PRIVATE rail operator Pacific National has signed a new, three-year rail haulage agreement with Cement Australia.

The deal will see Pacific National transport ISO containers of cement, sand, fly ash, slag and lime between major capital cities and throughout North Queensland.

According to a statement from Pacific National, has worked with Cement Australia for more than five years.

Pacific National says it is Australia’s largest private rail operator. It provides long-distance containerised freight services. The company also transport coal from mines to ports in Queensland and New South Wales.

The company also hauls bulk commodities such as minerals and agricultural products.

Cement Australia has a combined heritage of nearly 200 years. It began in 1890 after a merger between Queensland Cement and Australian Cement Holdings.