Europe’s car manufacturing sector relies on one thing more than any other: the railways. Moving new vehicles around in bulk is a major logistics operation, requiring specialist loading ramps and dedicated rolling stock. Metrans, the pan-European rail logistics operator, is now testing a Car Carrying Container (CCC) that allows car transport to take advantage of container logistics for both road and rail.
Cars are already moved inside containers, either individually or using specialist racking hardware. Open style over-height racks have also been used before, but they are not common in Europe.
Metrans, in collaboration with SSC Railtech GmbH of Graz, Austria, has been testing a new cradle design, capable of being loaded with two cars, double-decked. The cradles are compatible with conventional intermodal loading equipment and sit on conventional intermodal wagons. The compatibility with multi-purpose equipment may well give the CCC a competitive edge, and make last-mile deliveries possible with flatbed road trailers where handling equipment is available.
Focus on rail
Car carrying at sea is an everyday event, and lucrative too, as exemplified by MSC’s recent acquisition of Gram Car Carriers. On land, conventional car carriers have been a common sight on the railways of Europe for decades. Moving motors is a valuable business sector for rail freight operators. However, the rolling stock has only one use and represents a considerable capital investment. That’s why a significant proportion of vehicle transport needs are met with road trailers, specially designed for the job, but versatile enough to reach individual customers. As easy as delivering a shipping container. What though, if car transport could be as versatile as delivering an intermodal container?
Aiming to take to market soon
Testing started back in February, when Metrans Dunajská Streda terminal in southern Slovakia took delivery of the four prototype units. “Partnering with SSC Railtec GmbH, we put these giants through their paces in a series of loading tests,” said Peter Kiss, CEO at Metrans. “Car manufacturers can now load their vehicles directly onto our intermodal units and send them off by road or rail, knowing their valuable cargo is safe.”
With reach stackers or gantry cranes, using an overheight frame or slings below the spreader, doing the heavy lifting, Metrans say there is no risk of damage during loading operations. The cradles are rated for a load of 4.2 tonnes.
Refining the CCC units’ design has incorporated height adjustment, and the ability to stack empty units three high. “We’re moving forward with testing and presentations by our customer, by our partners, by the European ports” said Peter Kiss. “We’re planning to get the units out on the rails soon, and then we’ll be ready to take them to the market.”