MINI RAIL FREIGHT TRAINS
Page 43
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• The sSRA has given the private-sector team of Exel, AMEC Rail and Isotrak .221m to develop "mini' rail-freight trains.
Exel approached AMEC Rail to design a short, modular freight train carrying five containers weighing a maximum of 160 tonnes at up to 120km/b. The trains will be 90m long and driven by two engines, one at each end. They will carry the same load as five 44-tonne, 13.5m artics with standard freight containers.
Exel approached Isotrak to develop a monitoring system to track a trainload through its entire journey. The on-board GPS-based system is designed to provide real-time information, key vehicle data, consignment management and network performance reporting.
Isotrak in turn is working on systems to integrate transport and load monitoring with the other aspects of the supply chain, from alerting customers of an imminent delivery, to automated invoicing, ordering and stock control.
The key to the success of such an operation is compatibility with existing management systems, according to Isotrak managing director Craig Sears-Black.
The company's systems are designed to work with industrystandard systems such as SAP, while being largely independent of the hardware platform. This allows them to use more or less any available vehicle monitoring equipment with any communications network.