An empirical study of the variability in the composition of British freight trains

As part of the broader sustainability and economic efficiency agenda, European transport policy places considerable emphasis on improving rail’s competitiveness to increase its share of the freight market. Much attention is devoted to infrastructure characteristics which determine the number of freight trains which can operate and influence the operating characteristics of these trains. However, little attention has been devoted to the composition of the freight trains themselves, with scant published data relating to the practicalities of this important component of system utilisation and its impacts on rail freight viability and sustainability. This paper develops a better understanding of the extent to which freight train composition varies, through a large-scale empirical study of the composition of British freight trains. The investigation is based on a survey of almost 3,000 individual freight trains, with analysis at four levels of disaggregation, from the commodity groupings used in official statistics down to individual services. This provides considerable insight into rail freight operations with particular relevance to the efficiency of utilisation of trains using the available network paths. The results demonstrate the limitations of generalising about freight train formations since, within certain commodity groupings, considerable variability was identified even at fairly high levels of disaggregation.

The challenge of high cube ISO containers for British rail freight operations

Rail freight activity in Britain has increased by almost 50% in the last ten years, with the movement of deep sea ISO containers between ports and inland terminals being a significant growth sector, with considerable further growth potential. High cube ISO containers have become more prevalent, posing a considerable challenge for rail freight operators since much of the rail network has insufficient loading gauge clearance to carry them on standard wagons. This paper investigates the extent to which rail currently handles high cube container movements to/from ports through the analysis of a representative survey of container trains in 2007. The incidence of high cube containers carried by services on gauge-cleared and non-gauge-cleared routes is identified to assess the extent to which a lack of gauge enhancement affects the movement by rail of high cube containers and to identify the impacts of the lack of gauge clearance on operating efficiency. The paper concludes with an evaluation of the likely consequences of the gauge enhancement schemes for which funding is now committed, assessing the extent to which they will reduce or remove the barriers associated with carrying high cube containers between ports and their hinterlands.

Low emission zones: the likely effects on the freight transport sector

London’s air quality has improved over recent decades, but is still the worst in the UK. Road transport emissions play an important part in this pollution. A low emission zone (LEZ) would help to accelerate the introduction of cleaner vehicles, and reduce the numbers of older, more polluting vehicles operating in London. The survey work carried out indicates that there is support among goods vehicle operators for an LEZ in London, depending on the precise scheme definition. Operators would generally try to comply with LEZ regulations, with most companies either using technical approaches to ensure that their London vehicle fleet complied with the required emission standard or by redeploying vehicles with the appropriate emission standard from other locations.

Low emission zones: the likely effects on the freight transport sector

London's air quality has improved over recent decades, but is still the worst in the UK. Road transport emissions play an important part in this pollution. A low emission zone (LEZ) would help to accelerate the introduction of cleaner vehicles, and reduce the number of older, more polluting vehicles operating in London. Survey results indicate that there is some support among goods vehicle operators for a LEZ in London, depending on the precise scheme definition. Operators would generally try to comply with LEZ regulations, with most companies either using technical approaches to ensure that their London vehicle fleet complied with the required emission standard, or redeploying vehicles with the appropriate emission standard from other locations.

Comparing freight transport strategies and measures in London and Paris

The paper compares the approach being taken to freight transport strategy and the specific policy measures being implemented in London and Paris. It highlights the serious consideration that has been given to freight transport by the Mayors of London and Paris in the last five years. These freight policy considerations are taking place against a background of growing levels of road freight activity, energy use and pollutant emissions in both cities. The key freight transport objectives being followed in London and Paris are similar and focus on improving the efficiency and reliability of freight transport while reducing the negative environmental impacts that it causes. The specific freight transport policy measures being followed show some differences in each city. However, attempts to address problems related to loading and unloading are taking place in both, albeit through different specific initiatives. These policy initiatives have important implications for companies concerned with urban logistics operations.

London freight data report

Report produced for the Transport for London Freight Unit as part of the London Freight Data Centre. Contains data and information about a wide range of freight transport issues in London.