Freight rail operator Asciano has entered into a 12-year haulage agreement with Whitehaven Coal that will reduce costs.

The company’s Pacific National Coal division’s agreement with Whitehaven comes into effect this month and expires in June 2026.

Per tonnage haulage costs are lower under the new agreement through the use of fewer train services for any given volume, Asciano said in a statement on Monday.

Train fleet operations are also more efficient in preparation for full 30-tonne axle load operations, which are due to begin in 2015.

“We are pleased to have worked constructively with Whitehaven to create this `win-win’ agreement and look forward to delivering Whitehaven improved efficiency, higher levels of service and reduced per tonne haulage costs,” Pacific National Coal director David Irwin said.

Asciano shares were up half a cent at $5.625 at 1107 AEDT.