Last update 29 October 2024
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In the late 1990s Royal Mail and Rail express systems (as was) embarked on a major investment project aimed at changing the way letter mail was delivered, using a 'hub and spoke' system known as Railnet. This required a major central and numerous outlying dedicated terminals, which were essentially private 'stations' used only for transferring containerised letters. Various factors conspired against the system and Royal Mail transferred most of its business to road and air within a few years of Railnet's start.
Later policy changes meant that Royal Mail was happier to use rail again it took a lease on a terminal in Daventry. This is not part of the original Railnet concept but it is included for completeness.
All rail traffic for Royal Mail ended in autumn 2024.
This listing shows all Railnet terminals along with opening and closing dates. Owing to the nature of non-passenger services, historical documentation is lacking in places. If you can help clarify or fill in missing details, please contact the editor.
A list of passenger stations with post boxes can be found here.
| Terminal | ELR | Mileage | Date opened | Date closed to rail | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bristol Parkway | SWB | 111m 47ch | 15 May 2000 | 20 February 2004 | |
| Dallam (Warrington) | CGJ3 | 183m 40ch | 3 November 1997 | 20 September 2024 | OLE energised 28 September 1997; full use 17 November 1997 |
| Daventry | HNR | ≈81m 07ch | 15 August 2023 | 20 September 2024 | Terminal in long sidings, not directly on the main line |
| Low Fell | NLF | 0m 50ch | 6 March 1995 | 15 June 2024 | Officially into use 6 March 1995; OLE energised 11 March 1995; date of first train not known. Reduced to occasional use 2009, full traffic resumed 3 June 2013 |
| Princess Royal Distribution Centre (Willesden) | WRM | 1m 61ch | 20 May 1996 | 20 September 2024 | Officially into use 20 May 1996; opened (to rail?) 6 July 1996 or a week or so later or 30 September 1996; formally opened/named 20 May 1997 |
| Scottish Distribution Centre (Shieldmuir) | WCM2 | 87m 26ch | 16 February 1998 | 20 September 2024 | Connection installed 21 September 1997; first train 16 February 1998. Closed 9 May 2003, traffic later resumed. Last empty stock departed 21 September 2024 |
| South Yorkshire (Doncaster) | SPD5 | ≈117m 19ch | 21 April 1997 | 2004? | Officially into use 31 March 1997; full use 6 May 1997 |
| Stafford | LEC3 | 113m 43ch | 16 June 1997 | 2004? | Officially into use 24 May 1997; full use 23 June 1997 |
| Tonbridge | XTD | 30m 21ch | 19 October 1994 | March 2004 |