Crew Briefing Issues

The process of handing over responsibilities to a new crew involves a thorough briefing and transfer of operational information. This typically includes details about the freight train’s route, current cargo load, and any equipment issues experienced during the journey. The new crew also needs to be informed about weather conditions that might affect the route ahead and any adjustments that need to be made to the train’s speed or handling due to these conditions. Additionally, the new crew needs updates on recent regulatory inspections or if they should prepare for upcoming checks which might include assembling necessary documentation. This often covers transport manifests, train operation logs, crew shift records, and equipment maintenance histories.

Miscommunication or omission of these operational details can result in several issues for ground forwarders. They may encounter delays caused by trains detained for routing corrections, cargo arriving damaged as a result of improper handling, or shipments halted due to crews being unprepared for required regulatory inspections.

Varying Operational Practices

Differences in operational practices between crews can affect efficient cargo movement. For instance, one crew might perform intermediate cargo repositioning after partial unloading while another might skip these checks. As a result, cargo might become unevenly distributed and require rehandling or repositioning at the next terminal.

Additionally, one crew might regularly inspect for signs of cargo contamination such as leaks from goods that can affect surrounding cargo or unusual odors indicating spoiled perishables which can release fluids or gases and alter the condition of nearby items. However, the next crew may not carry out such checks if their operating procedures assign cargo monitoring to terminal staff or loading personnel. Thus, they may assume that cargo condition falls outside their scope of responsibility.

For forwarders, if cargo becomes unevenly distributed or contaminated due to such skipped checks, this can lead to delays at terminals where the goods must be rehandled, cleaned, or have freight packaging adjusted before they can proceed to their final destination.

Responses to Technical Issues

The way crews interpret potential signs of technical issues can affect decisions about when to continue or stop operations. For example, one crew trained under an operator that allows continued movement in cases of recurring non-critical fault codes may proceed based on prior experience with a known sensor error. The next crew may follow a different internal guideline that requires any fault code—regardless of previous behavior—to be treated as a potential failure and halt the train to request technical assistance. These differing judgments can lead to unnecessary delays or conversely, overlooked faults that result in service interruptions.

For European freight forwarders such unwarranted halts can lead to missed delivery windows while overlooked faults may cause extended delays and increase the risk of damage to goods during transit.

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Night Shifts

Night shifts are less appealing to workers because they disrupt normal sleep patterns, conflict with personal commitments, and increase feelings of isolation as fewer colleagues are on duty. All these contribute to a higher turnover rate which forces companies to hire new staff frequently. This continuous influx of less experienced workers can lead to inconsistencies in operational handling and result in services that are less reliable and predictable for ground freight forwarders.

Support Services Closed

Many support services operate during regular daytime hours and issues that require their attention may need to wait until the next day. For example, if a consignment is held up because the rail operator has issued an unexpected surcharge or applied a tariff that differs from what was agreed upon in the booking, the freight forwarder may need to dispute the charge and request a correction before the cargo can be released. However, since the finance or billing departments at the rail operator are not available overnight, the forwarder cannot resolve the discrepancy and secure a waiver until the next day.

Similarly, a forwarding agent may identify that customs paperwork is missing or contains inconsistencies. This could include forms such as a T1 transit document, an INF3 control document for goods entering under special procedures, or the MRN linked to a bonded consignment. Then the forwarder cannot proceed with clearance or onward movement until their customs representative corrects the records and resubmits them to the customs authorities the next day.

Nighttime Operation Restrictions

Some areas impose nighttime restrictions on train operations. This is to minimize noise pollution such as braking, coupling, and engine vibrations which have been linked to sleep disturbances, increased stress levels, and long-term cardiovascular risks. Areas with restrictions include densely populated residential zones where train noise would disrupt sleep for large numbers of residents and urban zones where lines run close to hospitals, convalescent centers, or schools with boarding facilities. Additionally, restrictions may apply in suburban areas near major terminals or junctions where freight activity is concentrated and therefore more disruptive at night. Tourist towns and heritage cities may also impose such measures as nighttime quiet is considered part of the local atmosphere or cultural identity.

With such restrictions, transit windows are compressed into daytime slots which narrows the range of available arrival and departure times. This means that freight trains must compete for limited terminal access with passenger services which are given scheduling priority. As a result, they may be assigned less-than-ideal time slots such as mid-morning or late-afternoon windows. For forwarders shipping to warehouses or distribution centers, this presents a challenge because these time slots fall outside standard intake hours. Most facilities concentrate their receiving operations in the early morning, typically between 6:00 am and 10:00 am, to allow sufficient time for same-day processing, sorting, and dispatch.

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Coordination of Time Slots

Forwarders throughout Europe often find it difficult to coordinate convenient time slots with rail operators. This is mainly because terminals prioritize passenger trains which are seen as essential services for commuters and long-distance travelers. Thus, freight trains are frequently scheduled during less optimal times such as late at night or early in the morning.

Communication of Train Status

Terminal operators may not provide timely information on train arrivals, departures, or delays to freight forwarders. The reason for this is the complex process involved in gathering and confirming data. For each train, information needs to be collected from various sources such as onboard sensors and GPS tracking systems as well as data from rail network control centers and dispatch units. Additionally, further information is collected from communication records from train crews, station logs confirming arrivals and departures, and terminal records documenting train movements. As this information must be verified and consolidated which takes time, it may reach forwarders delayed or outdated. This can complicate their ability to schedule timely pick-ups and deliveries effectively within the supply chain.

Slow Response to Operational Disruptions

When unexpected issues arise such as train breakdowns or congestion, terminal operators may not provide forwarders with solutions quickly enough. This is because multiple departments are involved in resolving the issue at hand. For instance, in the case of a breakdown, the maintenance team must review system logs, analyze onboard diagnostic data, and perform a physical inspection to diagnose the issue. Then, the operations department must assess this information to determine whether the train can be repaired quickly or alternative measures such as rescheduling, rerouting, or deploying a substitute train are necessary. Next, the scheduling team steps in to identify available time slots for a replacement service or to reschedule the affected train. Since each step must comply with safety protocols and regulatory guidelines, the process may further delay the implementation of a solution for forwarders.

Lack of Standardized Communication Channels

Inconsistent communication protocols between terminal operators and forwarders often complicate data exchange and coordination. Some terminals, for example, rely on proprietary software systems for internal workflow management which are not configured to provide direct access to external partners. As a result, information must be extracted from these systems and relayed through emails, phone calls, or manual data entry which can cause delays in communication.

Forwarders, meanwhile, often use transport management systems designed primarily for road freight operations, as their core business focuses on coordinating truck deliveries. These systems are built to optimize route planning, fleet tracking, and customer communication but may lack direct integration with rail terminal software. In such cases, forwarders must rely on manual updates from terminal staff which increases the risk of delays and miscommunication.

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Sharp Ascents

On steep inclines, the load on the locomotive’s driving wheels increases which can lead to wheel slippage. To prevent this, freight operators often use multiple locomotives, either placed at the front or distributed throughout the train as mid or rear helper engines. Yet, this arrangement requires the synchronized work of all locomotives in terms of speed, power output, and braking to prevent derailments.

The need to use multiple locomotives also impacts the volume of cargo that can be transported and reduces the ability to carry complete loads in Europe efficiently. Adding one locomotive which can range from 18 to 23 meters might replace one or two boxcars or flatcars that measure between 12 and 18 meters. Reducing the number of cars also impacts the shipment of certain cargo types. For instance, bulk commodities such as coal, ore, and grain are usually transported in large quantities which becomes challenging with a more limited capacity. This reduction in cars also restricts the ability to ship hazardous goods as these require careful spacing that cannot be met with fewer available cars.

Soil Variability

Mountainous terrains, molded by historical tectonic activity, display varied soil stiffness. In some regions, tectonic forces have pushed rock layers upward intact which has led to minimal soil development and harder soil conditions. In other areas where these forces have fractured rock layers, soil is more fragmented and mixed with organic material.  For trains traversing these mountainous regions where soil composition changes frequently, continuous speed adjustments are needed. This involves increasing speed when entering areas with harder, more stable ground, and reducing speed when passing through softer, more fragmented soil areas.

To address these challenges, engineers and train operators might rely on route planning and real-time operator judgment to adjust speeds based on known terrain variability along the track. This could involve manual adjustments or programmed responses based on historical data and terrain mapping. However, even with speed planning, it can be challenging to completely prevent the shifting of cargo. This can be an issue for more sensitive cargo such as heavy items and perishable agricultural products.

For heavy machinery, even when securely fastened, changes in speed and the accompanying vibrations can cause slight internal shifts in components. This can result in misalignment in machinery which relies on the precise alignment of its parts for proper functionality. With perishable agricultural products, repeated vibrations due to speed changes can lead to bruising, splitting, crushing, and other forms of damage.

High Altitude Impacts

At higher altitudes, the thinner air can cause less effective braking and increase the risk of accidents. Additionally, certain types of cargo might be sensitive to the pressure and humidity changes associated with high altitudes. These include, for example, chemicals that can degrade or react under pressure changes, perishable foods that may spoil due to temperature fluctuations, and aerosol products at risk of pressure-induced leakage.

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High Volumes of Traffic at Critical Junctures

At busy hubs, cargo trains vie for access to shared tracks with a range of other rail services. Passenger trains often receive priority because schedule deviations can cause missed connections, platform congestion, and overcrowding on subsequent trains. High-frequency commuter trains, which dominate peak hours with their stop-and-go patterns, further limit track availability. Additionally, express trains, which require minimal stoppages and seamless routing, often need dedicated tracks or priority access. All these leave little room for the extended dwell times cargo trains require for loading, unloading, and transfers, particularly when managing complete loads in Europe.

Maintenance Work and Infrastructure Failure

Maintenance work can lead to delays in cargo train operations. This work includes rail replacement, sleeper renewal, signaling upgrades to improve safety and scheduling, as well as bridge and tunnel inspections and updates to wiring and power systems. Furthermore, infrastructure issues such as switch and point failures, control center outages, derailments, and track subsidence can disrupt train schedules and cause delays.

Handling Challenges

Terminals often lack specialized equipment for handling certain types of cargo. Many of them are designed to prioritize high-volume, standardized cargo such as containers which can be loaded and unloaded easily and allow for better scheduling. Moreover, standardized cargo can be stacked vertically and arranged systematically which leads to more efficient use of storage space. Second, certain terminals choose to specialize in specific types of freight. This enables them to invest in targeted infrastructure and equipment which allows for more effective handling of these types than if they pursued a broader scope. Third, some terminals lack the physical space to expand and include specialized facilities. This is often the situation in densely populated and urban areas where terminals often find themselves surrounded by residential, commercial, or industrial developments which can restrict their capacity to expand to handle specialized cargo. Moreover, urban areas typically feature high real estate costs which can make any expansion economically prohibitive.

Complexity in Shipping Diverse Cargo

The distribution of diverse cargo types across railways requires various wagons to accommodate their transportation needs. For example, bulk cargos such as grains and coal are transported in hopper cars while liquid bulk like chemicals and petroleum require the use of tank cars. These wagons need specialized equipment for loading, unloading, and maintaining cargo. Tank cars might need pumps and hoses designed for chemical resistance and hopper cars could use conveyor systems or chutes for the rapid and controlled unloading of materials into storage silos or other processing areas.

Moreover, the use of specialized wagons often requires different maintenance approaches. Tank cars, for instance, might need pressure tests to identify weaknesses in the structure and thickness measurements to check for corrosion or erosion of tank walls. Similarly, hopper carriers may require inspections for wear from abrasive materials that can compromise safety. The need for both specialized handling equipment and maintenance demands considerable capital investment.

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Remote Routes

In remote stretches of rail track in countries like Latvia and Estonia, cellular coverage can be sporadic due to extensive forests and low population density, which do not justify the cost of developing telecommunication infrastructure. With weak cellular signals, onboard security officers may be unable to notify the train driver who could otherwise take preventive actions such as adjusting speed to reach the nearest station with police assistance, remotely securing or disabling access to certain freight cars, and announcing awareness of suspicious activities to deter further theft attempts. Similarly, onboard security officers may be unable to reach out to local police to ensure law enforcement is ready at the next station to apprehend suspects or investigate the scene. Moreover, these critical minutes lost give perpetrators additional time to cause damage and devise an escape plan such as changing their appearance by altering clothing, accessing unsecured train areas to hide, and spreading false information to create confusion onboard.

Security Standards

Varying security standards between countries and regions can complicate efforts to maintain uniform protection throughout a rail journey. For example, a GPS tracking system installed on freight cars might not be supported by communication networks in another region. Similarly, electronic cargo seals or locks used to secure containers might not be compatible with inspection equipment or security protocols at international borders. This can lead to manual inspections, thorough cargo examinations, and the need to replace devices with locally approved alternatives, all of which can result in delays and supply chain disruptions.

Rail Yards

Transshipment at rail yards is often where the risk for cargo theft peaks. This is because rail yards are busy environments with numerous employees, vehicles, and equipment in constant motion. This hustle can make it more challenging for security personal to monitor each visitor. Additionally, oversight is complicated by the regular appearance of new faces due to frequent shift changes and the presence of temporary workers or third-party contractors. This makes it harder for security staff to recognize who should or shouldn’t be there. Moreover, as workers often wear similar uniforms or safety gear like helmets and reflective vests, thieves can don comparable clothing to impersonate staff and blend in.

In addition to being busy environments, rail yards pose challenges for security staff with their many entry and exit points for large vehicles and equipment. Securing all these points thoroughly can be difficult because the sheer number of access points stretches security resources thin. Moreover, the continuous flow of large vehicles and equipment limits the feasibility of strict security protocols such as thorough inspections or prolonged gate closures.

Lastly, rail yards cover expansive areas with multiple blind spots and hiding places like inside open hatches of stationary locomotives, adjacent to parked maintenance-of-way vehicles, and within clusters of portable buildings used as temporary offices. These hiding spots can make it challenging for security personnel to monitor each area effectively.

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Operational Standards

Differences in operational standards can complicate rail logistics in Europe. These standards relate to maximum speeds, train lengths, and weights, as well as gauge systems. For example, Spanish trains use the Iberian gauge (1,668 mm) which differs from the European standard of 1,435 mm. When they enter France, as on the Perpignan-Barcelona line, they can utilize dual-gauge tracks that accommodate both standard and Iberian gauges. However, the availability of dual-system locomotives capable of operating on both gauges is limited. This is due to their greater complexity in construction and maintenance, as well as their higher cost.

Congestion in Transborder Corridors

Certain key rail corridors in Europe, essential for the supply chain, face high levels of congestion, primarily due to the shared use of tracks by passenger and freight trains. This is the case with the Rhine-Alpine corridor, one of the busiest freight routes in Europe that runs from the Netherlands through Germany to Italy. Cargo trains running along this corridor experience frequent delays during peak hours as high-speed passenger trains are prioritized over freight trains.

Infrastructure Limitations

Some parts of the European rail network suffer from outdated or insufficient infrastructure which limits the capacity and speed of freight services and disrupts goods distribution. For example, the single-track sections in areas of Northern Germany such as from Puttgarden to Lübeck and across the Fehmarnsund Bridge restrict the number of trains that can pass. This is because trains must wait in sidings for oncoming traffic to clear. Such sections cause delays that can impact cross-border travel along the rail route from Scandinavia to Central Europe, which includes Germany.

Weather-Related Disruptions

In regions that experience heavy, consistent snowfall during winter such as Finland and Poland, snow and ice can accumulate rapidly on railway tracks. This accumulation can impede the traction of train wheels and lead to reduced control and braking efficiency. Consequently, trains must operate at slower speeds which results in delays. Moreover, ice can freeze switches in a particular position which prevents them from functioning properly and disrupts the routing of trains across different tracks. This can cause further delays in train operations.

In a transborder context, where coordination between different national networks is essential, such disruptions can cause cascading delays across multiple countries. Moreover, the accumulation of snow and ice requires extensive maintenance efforts, including snow plowing and de-icing operations. These demand additional coordination between neighboring countries to ensure that cross-border sections of the rail network remain operational. If one country is less prepared or slower in clearing its tracks, it can become a weak link that affects the entire transborder rail corridor.

Additionally, delays can occur as customs and border control procedures become more complicated under adverse conditions. Delays can lead to the expiration of customs clearances, transit permits, and cargo manifests which can require reprocessing and cause further hold-ups.

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Dynamic Scheduling

Dynamic scheduling uses advanced data analytics and GPS tracking to continuously monitor trains on the network. If a train gets delayed, the system recognizes when and where the disruption happened. For example, if a train is delayed at a station by several minutes past its scheduled departure time, the system pinpoints the specific station and quantifies the delay. It then uses this information to assess which subsequent trains will be affected and to what extent. Based on this analysis, it may adjust their departure and arrival times, temporarily hold them at stations, reroute trains, or adjust their speed. These adjustments are made to prevent overcrowding at platforms and on tracks and to smooth traffic flow throughout the network.

Access to this real-time data, in turn, enables forwarders to adapt their loading, unloading, and transportation plans. This adaptability helps maintain the timely movement of goods, particularly in high-demand logistics environments.

Capacity Management

Capacity management involves optimizing the use of railway infrastructure. This means careful planning and analysis to ensure that both passenger and freight trains use the railway network efficiently. The goal is to balance train frequency, minimize congestion on the tracks, and use stations and platforms effectively.

In practice, capacity management might mean scheduling more passenger trains during peak hours while ensuring that freight trains run when the network is less crowded. During quieter periods, train frequencies can be reduced to avoid unnecessary strain on resources. This careful scheduling prevents overuse of certain track sections and platforms, which reduces the risk of delays.

For forwarders, efficient capacity management means having reliable and predictable train schedules which allows them to plan the movement of goods effectively.

Optimized Turnaround Processes

Improving the efficiency of train turnaround processes at terminals and stations can significantly reduce idle time. This includes faster boarding and disembarking processes, quicker cargo loading and unloading, and more efficient maintenance and cleaning operations. An excellent example of this is the case of London’s Heathrow Express, where streamlined turnaround processes allow trains to be swiftly prepared for their return journey.

Such improvements directly benefit European logistics operators, specifically by speeding up cargo loading and unloading at terminals and stations. As a result, they can expedite the movement of cargo and meet delivery deadlines more effectively.

Customization in Cargo Services

Technological advancements in train systems have brought about more customization in cargo services. Now, trains offer a variety of specialized cars for different types of goods, from open-top cars for irregularly shaped and oversized cargo to tank cars for liquids or gases. This level of specificity enables forwarders to match specific cargo types with the ideal transport conditions and ensures a higher standard of service.

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High-Speed Rail Network Expansion

The expansion of high-speed rail networks aims to connect major cities across Europe with faster and more efficient rail services. For instance, the Rail Baltica project is set to link Finland, the Baltic States, and Poland with a high-speed rail line. Similarly, the planned Lyon-Turin high-speed rail link will improve connections between France and Italy. For European logistics providers, such developments allow for rapid and reliable transportation, especially for time-sensitive deliveries like perishable goods, urgent medical supplies, and high-demand retail products.

Integration of European Rail Traffic Management System

The EU is actively integrating the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), a key development for unifying railway signaling across Europe. This technology aims to replace various national systems, which will allow trains to cross borders smoothly without technical adjustments. The deployment of ERTMS in the Rhine-Alpine corridor, which connects major EU economic regions, is one example. In this corridor, ERTMS standardizes signals and safety measures, including unified speed signaling and automated train protection notifications.

Electrifying Rail Lines

Upgrading and electrifying existing rail lines are key aspects of the EU’s rail infrastructure development. The electrification of the Dresden-Prague corridor, for example, moves away from diesel-powered trains and marks a shift toward sustainable transport. Similar electrification projects, like those in the Milan-Genoa and Barcelona-Madrid corridors, support environmental goals and enhance transport efficiency. For forwarders, these developments translate to more eco-friendly transport options, which enable them to meet sustainability targets.

Development of Urban and Regional Rail Services

Efforts are being made to enhance the capacity and frequency of urban and regional rail services. The Crossrail project in London, for example, introduces new train lines, while the Grand Paris Express in France adds new lines and stations to the existing metro system. Such developments reduce urban traffic congestion and provide forwarders with smoother access through less crowded city routes. Furthermore, the expansion of urban rail networks creates opportunities for integrated logistics solutions where goods are transferred from long-distance trains to local storage and distribution networks.

Enhancing EU Freight Corridors

The enhancement of dedicated freight corridors is important for improving rail cargo transport efficiency in the EU. Projects like the Fehmarn Belt Fixed Link between Denmark and Germany will transform rail freight in Northern Europe. Such developments not only shorten transit times but increase cargo volume capacity. Another example is the Brenner Base Tunnel between Italy and Austria, which offers a direct route for heavier and longer trains. This project enhances rail efficiency across the Alps and provides forwarders with more efficient cross-regional transport options.

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Extreme Weather Events

One of the most immediate and visible threats to rail operations is extreme weather events. Ranging from severe storms to prolonged heat waves, these events can damage tracks, signalling systems, and other vital components. For instance, heavy rains can cause landslides blocking routes while extreme cold can freeze track switches and make brake systems less responsive. This can lead to safety concerns, potential delays, and disruptions in rail freight forwarding schedules.

Temperature Fluctuations

Temperature fluctuations, both sudden and gradual, can affect rail operations. On the one hand, sudden temperature drops can affect the mechanical performance of trains, leading to breakdowns. On the other, gradual increases in average temperatures can cause tracks to warp or buckle. Forwarders, in turn, might face inconsistent schedules, with the added cost of maintenance and repair becoming an inevitable overhead.

Infrastructure Failures

Rail freight operations are heavily reliant on the robustness and reliability of infrastructure. From bridges aging and becoming unsafe to tunnels suffering collapses or blockages, these failures have the potential to disrupt rail operations, with cascading effects on the entire logistics network.

In 2017, a significant infrastructural failure highlighted these vulnerabilities. The Rastatt Tunnel incident in Germany, due to a tunnel collapse near the Rastatt construction site, caused a significant disruption in the Rhine-Alpine Corridor. This closure persisted for several weeks and caused the rerouting of rail freight. The resulting delays and increased costs significantly affected forwarders, and they had to exert extra effort to identify alternate transport methods and routes.

Environmental Degradation

Environmental degradation, such as deforestation and depletion of wetlands, can leave rail infrastructure vulnerable to damage. Without natural protective barriers, rail lines become more susceptible to flooding, landslides, and storm damage.

For forwarders, degradation translates into a heightened risk of disruptions. Routes may become impassable, which can force costly detours, delay shipments, and even disrupt supply chains. This can lead to increased costs, as forwarders may need to invest in additional infrastructure resilience measures or insurance to mitigate these risks.

Resource Scarcity

Resource scarcity, particularly for essential materials like steel and ballast, is increasingly challenging rail freight forwarding. This is due to a combination of factors, including overuse of natural resources, environmental policies that limit extraction, and a global demand that often surpasses the sustainable supply. These issues are compounded by supply chain disruptions in the industries that produce critical materials. Behind these disruptions are factors like mining restrictions, production bottlenecks, and competition for raw materials.

Such material shortages lead to delays in maintenance and derail infrastructure projects, which in turn throw rail freight schedules off course. This unpredictability compels forwarders to turn to alternative and often more expensive forms of transportation.

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