Asciano discounts February 5 as a deadline

<p>Asciano has denied that February 5 was a deadline for subsidiary Pacific National’s withdrawal from rural rail services in Victoria and New South Wales.</p> <p>The company stated its positiion in a message to its general freight employees and to <em>Lloyd’s List DCN</em> yesterday (Tuesday, January 8).</p> <p>A spokeswoman said the date had no meaning to the company.</p> <p>In the message to employees, the company said: "Many of you will have seen or heard recent media articles indicating that Pacific National&#47Portlink rural container services will be ceasing as of 5 February.</p> <p>"This is in no way true, all rural container services are currently under review and discussions with customers, governments and employees will continue over the next few months."</p> <p>Rural rail freight firms <em>Lloyd’s List DCN</em> spoke to last week had mentioned the date as the deadline to accept a take-or-pay rather than a container-rate charging regime.</p> <br />