In the UK, Network Rail, the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) and the Rail Freight Operators' Association (RFOA) published a new paper, Planning Ahead, that lays out a strategy to increase the share of freight carried by rail to 20% by 2030. The strategy includes doubling the network's available capacity.

"Our vision is for an efficient railway with increased capacity that can accommodate freight users' expanding domestic and international needs," says RFOA chairman Graham Smith. "This vision delivers reduced carbon emissions, increases the competitiveness of British industry and will enable rail to move 20% of freight in Britain." Smith is also planning director for German rail giant DB Schenker, which in May unveiled a proposal to operate freight trains through the London to Channel Tunnel HS1 beginning early next year. The trains would share the track with high-speed passenger service that runs between London and Paris.

In addition to the rail organizations' paper, the House of Lords EU Committee published a June 2 regarding the future of rail freight throughout Europe. The report examines the European Commission's plans to revise a railway plan, known as the First Railway Package, adopted in 2001. The Commission wants to make revisions that encourage greater use of rail freight transport to alleviate the burden on roads and reduce carbon emissions.