The agreement does not cover Freightliner’s Heavy Haul division, Rotterdam Rail Feeding or its Polish and German subsidiaries, which will remain under existing ownership.
Freightliner UK will continue to operate as a multi-user and multi-customer standalone company, with existing teams retained. CMA CGM said the move is intended to strengthen its ability to connect maritime, rail and road transport and support the shift from road to rail in efforts to decarbonise supply chains.
“The acquisition of Freightliner, a leading rail freight operator, strengthens our intermodal presence in the United Kingdom, a strategic market for CMA CGM,” said Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Group. “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 decarbonisation of global trade.”
According to the company, CMA CGM already employs nearly 7,200 people across its maritime, logistics and inland services in the UK. Its shipping agency runs 28 services linking the country to international routes, carrying 802,000 TEUs to and from the UK in 2024. In the first seven months of 2025, its intermodal subsidiary CCIS moved 200,000 TEUs by rail and road.
Tim Shoveller, Chief Executive Officer of Freightliner Group, said the divestment would allow Intermodal and Heavy Haul to focus on distinct markets under separate ownership.
“Our customers will continue to receive the same high-quality leadership and operational teams, and we have robust plans in place to ensure a smooth transition of ownership,” he added.
The acquisition is positioned as part of CMA CGM’s wider European strategy, with the group aiming to enhance connectivity between the UK hinterland and major continental ports through inland terminals and integrated intermodal offerings.
