When we talk about intermodal shipments, it’s not just about trucks and planes. Trains have long been the backbone of cargo transport, especially for bulk goods and cold chain products.
With industrial IoT solutions making headway into logistics, train operators worldwide are now exploring how they can use communications technology to increase efficiency, ensure safety, and reduce costs.
The Role of Trains in Bulk Cargo and Cold Chain
Trains are ideal for bulk cargo, including products like coal, grains, and chemicals, and also for the cold chain, transporting perishable goods such as food and pharmaceuticals. Shipping by rail offers several advantages, particularly for large volumes and long-distance transport.
In the case of bulk cargo, trains can move vast quantities efficiently across both continents and countries, without the traffic jams or delays that plague road transportation. This makes it a critical component for industries relying on steady supplies of raw materials.
When it comes to cold chain logistics, trains are used to transport perishable goods under temperature-controlled conditions. This is crucial in industries like pharmaceuticals and fresh produce, where maintaining the correct temperature is essential for product quality and safety.
The long haul nature of rail is especially beneficial in this regard, as it provides a consistent and reliable transport option for large shipments that may require hours or even days to reach their destination.
A Comparison of Rail Operators: US, Europe, and China
When comparing rail logistics operators in the US, Europe, and other parts of the world, there are some stark differences. In the United States, rail operators like Union Pacific and BNSF dominate the freight landscape, handling bulk shipments like coal, chemicals, and agricultural products across vast distances. These operators are increasingly incorporating IoT sensors to track the conditions of these goods during transport.
For example, Union Pacific is already using GPS tracking and environmental sensors to ensure that the shipment’s condition is monitored throughout the journey, giving operators the ability to react quickly to any temperature fluctuations or delays.
In Europe, operators like DB Schenker (Germany) and SNCF Logistics (France) are leading the way in intermodal transport, where rail is integrated with other forms of transport like road and sea. Europe’s rail network is more expansive and geared toward smaller shipments and more frequent services, offering faster options for delivering goods across borders. As a result, European train logistics often feature more IoT connectivity, particularly with the integration of rail systems to smart cities and logistics hubs.
Asia-Pacific has also seen tremendous growth in rail logistics, particularly in China, where the Belt and Road Initiative has driven investments in cross-border rail connections. IoT solutions, such as RFID and temperature sensors, are becoming more common to ensure shipments are not only secure but that their condition is consistently monitored.
The future of rail transport
What we are seeing is a reinvigoration of rail transport, both in the establishment of more globalized logistics models and parallel improvements in communication networks.
The high speed train and high speed logistics market requires IoT solutions, as the level of data needed grows exponentially. Running operational control centers for train networks relies on rugged sensor technologies. Major vendors have already invested in the tools.
Public awareness is low due to the fact that rail logistics is essentially a business to business and regional government sector, meaning it does not prioritize media exposure for profits to roll.
