What are the Benefits of CargoSpeed?

System CargoSpeed is based on a single, simple idea and has the potential to revolutionise the road-to-rail freight industry.

The system has been developed in conjunction with the industry and delivers significant benefits for the Environment, for the Economy and for Industry.

CargoSpeed For the Environment

• System CargoSpeed reduces CO² emissions by over 83% when compared to transporting freight by road, thereby directly supporting the EU 20/20 CO² reduction initiatives.
• System CargoSpeed utilises Roll-On / Roll-Off principles and no lifting is required. This means that electric traction is used in the terminals and there is no need for polluting diesel locomotives.
• System CargoSpeed works completely with electric traction. Therefore as electricity generation becomes greener, so does System CargoSpeed.
• System CargoSpeed is capable of economically moving a significant proportion of existing road freight onto rail, thereby reducing road congestion.
• System CargoSpeed terminals are cleaner, quieter and more energy efficient to operate than existing alternatives.
• System CargoSpeed terminals use 90% less energy than equivalent Lift-On / Lift-Off terminals & reduce CO² emissions by approximately 80%.
• For the same volume of throughput as an existing road to rail Lift-On / Lift-Off terminal, System CargoSpeed terminals require considerably less space and have a far lower environmental impact.

CargoSpeed For the Economy

• System CargoSpeed reduces the economic break-even distance over which road to rail freight transport becomes viable, from over 500km to under 250km.
• System CargoSpeed can handle the same volume as an existing Lift-On / Lift-Off terminal for only 20% of the cost; or it can handle 7 times the volume for the same cost as an existing terminal.
• Reduced freight costs have the potential to lead to lower consumer prices.
• System CargoSpeed will reduce road congestion. This makes the overall economy more efficient and saves both time and money.
• System CargoSpeed can support the projected growth in freight transport and minimise its environmental impact.
• Investment in System CargoSpeed infrastructure is investing in a more sustainable future.

CargoSpeed For the Logistics Industry

• System CargoSpeed uses standard semi-trailers. It does not need the expensive specialist liftable trailers that existing road to rail solutions require. Not only does this reduce the initial investment for the carrier, it also increases their flexibility and operational efficiency.
• System CargoSpeed can support random access “bus stop”-type operations. Individual wagons can be loaded and unloaded at different terminals. Fixed slots on timetabled services to multiple destinations allows the carrier to plan and operate more efficiently.
• System CargoSpeed transports unaccompanied trailers. As cab units are not required to make long inter-city journeys, the road haulier’s trucks and manpower can be used more locally and efficiently.
• System CargoSpeed is fast for the road haulier. Loading and unloading trailers takes a fraction of the time required in a Lift-On / Lift-Off terminal. This ensures that driver’s time is spent on the road and not waiting in a terminal.
• System CargoSpeed is fast for the train operator. Dramatically reduced unloading and loading times mean that the locomotives can spend more of their time moving and earning money.
• System CargoSpeed wagons are simple. The railway wagons used by System Cargospeed are based upon proven existing designs and are mechanically simple to engineer and maintain. This makes the system economical, robust and reliable.

CargoSpeed For the Terminal Operator

• System CargoSpeed gives terminal operators a choice. They can choose to either transfer the same volume of road to rail freight at 20% of cost of a typical Lift-On / Lift-Off terminal or transfer 7 times the volume for the same cost as a typical Lift-On / Lift-Off terminal. This makes the business more efficient and profitable.
• System CargoSpeed is scalable. The system has been designed to allow terminals to grow as demand increases. From mini-terminals with 2 Pop-Up mechanisms, right up to maxi terminals with 40 Pop-Up units and the ability to handle over 750,000 movements per year.
• System CargoSpeed is interoperable—CargoSpeed rail wagons are unique. They can support either Roll-On / Roll-Off operation or Lift-On / Lift-Off operation. This allows the system to be used in existing terminals and provides a clear migration path to a more efficient Roll-On / Roll-Off future.
• System CargoSpeed is efficient. In a Maxi terminal an entire train of 40 rail wagons can be unloaded and re-loaded in only 8 minutes (20 minutes including time for the train to enter, and exit, the terminal). This compares with over 4 hours for existing Lift-On Lift-Off terminals. Time is money and System CargoSpeed saves time.
• System CargoSpeed is flexible. Terminals are multi-directional—trains can arrive and depart the terminal from either direction. This significantly increases the operational flexibility of the terminal and reduces the construction costs.
• System CargoSpeed uses electric traction in the terminal. As the system is primarily a Roll-On / Roll-Off system, no lifting is necessary in terminals. This means that electric traction can be used in the terminal and the time wastage and environmental impact of switching to diesel when a train arrives is not necessary.