TX Logistik with NiKRASA 3.0 for Handling Non-Cranable Trailers

TX Logistik AG (Mercitalia Group) has now introduced the third generation of its handling system NiKRASA. The system, which allows non-cranable semi-trailers to be easily loaded onto the rail, has been further improved and successfully tested in rail and terminal operations in advance.

(Troisdorf) The newly designed version 3.0 of the NiKRASA handling system from TX Logistik AG no longer requires a terminal ramp, is stackable, and has been optimized for the rail transport of mega trailers.

TX Logistik included the route in the timetable at the beginning of 2021. It connects the terminal in Cologne-North with the terminal in Interporto Bologna. The route runs over the Gotthard axis, which was completed in 2020. Since then, semi-trailers with a corner height of four meters can also be transported intermodally by rail through Switzerland.

Increased Demand on the Gotthard Route

The transition to the P400 profile has significantly increased the demand for services in combined transport on the Gotthard route. TX Logistik is responding to this development with the additional service. All services – from marketing transport capacities to traction – are fully managed by the rail logistics company belonging to the Mercitalia Group (Gruppo FS Italiane) with its subsidiaries TX Logistik Switzerland and TX Logistik Transalpine.

Modern multi-system locomotives, staffed with drivers from TX Logistik, are used. Up to 34 loading units fit on one train. In addition to semi-trailers, mega trailers, swap bodies, and containers are also transported. They are loaded in Cologne and Bologna daily except on Sundays.

Contribution to Traffic Shift

With the higher train frequency on the Cologne – Bologna route, TX Logistik makes another contribution to traffic shift and climate protection. Compared to transport by truck, rail transport saves about 23,000 tons of CO₂ per year with six round trips a week.

Photo: © TX Logistik