In October 2013, KiwiRail reassigned six DXBs to the South Island due to the commissioning of the second batch of the DL class, leaving three assigned in the North Island. All of these locomotives, including the units assigned to the South Island prior October 2013, were transferred back to the North Island to cover for the DL locomotives in March 2014, as the DL class were temporarily withdrawn from service after they tested positive for asbestos. All units are now operating in the South Island as of March 2020.