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New trains to bolster grain output

AWB moves to ease severe shortage of grain trains on the east coast, with another 84 wagons beginning operations

The Australian Wheat Board (AWB) has moved to put an end to the severe shortage of grain trains on the east coast, with 84 newly-constructed wagons beginning operations.

The wagons, each of which is able to carry up to 60 tonnes of wheat, are being hauled by freight operator El Zorro after the company reached an agreement with the AWB over haulage last year.

The wagons will pull a total of 2700 tonnes on each trip, which AWB says makes them vital to the success of the wheat industry.

“These wagons, coupled with our efficient GrainFlow sites, will drive a new level of supply chain efficiencies on the east coast and underpin our ability to move grain to port,” AWB Managing Director Gordon Davis says.

“In planning this wagon purchase last year we saw that there was a looming shortage of grain rail capacity and a clear need for new, high-capacity equipment that could make full use of the capabilities of our GrainFlow sites.”

The wagons will also be operated from other grain companies facilities in order to increase the delivery rate and maximise the output of grain.

The wagons are standard gauge but can be converted to broad gauge for use in Victoria.

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