Combined Transport

Combined Transport (CTClosed Combined Transport) in exceptional consignments constitutes a subcategory of out-of-gauge loads. In fact, not all Combined Transports are out-of-gauge, although the majority of intermodal loading units may require special provisions for transport because of exceeding the loading gauge. Gauging such consignments may lead to various scenarios.

Information: Both combined transport and intermodal transport involve the use of multiple transportation modes, yet they are not synonymous.

Combined transport is also a subcategory of intermodal transport. It focuses strictly on the long-distance movement of goods, where the major part of the journey is completed by rail, inland waterways, or sea, and any road movement is typically limited to the initial and final legs of the journey. This approach minimizes the reliance on road freight delivery, aiming to reduce road congestion and positive environmental impact.

Combined transport involves the conveyance of Intermodal Loading Units (ILUsClosed Intermodal Loading Units). While in a freight train, some of the ILUs carried on dedicated wagons may exceed the loading gauge of the lines. To ensure the safe operation of combined transport trains without constraints, UIC in collaboration with UIRR introduced a codification system of lines, ILUs and wagons.

The infrastructure managers who offer codified lines with combined transport loading profiles also provide special operational provisions for railway undertakings that want to run combined transport trains on their rail networks.

Understanding the Specifics of Codification in Combined Transport

Codification in Combined Transport refers to a system used for the identification and presentation of information about various elements involved in the transport process. The codification system is crucial for efficient operations, document handling, involved inspections, and smooth communications during the transport process.

The carriage of a train with Combined Transport rules involves four elements:

  1. Codified intermodal loading units (ILUs) with standard combined transport number for swap bodies, roller units, containers and semi-trailers.
  2. Codified special carrier wagons with Wagon Compatibility Code (WCCClosed Wagon Compatibility Code), or Wagon Correction Digit (WCDClosed Wagon Correction Digit).
  3. Codified Paths of infrastructure manager with Combined Transport Profiles (CTPClosed Combined Transport Profiles (of lines)) of lines.
  4. Combined Transport trains.

Combined Transport Train

Features of Combined Transport train:

  • Composed completely or partly of loaded freight wagons.
  • When loaded, carries intermodal loading unit(s) (e.g. swap bodies, semi-trailers, containers, roller units).
  • Has a fixed maximum CT profile number of the train.
  • Runs on CT approved lines, which are subject to special examination by infrastructure managers.
  • Is subject to agreement with involved entities and railway undertakings.

You can find comprehensive information on the standards and requirements for combined transport trains in the UIC Loading Guidelines, volume 2, loading examples series 9.

Gauging Specific Check for Combined Transport

Fixing Maximum Profile of Combined Transport Train includes the comparison of the summed-up code of the loaded freight wagon with the maximum code of the line.

For loaded freight wagon - the check of Combined Transport Code (CT code) results in comparison of the:

  1. ILU's Technical Number
  2. Wagon's Compatibility Code (WCCClosed Wagon Compatibility Code) or Wagon's Correction Digit (WCDClosed Wagon Correction Digit) where necessary

For infrastructure – the check of the Combined Transport Profile (CTP) results in establishing of the maximum allowed CT code of the line.

Compatibility is demonstrated when Combined Transport Code (CT code) is equal to or smaller than Combined Transport Profile (CTP).

Elements of Combained Trasport Code Check and Combined Transport Profile check

Possible Scenarios for Gauging Comparability Check for Combined Transport:

The RU that intends to run a Combined Transport train should determine on what basis the handover and takeover of Combined Transport trains will take place. The RU therefore determines which of the three -scenarios is applicable:

  1. Normal transport – when a Combined Transport train does not exceed the loading gauge of all the planned lines, and for which the Combined Transport code does not exceed codification of all lines for the train.
  2. Transport with specific requirements – when a Combined Transport train exceeds the loading gauge, and the Combined Transport Code for the train does not exceed or is equal to the code of the codified line. In such cases the specific requirements shall be universally applicable to all trains in this category. No further authorisation process between the RU and the IM will take place when the specific requirements of compliance are fulfilled and sufficient to run Combined Transport Train.
  3. Exceptional consignment transport (specific authorisation) – when a Combined Transport train exceeds the codification of the line, or the line is not codified. The infrastructure manager issues a transport authorisation for the train based on an evaluation of the operational and technical feasibility.

As a rule, intermodal trains run on exceptional consignment transport authorisations, since this type of transport does not have an implemented codification frame. Thus, such transports are treated like any other conventional type of goods which while on the wagon exceed the loading gauge.

In such cases, non-codified network managers may in order to promote intermodal trains, offer to railway undertakings reduced rates for the issue of permits with exceptional conditions of carriage. In addition, the IMs may also simplify the procedure for acquisition of permanent special orders for out-of-gauge ILU consignments. Such a solution is applied in Poland.