response to the UK Energy crisis DB Cargo UK's current managing director Andrea Rossi announced intentions to withdraw all of their Class 90s with the intention to sell or scrap the locomotives with Rossi stating that the running of electric hauled traction was no longer economically viable, the company instead decided that electric hauled traction would be replaced by diesel traction such as the Class 66 locomotive. The company also stated that they will pledge for further research and implementation of alternative EVO based fuels to meet their climate targets.{{cite web|url=https://www.railfreight.com/railfreight/2023/07/25/db-cargo-uk-grounds-electric-fleet/ |title= DB Cargo UK grounds electric fleet | date = 25 July 2023 |accessdate = 29 July 2023 }} In September 2023 12 Class 90s were offered for sale on DB's website; the locomotives listed were; 90017, 90018, 90022, 90023, 90025, 90027, 90030, 90031, 90032, 90033, 90038 and 90040.https://uk.dbcargo.com/rail-uk-en/services/disposals| title= Surplus assets available to buy| date = 14 September 2023| access date = 15 September 2023

File:20030 and 20064 Shirebrook Depot.jpg|Class 20

File:31255 at Colne Valley Railway.jpg|Class 31

File:33 030 in EWS Livery.jpg|Class 33

File:37411 'The Scottish Railway Preservation Society' at Carlisle.JPG|Class 37

File:47787 at Rugby.jpg|Class 47

File:56115 'Barry Needham' at Cheltenham Spa.JPG|Class 56

File:Hugh llewelyn 73 128 (6239931007).jpg|Class 73

As well as an extensive fleet of freight wagons, DB Schenker Rail operate a small fleet of Mark 2 and Mark 3 carriages, some of the latter form the DB Cargo Company Train.{{cite magazine |title = EWS to create touring train with four Mk 3s |magazine = Rail |issue = 489 |date = 9 June 2004 |page = 14}}{{cite magazine |title = Silver 67 for EWS executive train |magazine = The Railway Magazine |issue = 1244 |date = December 2004 |page = 7}}

DB Cargo's primary maintenance depot is Toton.{{cite magazine |title = Making the Class 60s super again |magazine = Rail Magazine |issue = 730 |date = 4 September 2013 |page = 48}} The electric fleet is maintained at Crewe. With a modern fleet requiring less maintenance, many of the depots EWS inherited have closed.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.railwaymagazine.co.uk/news/end-of-the-line-for-thornaby |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111011090410/http://www.railwaymagazine.co.uk/news/end-of-the-line-for-thornaby |archive-date=11 October 2011 |title = End of the line for Thornaby |magazine = The Railway Magazine |date = 3 August 2011}} Some of its other facilities including Bristol Barton Hill, Cambridge, Eastleigh and Newcastle were transferred to fellow Deutsche Bahn subsidiary LNWR (now Arriva TrainCare).{{cite magazine |url = http://www.globalrailnews.com/2011/05/05/depot-integration-puts-arrivas-lnwr-on-track-for-future-growth/ |title = Depot integration puts Arriva's LNWR on track for future growth |magazine = Global Rail News |date = 5 May 2011 |access-date = 14 September 2014 |archive-date = 15 September 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140915025310/http://www.globalrailnews.com/2011/05/05/depot-integration-puts-arrivas-lnwr-on-track-for-future-growth/ |url-status = dead }}{{cite magazine |title = Four DB Schenker depots taken over by L&NWR |magazine = The Railway Magazine |issue = 1323 |date = July 2011 |page = 81}}

During 2001, EWS commenced a contract to service Virgin CrossCountry's Class 220/221 fleets at Bristol Barton Hill, Eastleigh, Newcastle, Old Oak Common and Three Bridges.{{cite magazine |title = New depots shared by EWS and Virgin |magazine = The Railway Magazine |issue = 1205 |date = September 2001 |page = 73}}

File:Hugh llewelyn 67 017 (5661723890).jpg on a First Great Western service at Bristol Temple Meads station in April 2009]]

File:90021 First ScotRail.JPG liveried Class 90 at Edinburgh Waverley station in June 2009]]

Since its inception, EWS had provided locomotives for the Caledonian Sleeper.{{cite magazine |url = http://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/Rail-News/ews-awarded-sleeper-contract |title = EWS awarded Sleeper contract |magazine = Rail Technology Magazine |date = 1 December 2005}} It inherited the contract from Rail Express Systems to provide Class 37 and 47s north of Edinburgh Waverley. During March 1998, it also began hauling the services south from Edinburgh Waverley and Glasgow Central to London Euston with Class 90s.{{cite magazine |title = Scottish sleeper power |magazine = The Railway Magazine |issue = 1166 |date = June 1998 |page = 56}} Class 67s replaced the Class 37s and 47s in the early 2000s.{{cite magazine |title = Highland sleepers awake after five-month break |magazine = Rail Magazine |issue = 408 |date = 2 May 2001 |page = 50}}{{cite web |url = http://www.scotrail.co.uk/content/class-67-locomotives-take-west-highland-line |title = Class 67 locomotives take to the West Highland Line |publisher = ScotRail |date = 6 June 2006 |access-date = 31 August 2014 |archive-date = 17 October 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141017183101/http://www.scotrail.co.uk/content/class-67-locomotives-take-west-highland-line |url-status = dead }} This contract was taken over by GBRf in March 2015.{{cite magazine |title = The Sleepers are stirring |magazine = Rail Magazine |issue = 756 |date = 3 September 2014 |page = 70}}

During April 2003, EWS purchased the Rail Charter Services business from William McAlpine along with its 70 Mark 1 carriages.{{cite magazine |title = Fear and trepidation as EWS acquires RCS |magazine = The Railway Magazine |issue = 1226 |date = June 2003 |page = 91}}

By October 2014, EWS Class 67s had started hauling passenger services on behalf of Arriva Trains Wales,{{cite web |url = http://www.nwrail.org.uk/nw1203d.htm |title = Changeover day |publisher = North Wales Coast Railway Noticeboard |date = 26 March 2012}} Chiltern Railways{{cite magazine |url = http://www.railexpress.co.uk/news/chiltern-to-employ-vossloh-class-68-power-for-mainline-services |title = Chiltern to employ Vossloh Class 68 power for Mainline services |magazine = Rail Express |date = 22 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903115615/http://www.railexpress.co.uk/news/chiltern-to-employ-vossloh-class-68-power-for-mainline-services |archive-date=3 September 2014 |url-status=dead}} and First ScotRail. Class 67s are also used as Thunderbird rescue locomotives for London North Eastern Railway.{{cite news |url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/2931928.stm |title = Thunderbirds are go for rail firm |work = BBC News |date = 25 May 2003}} EWS also provides locomotives for the Venice-Simplon Orient Express.{{cite magazine |title = DB Schenker to continue passenger services |magazine = Rail Magazine |issue = 673 |date = 29 June 2011 |pages = 36/37}}

EWS have previously hauled passenger trains for Anglia Railways,{{cite magazine |title = Anglia opts for EWS Class 90s |magazine = The Railway Magazine |issue = 1232 |date = December 2003 |page = 63}} Arriva Trains Northern,{{cite magazine |title = Loco-hauled trains back on the S&C |magazine = The Railway Magazine |issue = 1229 |date = 1 September 2003 |page = 7}} First Great Western{{cite web |url = http://www.tauntontrains.co.uk/LOCOHAULED.htm |title = First Great Western |publisher = Taunton Trains |access-date = 31 August 2014 |archive-date = 12 October 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121012074406/http://www.tauntontrains.co.uk/LOCOHAULED.htm |url-status = dead }} First North Western,{{cite magazine |title = More locomotive haulage on North Wales coast |magazine = Rail Magazine |issue = 361 |date = 14 July 1999 |page = 55}} National Express East Anglia, Valley Lines, Virgin CrossCountry{{cite web |url = http://www.riviera-trains.co.uk/about_us.htm |title = History |publisher = Riviera Trains |access-date = 31 August 2014 |archive-date = 29 March 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090329114628/http://www.riviera-trains.co.uk/about_us.htm |url-status = dead }} Virgin West Coast and Wrexham & Shropshire.{{cite web |url = http://www.nwrail.org.uk/nw1102a.htm |title = The end of Wrexham & Shropshire |publisher = North Wales Coast Railway noticeboard |date = 7 February 2011}}

Since its inception, EWS has held the contract to operate the Royal Train. Initially, two Class 47s were dedicated to this work;{{cite magazine |title = Princes charming |magazine = Rail Magazine |issue = 253 |date = 24 May 1995 |page = 4}} these were replaced in 2004 by a pair of Class 67s.{{cite web |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061001000058/http://www.ews-railway.co.uk/cmsystem/news_article.asp?guid=%7B33366DAD-CBE8-46E4-B35B-70AD3634A62A%7D |url = http://www.ews-railway.co.uk/cmsystem/news_article.asp?guid=%7B33366DAD-CBE8-46E4-B35B-70AD3634A62A%7D |title = New Royal Train locomotive unveiled |work = www.ews-railway.co.uk |date = 18 February 2004 |archive-date = 1 October 2006 |url-status = dead }}{{cite web |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061001000153/http://www.ews-railway.co.uk/cmsystem/news_article.asp?guid=%7BD5D0BADF-5617-4ACB-9379-5B94D81E7E5C%7D |url = http://www.ews-railway.co.uk/cmsystem/news_article.asp?guid=%7BD5D0BADF-5617-4ACB-9379-5B94D81E7E5C%7D |title = HM The Queen names dedicated Royal Train locomotive at Bristol |work = www.ews-railway.co.uk |date = 25 February 2005 |archive-date = 1 October 2006 |url-status = dead }}

From September 2016, Virgin Trains East Coast hired class 90 locomotives from DB Cargo for use on services to Leeds, York and Newcastle. Locomotives used have varied as demand required.

During April 1996, EWS adopted a maroon and yellow livery. Initial repaints carried EW&S lettering, however, this was simplified to EWS in January 1997.{{cite magazine |title = Rail reader's EWS logo unveiled at Toton depot |magazine = Rail Magazine |issue = 297 |date = 29 January 1997 |pages = 8–9}}{{cite magazine |title = Revised EWS livery launched |magazine = The Railway Magazine |issue = 1151 |date = March 1997 |page = 6}} In January 2009, the DB Schenker corporate red livery was adopted. A few locomotives have been repainted in other liveries including Class 90s in GNER, First ScotRail and Direct Rail Services liveries, and Class 67s in Royal Train, Wrexham & Shropshire and unbranded Arriva Trains Wales liveries.{{cite magazine |title = First GNER 90 unveiled |magazine = Rail Magazine |issue = 359 |date = 16 June 1999 |page = 50}}{{cite web |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060711132613/http://ews-railway.co.uk/cmsystem/news_article.asp?guid=%7B7EC09DB6-E6E0-4033-B9DA-223618C87FF9%7D |title = Operating enhancements for First Scotrail sleeper to be delivered by EWS and Axiom Rail |date = 26 May 2006 |work = ews-railway.co.uk |archive-date = 11 July 2006 |url = http://ews-railway.co.uk/cmsystem/news_article.asp?guid=%7B7EC09DB6-E6E0-4033-B9DA-223618C87FF9%7D |url-status = dead |access-date = 13 June 2006 }}{{cite magazine |title = Virgin hires DB Class 90 via DRS |magazine = Rail Magazine |issue = 739 |date = 8 January 2014 |page = 13}}{{cite magazine |title = Arriva blue for Class 67 |magazine = The Railway Magazine |issue = 1327 |date = November 2011 |page = 81}}

{{more citations needed section|date=May 2019}}

Alongside DB Cargo's regular operations, a number of steam charters are operated in the UK by steam locomotives on DB Cargo's operating licence.

{{Portal|Companies}}

• DB Cargo Company Train
• History of rail transport in Great Britain
• List of companies operating trains in the United Kingdom
• Rail freight transport in Great Britain

{{reflist|group="note"}}

{{Reflist|3}}

{{refbegin}}

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• {{cite book |work = The Official History of Privatisation: Popular Capitalism, 1987–97 |volume = 2 |title = Popular Capitalism. 1987–1997 |first = David |last = Parker |year = 2012 }}
• {{cite web |url = http://www.parliament.uk/Templates/BriefingPapers/Pages/BPPdfDownload.aspx?bp-id=SN01157 |page = 13 |title = Railways: privatisation, 1987–1996 |first = Louise |last = Butcher |date = 18 March 2011 |publisher = House of Commons Library |work = www.parliament.uk }}
• {{cite book |title = European integration of rail freight transport (Round Table 125) |work = European Conference of Ministers of Transport. Economic Research Centre |publisher = OECD Publishing |year = 2004 |first1 = C. |last1 = Nash |first2 = T. |last2 = Fowkes |url = http://internationaltransportforum.org/pub/pdf/04RT125.pdf |pages = 61–94 |chapter = Rail Privatisation in Britain – Lessons for the Rail Freight Industry |access-date = 15 September 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140915094431/http://internationaltransportforum.org/pub/pdf/04RT125.pdf |archive-date = 15 September 2014 |url-status = dead}}

{{refend}}

• {{cite journal |last = Sutton |first = Philip |title = Burkhardt on EWS |journal = Rail Express |volume = 135 |date = August 2007 |pages = 32–37}}

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• {{official website|https://uk.dbcargo.com}}

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{{British freight operators}}

{{Deutsche Bahn}}

Category:Deutsche Bahn

Category:Companies based in Doncaster

Category:Railway companies established in 1995

Category:Rail freight companies in the United Kingdom

Category:British companies established in 1995