Audi partnered with non-cranable semi-trailer specialist Helrom to supply three car manufacturing sites by rail. Two sites are in Germany, in Neckarsulm and Ingolstadt, while the third one is in Győr, in Hungary.
The first block train was deployed on 4 April, as Helrom pointed out. All three destinations are located along the Regensburg (DE) – Lébény (HU) line, part of the TEN-T Rhine-Danube Corridor. Other than Audi and Helrom, the project includes German logistics company Duvembeck and Bayernhafen, the organisation overviewing various ports in the Bavaria region.
There will be one departure every day, with Helrom claiming that the train can run from Regensburg to Lébény and back in 24 hours. Each train will transport 36 trailers placed on 18 wagons, meaning that 72 trucks are being removed from the road every day. This initiative is part of the Herlom Trailer Rail project. Over a year ago, the company received 15 million euros from the German federal government to create a European network where it could deploy its technology.
Helrom
Helrom’s technology allows for the transport of non-cranable semi-trailers on the railways without the need for a loading and unloading facility. In other words, truck trailers can be loaded on the wagons right next to the rail track without the need for terminals. All that is needed for this procedure is, in fact, an asphalted surface next to the track, making it easier and significantly cheaper to carry out such operations.
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