TRAINMILE uses swap bodies and containers on the Atlantic Corridor to offer you efficient and sustainable logistical solutions.
Known as the Atlantic Corridor, this strategic route links four countries and numerous European cities, from Lisbon in Portugal to Mannheim in Germany.
We have worked hard to adapt to transport needs and offer innovative solutions to ensure an efficient and sustainable service for the transport of goods, as a logistics operator committed to the development of this important route.
In this sense, using swap bodies and containers is an ideal alternative to semi-trailers on the Atlantic Corridor. Moreover, although this option was initially imposed by the adjustment of the gauge on the route, the advantages it offers have made it a strategic choice for many logistics operators.
Why are swap bodies and containers an ideal alternative to the use of semi-trailers?
The advantages of swap bodies and containers
Increase your loading capacity in the same cubic space.
One of the main advantages is the ability to transport more cargo in the same available cubic space. Specifically, with a swap body/container, you can transport up to 1,390 kg more goods in intermodal transport (GVM 44 tonnes) than in road transport with a semi-trailer. In the same way, up to 600 kg more goods can be transported in intermodal transport (GVM 44 tonnes) compared to transport in a mega trailer. For the transport of fresh goods, up to 470 kg more goods can be transported in an intermodal refrigerated container (GVM 44 tonnes) than in a refrigerated semi-trailer.
Save costs and increase profitability.
Another aspect is the lower investment in fleet maintenance. This is because the combina-on of swap body and container chassis (around €5,000) is cheaper to maintain than a semi-trailer (around €6,800) (from 2022). This leads to higher profitability in the transport and logistics business.
In addition, the separate elements of the swap body and container chassis allow greater flexibility when transporting goods. Changing the swap body, e.g. to adapt to different types of goods, does not affect the other element and enables quick and efficient adaptation to specific customer requirements.
Greater efficiency
Transport in swap bodies and containers is more efficient than in semi-trailers on the railways because less body weight is transported. Specifically, a swap body weighs 3,900 kg, while a semi-trailer weighs 5,490 kg. The use of swap bodies and containers therefore saves energy and reduces emissions of pollutants.
Lower rail transport costs, more competitive service prices.
The use of swap bodies and containers implies the use of standard wagons, which are easier to obtain and cheaper than the wagons used to transport semi-trailers, which have to be special, such as the so-called pocket wagon. If our costs are lower, this will be reflected in the price of your service.
Transport safety, especially for sensitive loads such as perishable goods.
A recent study on the energy consumption of refrigerated containers (reefers) in rail transport demonstrated the feasibility of refrigerated transport by rail. The results of the study indicate that it is technically and operationally feasible to transport temperature sensitive products by rail using conventional means. Click here for more details on this study by the German Research Centre for Rail Transport (DZSF)
Get personal advice on swap body and container options at TRAINMILE.
You already know the benefits of swap bodies and containers. At TRAINMILE, we understand the importance of tailoring our service to your specific needs. That’s why we offer advice on the wide range of swap body and container op-ons, their dimensions and specific characteristics.
To get to know our intermodal transport units, such as containers and swap bodies, visit the sectors in which TRAINMILE operates.
Find out about our Terminal to Terminal Railway Solution for carriers and our Door to Door Railway Solution for shippers.
If you’re already familiar with our services, it’s time to tell us about your logistics needs. We’ll get back to you within 24 hours.
