Control tower for intermodal rail transport

Intermodal rail transport is the combination between train transport and before and after transport by road transport, see figure 1. Intermodal trains drive in shuttles; these trains commute between two different destinations. This connections between two destinations have a fixed frequency, for example four times a week. Besides the fixed frequency does the intermodal rail connection have fixed departure and arrival times. This make intermodal transport a predictable product for the customer. Multiple customers can make use of an intermodal rail connection. Customers can book a place at the intermodal rail operator. The rail operator is responsible for the complete rail connection. It arranges the locomotive, the documents and track and trace service. Most of the time are before and after transport not included in the service of the intermodal rail operator. https://www.railcargo.nl/railgoederenvervoer/intermodaal_vervoer

Rail transport is becoming more and more popular. This popularity has a couple reasons, for example airfreight is indeed faster, but there is also a higher price tag.  Sea freight, on the other hand, is cheaper, but the lead time is a lot longer. In addition, there is a large shortage on truck drivers and is there a lot of congestion on the road, what make this modality becoming less popular. This make rail transport becoming a more important modality. In addition rail transport is one of the most sustainable and safest mobilities. But the negative side of rail transport is congestion on the track. Insight real time status from the rail transport is important for the customer to choose this modality. An solution for real time status is an control tower. https://www.schavemaker.com/diensten/intermodal/rail-transport/

With a control tower is the provision of information improved which made the customer satisfaction increased and is an efficient process possible. The control tower for long-distance rail transport makes it possible to make freight rail transport more reliable, visible and competitive service. Because multiple forms of transportation come together in intermodal rail transport. The limited visibility is a challenge for the total intermodal chain. The use of GPS trackers on containers and development in the control tower give better and faster insight on the rail connection. The triggers help to make the rail operation more efficient and increase the customer confidence in rail freight transport. https://www.railcargo.nl/actueel/nieuws/nieuws_item/t/innovatieve_control_tower_voor_europees_goederenvervoer_per_spoor_succesvol

The control tower consists of IT-interfaces between the control systems, track and trace information, systems of the supply chain partners and systems from the infrastructure managers. To share information between partners in the supply chain gives them a real time status update for the progress of the rail transportation. https://www.railcargo.nl/actueel/nieuws/nieuws_item/t/innovatieve_control_tower_voor_europees_goederenvervoer_per_spoor_succesvol

The control tower improves the predictability and visibility of the rail transport. This makes intermodal rail transport more attractive and competitive in the transport sector. Without an implemented control tower is the information shared late. A control tower improves the freight transport, inclusive the services for customers. The control tower focus on the reliability, lead time, costs, flexibility and visibility. https://www.railcargo.nl/actueel/nieuws/nieuws_item/t/innovatieve_control_tower_voor_europees_goederenvervoer_per_spoor_succesvol