<p>Pacific National will handle Linfox’s rail freight commitments for the next three years, generating more than $100m a year for its intermodal business, the companies said yesterday (Tuesday, May 15).</p> <p>It’s the second major contract for Toll Holdings’s rail concern, Pacific National, since the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission approved a huge company restructure on April 18.</p> <p>Last Monday (May 7), Pacific National announced a deal to handle BlueScope Steel’s rail maintenance and operation task at Port Kembla.</p> <p>Linfox managing director Michael Byrne said the companies were working to develop distribution centres at rail terminals to gain container freight efficiencies.</p> <p>“This deal will assist Linfox to continue providing cost effective and efficient freight forwarding requirements as an important part of its logistics offering for all of its valued customers,” Mr Byrne said.</p> <p>Pacific National chief executive Don Telford said the partnership would see more freight on rail rather than road between Australia’s capital cities.</p> <p>“With Australia’s freight task expected to grow over the next decade, this deal will ensure considerable volumes of freight on rail from one of Australia’s leading logistics companies,” he said.</p> <p>Linfox is now one of Pacific National’s largest intermodal customers.</p> <p>Linfox has the option to extend the three-year contract by a further seven years.</p> <p>Pacific National will be housed with ports business Patrick and will own assets worth more than $8bn as a result of the Toll-Asciano split.</p> <p>Asciano is expected to be listed on the Australian Stock Exchange next month, pending shareholder approval of the restructure.</p> <p>Asciano managing director-designate Mark Rowsthorn signalled his company’s intention to “aggressively” pursue growth, particularly in Western Australia and Queensland.</p> <br />