Showing papers on "Rail freight transport published in 1997"

Progress in railroad freight car engineering

Abstract: This paper is the result of an annual survey, conducted by the author on behalf of the Rail Transportation Division (RTD), American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) to document progress in the design, construction and use of freight cars and components. Typically, the design must be at a prototype stage or beyond in order for it to be included here. Letters were sent to car builders, component designers and manufacturers, railroad and leasing company freight car owners/users, and others in the railway engineering community, requesting information on new cars/components that were designed/built during the past year. These letters were sent to an established list which includes recipients in Europe, Asia, South America and the North American Railways. The developments in intermodal equipment, autorack cars, center beam cars, coal cars, insulated box cars, grain cars, covered hopper cars, freight car components, center bowl liners, and other components, are outlined.

High-speed freight transport: first steps towards intra-european high speed freight transport by rail

Abstract: A study is presented of the possibility of developing the high-speed transport of freight as a result of the development of a trans-European high-speed rail network. Several aspects of this potential future freight market are important. On the demand side, new logistics strategies and structures need to be developed. Relevant market segments include intra-European transport of goods by air, express transport with 2-4 days delivery times, and the market for international road transport of high-value goods and perishable goods. On the supply side, there are several criteria for locating a high-speed rail freight terminal, and dedicated shuttle trains and a radial network seem preferable. The concept of Trans-European Rail Freight Freeways (TERFF) makes it possible to create high-speed rail freight services in transport corridors. With respect to regulations, European Union (EU) Guideline 91/440 was intended to define policies for future rail transport, and 'complete liberalisation' would lead to the most favourable position, although it seems unlikely to be established soon. High-speed rail freight transport could contribute to the relief of severe environmental and congestion problems in certain parts of Europe, by shifting much cargo from roads. Some further actions to be taken are recommended. For the covering abstract, see IRRD 898133.

Containerization and the changing nature of American railroads

Abstract: In the past thirty years, America's railroads have seen many changes in equipment technology. The development of the 100-ton wheelset in the 1960s led to increased sizes and capacities in freight cars. At the same time, a trend was growing towards the use of unit bulk commodity trains such as coal or grain trains. Perhaps the one greatest change in railroad freight car technology has come about in the growth and development of intermodal railcars.