Eurowagon Equips Rail Cars with IoT Solution from Nexxiot

Eurowagon, the largest freight wagon rental company in Poland, and Nexxiot, a pioneer in the digitalization of the logistics industry and a global leader in cargo IoT solutions, are further expanding their collaboration. This time, the focus of the cooperation is on safety in combined transport (CT). Thanks to the IoT solution, Eurowagon can monitor the status of intermodally deployed semi-trailers on pocket wagons.

(Zurich/Warsaw) The entire pocket wagon fleet of Eurowagon is to be equipped with the Kingpin Monitor developed by Nexxiot, which is unique in the market. This set of sensors digitally monitors the correct loading of semi-trailers onto pocket wagons. The use of this unique technology sets new safety standards and increases the level of automation in Eurowagon’s logistics processes. Additionally, the company can offer its customers new safety-oriented digital products and services.

Safety plays a central role in rail transport, as passengers and goods should arrive safely at their destination. Especially in combined transport (CT), which involves transporting truck semi-trailers on rail, safety is of utmost priority. The Kingpin sensor from Nexxiot sets a new digital safety standard in CT. This innovation comes at a time when CT plays a central role in shaping a sustainable transport transition and relieving road infrastructure.

Latest Technology Increases Safety and Accelerates Loading Processes

The Polish freight wagon rental company Eurowagon, based in Warsaw and Poznań, has grown rapidly since its founding in 2018. The company’s success is largely based on the integration and consistent use of the latest technologies, as well as mastering challenges in the transport business. With the equipment of its entire pocket wagon fleet with Kingpin sensors by the end of 2021, Eurowagon is once again placing the use of innovative digital solutions at the center of its development strategy.

Marek Gołębiewski, Technical Director at Eurowagon: “Digitalization is not an abstract vision of the future for us. We are convinced that the use of the latest technologies gives us a competitive advantage and allows us to offer our customers data-driven services that they cannot find anywhere else.” He adds: “By using the latest IoT sensors, such as the Kingpin Monitor from Nexxiot, we show our customers that value creation is of special importance to us. We do not hesitate to introduce new digital solutions when we are convinced of their benefits. With the latest development from Nexxiot, we can accelerate loading processes and make this process significantly safer at the same time.”

Revolutionary Technology for Combined Transport

The name “Kingpin Monitor” derives from the so-called kingpins, which must be precisely positioned during the loading of semi-trailers onto pocket wagons, as they secure the entire truck trailer. The loading process requires the utmost care from terminal staff, as they must manually check the final position of the locking mechanism and the correct position of the kingpin in the funnel of the support block. The Kingpin Monitor revolutionizes this process by offering the ability to digitally verify the correct placement of the trailer and monitor it throughout the entire transport with unique IoT sensors. Eurowagon, which places the highest priority on transport safety, has already installed the first sets. The equipment of the remaining fleet is also in full swing to ensure maximum trust, reliability, and process control soon.

Stefan Kalmund, CEO of Nexxiot, says: “Eurowagon is considered a technological pioneer in the industry and utilizes the latest and most advanced digital IoT solutions available in rail transport. With the Kingpin Monitor, they are now taking the monitoring of loading processes into their own hands and becoming somewhat independent from third parties who usually supervise loadings. Moreover, they significantly optimize this process: they not only save time and money by maximizing utilization but also greatly increase the safety level.”

Improving Transparency for All Parties Involved

Kalmund is convinced that a successful freight transport transition requires a strong combined transport. “Transporting goods by rail is more climate-friendly and reduces CO₂ emissions by about two-thirds, including pre- and post-haulage to and from the transshipment terminal. We developed the Kingpin Monitor to improve safety and transparency for terminal workers, customers, partners, shippers, and carriers using IoT technology, thus making CT more attractive for all parties involved.”

In developing sustainable concepts, but especially in digital transformation, Eurowagon and Nexxiot meet on equal footing. “Eurowagon, just like us at Nexxiot, relies on the power of innovation and its pioneering role in rail transport. This makes collaboration between our companies very straightforward. We are aware of the great benefits of data-driven value creation and both invest today in the technologies of tomorrow to simplify processes and develop new standards for the entire industry,” says Kalmund.

Photo: © Nexxiot