Innovative freight wagons in single wagon load transport: Potentials and impacts on improvement of competitiveness

The climate objectives necessitate a modal shift of freight transport from road to rail, with single wagon load (SWL) transport playing a critical role due to its direct competition with truck transport. This paper investigates the impact of innovative freight wagon concepts on enhancing the competitiveness of SWL transport. Interviews with professionals from the SWL sector were conducted using a qualitative single-case study approach. The findings reveal that retrofitting conventional freight wagons with innovative designs can significantly influence operational processes, including wagon disposition planning, turnaround times, and other key performance metrics. These improvements are likely to boost the competitiveness of SWL transport, contributing to an increased share of rail in the modal split. This study adds to the literature on SWL transport by offering a focused analysis of how innovative freight solutions can address the sector's operational challenges. Furthermore, it provides practical insights for managers, emphasising the importance of adopting innovative wagon technologies to optimise efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen the market position of SWL transport in the evolving freight sector.