Secure and safe eco-friendly transport solutions to promote intermodal freight transport
The EU-funded TELLISYS (Intelligent transport system for innovative intermodal freight transport) project set out to optimise the performance of intermodal logistic chains and to contribute to a more efficient European transport. Project partners developed a set of products (three MegaSwapBoxes) designed to provide a variety of loading units based on customer requirements. They also defined, designed and built additional components, namely a super low deck tractor and the suitable trailer. All components were designed with price, maintenance, handling and compatibility with current equipment in mind. Changes to the components can be easily applied to accommodate specific user requirements. The final inner height, side wall materials, loading capabilities or adjustments in handling components can be customised for specific cargo or transport scenarios. The MegaSwapBoxes combine the advantages of solutions such as containers, swap bodies and mega trailers in order to maximise performance concerning flexibility, cargo volume and security. It is the first loading unit that is able to transport efficiently up to 100 m3 by road, rail and water. Tests show that the transport system can save 10 % fuel on long haul routes compared to current long haul systems. A life cycle assessment demonstrated an increase in the environmental efficiency by up to 25 % compared to existing road transport technologies. TELLISYS opens new market opportunities for intermodal transport in Europe and abroad meeting the EU's demand for more energy-efficient, low-emission logistics networks and integrating the intermodal transport within the logistic supply chain of manufacturers.
Keywords
Intermodal freight transport, TELLISYS, MegaSwapBoxes, loading units
