DB Cargo and VTG Receive Approval for the Modular Freight Car

A new type of freight car will ensure more cargo on environmentally friendly railways. DB Cargo and VTG have developed the modular m² car (pronounced: “m-squared”) in a research partnership and have now received the green light for series production. The car makes rail freight transport significantly more economical and flexible – and it has the potential to become the new backbone of large fleets in the industry.

(Mainz/Hamburg) Finally, a single freight car can be quickly converted and reconfigured in length, purpose, and structure for various types of cargo. Until now, the approval of a car was tied to a specific type of cargo and could not be changed afterwards.

Conventional freight cars have received a “lifetime” purpose upon approval. With the newly developed m² cars, this restriction is eliminated. They can be adapted to different goods. This is made possible by a modular design. Removable containers and structures can vary in length as well. For example, a car designed for large logs can, if necessary, also transport moisture-sensitive pulp and paper rolls due to the modular system. The car for brand new steel coils from the steel mill can also operate as scrap, allowing for climate-friendly and very economical circular transports.

Conversion takes a maximum of one day

The changeover takes a maximum of one day, depending on the application scenario, sometimes even just minutes. Some time ago, the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) gave the green light for the project and granted DB Cargo approval for the single-car capable vehicle. Since then, DB Cargo has been pushing forward with the market launch and will rely on the innovative freight car system for new and replacement acquisitions. This could also save resources in the fleet in the long term: Currently, DB Cargo alone holds around 63,000 freight cars in Germany.

The multifunctional and modular freight car was developed in a research partnership between DB Cargo and the wagon rental and rail logistics company VTG.

The approval is a real milestone

“The approval of a freight car as a complete and flexible system is a real milestone. Our customers benefit the most from this – and in the end, so does the climate. Because we can put more goods on the rails faster and better utilize our trains. The first cars are currently in customer trials – and we are pleased with the overwhelmingly positive feedback,” says Pierre Timmermans, Chief Sales Officer at DB Cargo.

Sven Wellbrock, Chief Operating Officer Europe & Chief Safety Officer of VTG AG, says: “The m² modular system precisely addresses the individual needs of the shipping industry. Together with digitalization, modularization in rail freight transport opens up new worlds and increases the availability of the fleet for customers. This significantly enhances the attractiveness of rail transport.”

Pre-series of 50 freight cars

Supported by the federal program “Future Rail Freight Transport,” DB Cargo is currently gradually introducing a pre-series of 50 freight cars for different types of goods into the market. For this purpose, DB Cargo has brought in customers and cooperation partners who have been shaping the freight cars of the future from the beginning while keeping the specific requirements of their industries in mind. DB Cargo is already using the new freight car systems in initial customer transports.

Depending on the intended use, the cars can be configured with a loading length of around 10 to over 22 meters. The selection of components such as bogies, wheelsets, or brakes (block or disc brakes) is also variable. This allows the cars to be adapted according to customer needs, such as weight, mileage, or cost.

Photo: © DB Cargo