OFF THE ROAD

The European Commission is strongly promoting the increased use of intermodal freight transport, where many main sections of long international runs are covered by rail. However many hauliers in the UK are still very reluctant to participate in such intermodal operations. In contrast, hauliers in Germany and Italy are using intermodal transport much more regularly. In June 1996, Bayerische Trailer Zug (BTZ) of Munich launched a scheduled road-rail service for bimodal semi-trailers between Germany and Italy, followed by an 810km intermodal run from Munich to Hamburg. BTZ uses US-designed RoadRailer equipment, and has also become the first continental European provider of refrigerated semi-trailers suitable for road-rail use. Its April 1996 order will increase its total RoadRailer fleet to nearly 450 units. The RoadRailer system has the advantage of having a higher payload potential (on rail) than demounts/containers or the 'rolling road' concept. The system does not need terminal handling equipment such as cranes and gantries. Any rail siding, used in a concrete siding, can be used to assemble or break up BTZ trains. A special 'yard spotter' builds up trains and moves rail bogies into position. A RoadRailer service through the Channel Tunnel could start in Autumn 1997.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00103063
• Corporate Authors:

  Reed Business Information, Limited

  Quadrant House, The Quadrant
  Brighton Road
  Sutton, Surrey  United Kingdom  SM2 5AS
• Authors:
  • GODWIN, B
• Publication Date: 1996-11-6

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 36-7
• Serial:
  • COMMERCIAL MOTOR
  • Volume: 184
  • Issue Number: 4695
  • Publisher: Reed Business Information, Limited
  • ISSN: 0010-3063

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Attitudes; Bridges; Fixed routes; Freight handling; Freight transportation; Intercity transportation; Intermodal transportation; International; Policy; Railroad transportation; Travel; Underwater tunnels
• Identifier Terms: European Commission; European Union
• Uncontrolled Terms: Increase
• Geographic Terms: France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom
• Old TRIS Terms: Haulage
• ITRD Terms: 2267: Attitude (psychol); 1534: Enforcement (law); 8303: EU; 3363: Fixed link (transmaritime); 8036: France; 8125: Germany; 741: Goods traffic; 9032: Increase; 388: Inter urban; 1121: Intermodal transport (freight); 9034: International; 8051: Italy; 698: Journey; 1236: Lorry; 5149: Mechanical handling; 1516: Offence; 173: Policy; 1173: Rail bound transport; 274: Transport operator; 8119: United Kingdom
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Freight Transportation; Policy; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00732955
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Mar 24 1997 12:00AM