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Working towards defining rail freight services

This project looked at modern manufacturing techniques and logistics for rail freight.

Project leader

Dr TH Zunder

Dates

May 2011 to April 2015

Project staff

Dr M Marinov

Dr D Islam

Sponsors

Commission of the European Communities

Partners

Traficverket

Network Rail

FloraHolland

NEA

TNO

Gruppo Clas

KrioTrans

P&G

Description

Modern manufacturing techniques and logistics need reliable, time sensitive delivery of lower density and higher value goods.

This presents a market opportunity for rail freight to grow, partly due to increasing congestion on roads. It is also due to the need for reliable and environment friendly transport of goods.

To meet customer requirements, rail freight has to rise to the challenge of needing to be reliable and available. It also needs to comply with other market demands.

Depending on the market segment these may be:

  • Faster transport time
  • Specialised goods systems
  • Tracking and tracing
  • Greater flexibility
  • Lower prices
  • Premium services

In congested situations rail freight may have a competitive advantage compared to other modes of traffic.

Undergraduate
Postgraduate Research
Postgraduate Taught