How can intermodal operators embrace semitrailers?

摘要

Containers are the defining success story of freight transport over the last six decades. They can be stacked, carried anywhere by any mode of transport, refrigerated and even used for housing. Yet intermodal providers, especially in Europe, are facing a new challenge because of the increasing number of lorry semitrailers. About 95% of semitrailers cannot be lifted on to a railway wagon which means they have to be either adapted, adding to the weight and cost, or loaded horizontally, which requires specialist equipment, again adding to costs.