The CBH class was ordered to haul grain trains on the open access rail network in the south of Western Australia.

The 25 members of the CBH class are divided into three sub-classes, based on differences in power output, traction motors and track gauge.

An aim of the tender process was the development of a new and long-term arrangement for above-rail operations that would deliver a more efficient, effective grain transport and logistics service to CBH's grower members and their customers.

[2] Tenders closed in June 2010 with bids lodged by rail operators from Australia and around the world including Asciano and the incumbent Australian Railroad Group.

CBH concluded that MotivePower's proposed locomotives would be the best option for the task of moving grain on Western Australian rail lines, as well as having good fuel economy.

[8][9][10][11] All members of the CBH class are hood unit locomotives with a single cab at one end, and ride on three axle bogies (trucks) of C-C (C'C') wheel arrangement.

[12] These units are equipped with a Cummins V-16 QSK60 prime mover rated at 2,000 kW (2,680 hp), and ride on 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) narrow gauge bogies fitted with six GE 761 traction motors.

[15] They are equipped with the same 2,460 kW (3,300 hp) Cummins V-18 QSK78 prime mover as the MP33CN, but ride on 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) (standard gauge) bogies fitted with EMD D78 traction motors.

[6] The entries covered a broad spectrum of topics, including political figures, sporting legends, CBH and the grains industry history, flora, fauna, tourist locations and indigenous culture.

"[6] The first two members of the CBH class, CBH001 Yilliminning and CBH002 Mooterdine, entered service in mid-June 2012,[14] shortly after arriving separately at Fremantle on their seven-week delivery journeys from the east coast of the US.