Advantages of rail transport - PCC Group Product Portal

Since the mid-19th century, railways have been a pivotal means of transporting passengers and goods, and their importance continues in modern times. Despite technological advancements and the ability of road, air, and port infrastructures to manage larger volumes of transport vehicles, rail transport remains crucial in both the Polish and global economy.

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This article delves into the primary benefits of rail transport, emphasizing its various types, economic impact, and the integral part it plays in the growing trend of intermodal transport. Enjoy your read!

Understanding Rail Transport

To appreciate the advantages of railways, it's essential to understand the basics of this transport mode. Alongside road freight, rail is one of the two principal forms of inland transport. It is traditionally classified as either passenger or freight transport. Both forms use rolling stock, which includes locomotives and specific types of wagons designed for either cargo or people.

Successful rail transport necessitates adequate infrastructure, which encompasses tracks, traction elements, and a variety of buildings, structures, and technical equipment managed by diverse public and private railway companies and operators.

Diverse Types of Rail Transport

While passenger and freight transport are the main categories, freight transport itself can be further divided into:

• Full wagon load
• Container transport
• Groupage transport

Full Wagon Load

This type of rail transport, often called conventional, entails transporting bulk cargo in specialized freight wagons, tanks, or tankers. Full wagon transport is typically used for materials like coal, steel, grain, fuels, ores, and chemicals. A standard freight wagon can hold 100 m³, carrying between 50 and 60 tonnes, more than double the capacity of a lorry.

Container Transport

Container transport involves using containers placed on open platforms instead of wagons. The universal design of these containers allows them to be transported by various modes such as trains, lorries, and ships. This seamless transfer known as intermodal transport is discussed further in this article.

Groupage Transport

Groupage transport is used for smaller shipments aggregated together to optimize costs. These small loads are transported collectively between rail terminals, making it more cost-effective than air transport and faster than sea shipping. Freight charges typically depend on the shipment's dimensions and weight.

The Intersection of Rail Freight and Intermodal Transport

Container transport by rail is a popular component of intermodal shipping, also known as combined or multimodal transport. This approach is cost-efficient and environmentally friendly, reducing the environmental burden of road transport. Intermodal transport uses a single loading unit — the container — throughout the entire route, eliminating the need for multiple reloads.

A practical example of intermodal transport is shipping a container to a port via sea, then moving it by train to a central warehouse and finally delivering it by lorry. Using the same container for the whole journey minimizes time and costs.

Key Advantages of Rail Transport

Let's explore the key benefits of rail transport, which include:

• Speed of transport: Unlike road freight, trains are not hindered by traffic jams, and service interruptions only occur due to breakdowns. Many rail infrastructures support high-speed freight trains.
• Capacity for large items: Trains are ideal for large shipments. A single wagon's capacity surpasses a lorry trailer, and railways can utilize open platforms.
• Environmental impact: Rail transport is an eco-friendly choice, contributing to reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
• Safety: Rail transport is one of the safest methods, with fewer accidents and lower crime rates like theft and vandalism.

Additional Benefits of Rail Transport

• Cost-effectiveness compared to air transport
• Independence from fluctuating fuel prices, road networks, and traffic restrictions
• Possibility of comprehensive customs services
• Faster and safer delivery compared to sea transport
• Suitability for intermodal transport
• Versatility in transporting various goods
• Well-established infrastructure and railway connections, especially in western Poland

Rail Transport in Poland: Its Impact and Economic Significance

Despite the growth of road networks, rail freight remains pivotal in Poland's economy. In Poland, rail accounted for 11% of all export shipments in , equating to 17 million tonnes of goods. Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic are the primary destinations for 70% of Poland's rail exports. Products like coke, chemicals, steel, and coal are commonly transported. PCC Intermodal, a PCC Group company, exemplifies effective use of rail for intermodal transport.

Cost of Rail Transport

One significant advantage of rail transport is its cost efficiency. Trains can move several hundred tonnes in one journey, making it financially attractive. The cost per train-kilometre decreases as the cargo volume increases. However, service prices can vary. Regular customers often benefit from better rates, so it's advisable to compare rail and lorry transport costs for similar loads.

Should You Choose Rail Transport?

Given the numerous benefits of rail over other freight methods, considering it as an alternative to road transport is worthwhile. Rail transport offers independence from rising fuel prices, traffic congestion, and pollution while ensuring safe and efficient delivery. It is a preferred choice for many industries.

Sources:

1. DHL Globalization: Rail Transport Advantages

Railway track gauge (1435 mm)

A standard-gauge railway is a railway with a track gauge of 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+ 1/2 in). Also known as the Stephenson gauge (after George Stephenson) or European gauge, it is the most widely used track gauge globally, covering about 55% of world rail lines.

All high-speed rail lines use standard gauge except those in countries like Russia, Finland, and Uzbekistan, where different gauges are employed. The precise distance between the rails is defined as 1,435 mm except in certain regions like the United States and Canada, where it equals 4 feet 8 and 1/2 inches, or 1,435.1 mm.

History of the Standard-Gauge Railway

Origins

The standard gauge traces its roots back to prehistoric vehicle ruts. Early railway pioneers in England, including George Stephenson, adopted this gauge due to its compatibility with existing industrial wagonways. While road vehicle wheel placements influenced the 1,435 mm gauge, Stephenson’s precise measurements ensured it was suitable for rail.

Adoption

In the mid-19th century, the UK adopted the 1,435 mm gauge under the Gauge Act, simplifying rail connectivity across regions. Other nations, including the US and many in Europe, also transitioned to this standard for interoperability. Various previous gauges, including those broader than 1,435 mm, gradually converted to the now universally accepted standard gauge.

The global adoption of the standard gauge allowed seamless rail travel and transport, ensuring consistent service and maintenance standards worldwide. This consistency facilitated the expansion and efficiency of international rail networks.

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