This website will offer limited functionality in this browser. We only support the recent versions of major browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.

Freight and logistics

Exceptional legal support across all aspects of freight and logistics, helping grow your business while also implementing innovative and sustainable solutions to achieve net zero targets.

Business Logistics And Transportation Concept Of Container Cargo
Go to section
Overview Services Our work Our team What others say Insights

The freight and logistics sector is revolutionising how we move goods.

With over 30 years’ experience and expertise, we work collaboratively with freight operators, logistics companies and developers to help them grow, adapt, thrive and become more sustainable.

We understand that decarbonisation is a priority for many clients. We have the experience and expertise to help you navigate the legal issues involved in procuring alternative fuels, electrifying infrastructure, delivering onsite renewables such as roof-top solar and battery storage solutions and procuring low carbon energy.

As a low emissions solution, rail freight is a significant area of focus. Our experience includes advising on commercial arrangements, rolling stock leasing, rail regulation, access contracts and health and safety issues. We advise clients investing in major rail infrastructure projects on contractual and procurement matters, including land acquisition, financing and construction.

Most supply chains rely on multiple modes of transport with transfers taking place at ports, airports, rail freight interchanges and warehouses. We advise road freight operators across a range of matters including developing charging infrastructure, procuring electric vehicles and leveraging emerging transport technologies to increase operational efficiencies.

We also advise port authorities and developers on significant infrastructure development, port-based energy projects and regulatory issues.

Services

General commercial agreements

Advising logistics providers and customers on commercial arrangements, including on the development and implementation of new technology to improve operational efficiencies.

Multi-modal transport solutions

Assisting clients to harness opportunities, resolve issues and find commercial solutions, including folding in emerging transport modes.

Planning, redevelopment and infrastructure

Helping clients with all aspects of the infrastructure life cycle, including planning, acquisition, construction, operations, maintenance and the commercialisation of infrastructure assets.

Find out more

Decarbonisation

Helping clients procure zero emission vehicles (battery, electric and hydrogen fuel cell), electrify transport infrastructure and develop Net Zero solutions for commercial and industrial buildings, such as onsite renewables.

Find out more

Rail commercial

Advising on wagon procurement, leasing and maintenance arrangements.

Rail regulation

Providing advice on licence requirements, regulated access agreements, capacity and charging arrangements, rights to compensation in the event of disruption, change processes and contested applications for track access.

Environmental regulation

Supporting clients on all aspects of environmental compliance, including licences, permits, regulatory appeals, incidents of contamination, waste management and product compliance.

Find out more

Health and safety

24/7 incident and emergency response, specialist assistance with investigations by external agencies (including ORR and RAIB), representation during formal enforcement action (including prosecutions, appealing improvement notices and prohibition notices), inquests, compliance, policy and governance.

Find out more

Dispute Resolution

Providing advice on arbitrations, expert determination, court proceedings, references to the regulator and alternative dispute resolution including mediation.

Examples of our work

Sizewell C

Advising on the delivery of new rail infrastructure to enable construction materials to be transported by rail freight to the site of a new power plant, including advising on asset protection agreements and service agreements with Network Rail.

Freight operators

Representing all UK rail freight operators on the contractual arrangements for the fitting of the European Train Control System as part of the digitalisation of the UK rail network.

A logistics company and freight facility owner

Advising on facility access agreements and charging arrangements at freight facilities, including on competition law compliance.

Global food and beverage retailer

Advising global retail operator on UK logistics matters including contract negotiation with 3PL providers and strategic advice on contract and supply risk.

Aggregate Industries

Advising on real estate and construction matters in relation to a dockside warehouse facility at Canada Dock, Liverpool.

A logistics fund and asset manager

Advising on shared grid connection arrangements and renewables private wire power purchase arrangements across its big box parks.

01
06

Our team

View all
01
18

What others say

“The team at Burges Salmon provide an excellent service throughout and are a pleasure to deal with at all levels. Their ability and prior knowledge of the industry and their ability to keep up to date with ever-changing developments makes the team a delight to work with.”

Legal 500 UK 2025

“The team is unique due to its true specialism in the rail sector. Helping clients navigate the maze of complex regulations that apply to the sector, including safety and performance, procurement law and competition. The rail team is highly collaborative, friendly and approachable.”

Legal 500 UK 2025

01
02

Insights

01
10