Comparative analysis of the combined transport usages and standards (CACTUS) - Final Report

Combined transport (CT) relates to the conveyance of Intermodal Loading Units (ILUs) using multiple modes of transportation (rail, road and maritime (short-sea shipping and inland waterways)). When transported by rail, ILUs carried on dedicated wagons may exceed the gauge of the lines. According to the latest study by UIC-UIRR, road-rail combined transport represents about 50% of all current rail freight volumes (https://uic. org/special-groups/combined-transport-group/#documents).

To ensure the safe transport of ILUs, UIC has established a codification system of lines, ILUs and wagons in collaboration with UIRR. This codification ensures compatibility between the loaded wagon profile and the line gauge, and the operation of combined transport trains without constraints.

The stakeholders involved in combined transport must deal with several regulations and standards (TSIs, EN, IRS, ISO, etc.). These define the design/testing requirements for ILUs and their constituent parts and set the conditions for the compatibility of ILUs with the means used for their conveyance in the different transport modes (trucks, wagons and ships) and for their transhipment in terminals. The following graphic summarises the standardisation ecosystem of combined transport with a focus on the road-rail application.