TX Logistik successfully completed two trials of an 838 meter long freight train in Sweden.
The rail logistics company operated the fully loaded train on a 500 kilometer route between Malmö and Frövi to transport food from Swedish retail chain Coop. TX Logistik, Coop and the Swedish transport administration, Trafikverket, successfully collaborated to plan and implement the two trials on May 8 and 9, 2022.
TX Logistik has been transporting goods for Coop between Bro and Malmö in Sweden since 2012
© Kasper Dudzik
Currently, only trains with a maximum length of 630 meters are allowed to run on most routes in Sweden. TX Logistics hopes to demonstrate the potential of using longer trains to move more freight by rail, which would help shift freight from road to rail.
“An extension to 838 meters would significantly increase transport capacities and thus make rail freight transport even more efficient and attractive for shippers.”
The use of longer trains could also contribute to a sustainable and productive freight network by combining high load capacity with high speed. The test train was driven by a four-axle locomotive, carrying 48 semi-trailers at speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour, which is faster than comparable tests in other countries.
Coop has been transporting goods by rail since 2009 and hopes to continue moving more goods from road to rail. TX Logistik therefore plans to conduct further tests on the operation of longer trains across Sweden.
“Today, 30% of our transport is provided by rail. That is why we have participated in this future project and hope to be able to extend our trains in the near future.
