GWR - Transport and Distribution Services (Including Courier and Heavy Haulage)
First Greater Western Limited · Private utility
In brief
First Greater Western Limited is looking for suppliers for transport and postal and courier work (South West).
It is a framework worth up to £2,000,000 excluding VAT: the most the buyer expects to spend across all suppliers, not one contract.
The contract runs for 2 years, up to 4 years with extensions, starting 7 December 2026.
It is split into 3 lots, so a supplier can bid for part of the work.
The buyer says it is suitable for small and medium-sized businesses.
Bids close at 11:59pm, Monday 5 October 2026.
Built from the notice's own fields. Always check the official notice before you bid.
Can I win this?
Key dates
- Bids by
- 11:59pm, Monday 5 October 2026
How bids are scored
Quality 60% · Price 40%
Quality matters most. You can win without being the cheapest.
Competition
Typical: a median of 4 bids per contract for transport contracts in this region (from 37 awards in the last 12 months).
Framework
Winning puts you on a list of suppliers the buyer can call on; it does not guarantee work. The £2,000,000 is the most the buyer expects to spend across all suppliers over the framework's life, not one contract.
What the notice says
This procurement process is being advertised and run by First Greater Western Limited on its own behalf and on behalf of the successor operator of the rail passenger transport services in respect of Great Western Railway. That successor operator will be a public sector company, is expected to be a wholly owned subsidiary of DfT OLR Holdings Limited and will be ultimately owned by the Secretary of State for Transport. The date for transfer of the current operations to the successor operator is not yet confirmed. Where the transfer is completed before contract award under this procurement process, the successor operator may elect (but will not be obliged) to carry on with this procurement…Read the full description
Should I bid?
Tick what applies to you. Nothing is saved.
How to bid
- Read the full notice on Find a Tender, including any tender documents it links to.
- Register your organisation on the Central Digital Platform (through Find a Tender) if you have not already. Suppliers need to be registered to take part in procurements under the Procurement Act 2023.
- Follow the submission instructions in the notice; it does not name an e-tendering portal.
- Make sure your bid arrives before 11:59pm, Monday 5 October 2026. Late bids are usually rejected.
Lots
| Lot | Trade | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Courier and Freight Distribution Services 7 December 2026 to 6 December 2028 What this lot coversCourier and light/medium freight distribution services by road for Standard and High‑Priority Goods, including, but not limited to, Traction and Rolling Stock components, general stores and documentation, including time‑critical and 24/7 response movements. Spend across the Lots: Spend across lots may increase or decrease over time due to changes in requirements, budget availability, or strategic priorities. GWR will reserve the right to allocate spend flexibly across lots as needed. To express an interest, please click the link below: https://s2c-uk62.waxdigital.com/FirstGroupPlc/DisplayModules/TradeModules/Negotiations/Opportunities/ViewOpportunityEvent.aspx?EventID=5345&Culture=en-GB | Transport, Postal and courier | £666,666 |
| Transport and Distribution of Large or Heavy Traction and Rolling Stock Components (GVW ≤ 44 tonnes) 7 December 2026 to 6 December 2028 What this lot coversTransport by road of complete or partial Traction and Rolling Stock major assemblies and components up to a maximum gross vehicle weight of 44 tonnes, generally as Standard Priority, where Abnormal Indivisible Load regulations do not normally apply. Spend across the Lots: Spend across lots may increase or decrease over time due to changes in requirements, budget availability, or strategic priorities. GWR will reserve the right to allocate spend flexibly across lots as needed. To express an interest, please click the link below: https://s2c-uk62.waxdigital.com/FirstGroupPlc/DisplayModules/TradeModules/Negotiations/Opportunities/ViewOpportunityEvent.aspx?EventID=5362&Culture=en-GB | Transport, Postal and courier | £666,666 |
| Heavy Haulage and Abnormal Indivisible Load Transport 7 December 2026 to 6 December 2028 What this lot coversSpecialist heavy haulage services for outsized Traction and Rolling Stock major assemblies, individual Power Cars, Carriages and Rail Units exceeding standard road limits, including Abnormal Indivisible Loads requiring specialist permits, planning, escorts and equipment. Spend across the Lots: Spend across lots may increase or decrease over time due to changes in requirements, budget availability, or strategic priorities. GWR will reserve the right to allocate spend flexibly across lots as needed. To express an interest, please click the link below: https://s2c-uk62.waxdigital.com/FirstGroupPlc/DisplayModules/TradeModules/Negotiations/Opportunities/ViewOpportunityEvent.aspx?EventID=5363&Culture=en-GB | Transport, Postal and courier | £666,668 |
Timeline
- Tender notice · UK4, notice 085598-2026
About the buyer
Procurements
54Awards
22Similar open tenders
All open transport tenders- £838mframework ceiling
- £90mestimated
From notice 085598-2026 on Find a Tender, first published 10 September 2026. We last checked for changes on 28 September 2026.