Innovation in Rail Freight and Interchanges (or How to Stop Rail Freight Hitting the Buffers): Fid-Bau Portal

Innovation in Rail Freight and Interchanges (or How to Stop Rail Freight Hitting the Buffers)

Mortimer, Philip N. / Kling-David, Raphael

Abstract The central thrust of this chapter is focused on the need for demonstrable innovation to make rail freight a more competitive, attractive and cost-effective option for shippers. The chapter focuses on the need for genuine and measurable benefits flowing from the adoption of new technologies, commercial and operational systems, materials and asset management systems which will in turn have been identified by close contact with shippers, forwarders, hauliers and a wider spectrum of cargo interests. The chapter focuses on the need to move away from a supply-side position in terms of the provision of rail and intermodal service options to one driven by commercial imperatives driving much higher levels of asset productivity, reliability, availability and agility. The need for intermodal and conventional terminals to up their game by changing and modifying existing routines and systems to make them a more efficient and cost-effective component of intermodal service offers is also an integral part of this chapter. Issues of terminal technology, management, resource allocation, productivity and attractiveness to end users are reviewed and options proposed as to how these may be achieved.