China to build 127 key special rail lines 
China will plan and construct 127 key special railway lines by 2020. These lines, with a total length of 1,586 km, are expected to reduce the number of short shuttle trips, boost traffic efficiency and improve economic and social benefits, according to the Chinese development... more
New network member boosts London capacity
Palletforce has secured further capacity and services in London after recruiting one of the capital’s longest-serving distribution companies to its UK-wide network. Acclaim Pallet Express (APEX) has joined the network in a move which allows Palletforce to continue to invest in... more
New connection between Norway and Italy
In cooperation with Kombiverkehr, the Norwegian Color Line has introduced a weekly direct railfreight link between the Norwegenkai in Kiel (Germany) and Verona in Italy. The train leaves Verona on the Thursday and arrives in Kiel on the Saturday. At the Norwegenkai there is... more
Operail starts freight transport in Finland
The Estonian rail freight carrier Operail has launched a subsidiary in Finland and is investing EUR 50 million to begin freight services on Finnish railways. The expansion in Finland is part of the company’s long-term strategy. According to Operail, it is vital for the... more
TIR system expands in Gulf region
Saudi Arabia is in the final stages of operationalising the TIR system. By implementing TIR, the country becomes an important connecting hub for three continents – Europe, Africa and Asia – and will join a globally applicable customs transit and guarantee system with 76 member... more
Bolstering the fleet with new timber flat cars
Russian rail car manufacturer United Wagon Company (UWC) will supply Arkhbum with 15 timber flat cars. Arkhbum is a major operator in the railway services market. A contract was recently signed by the two companies. As a result of the deal, the total number of UWC-produced... more
Inland shipping: Often too shallow 
Everybody wants to shift more goods to inland barges, but many plans are coming along rather slowly. The mode is struggling with low water levels and declining dry bulk cargo volumes. There is some cause for optimism in the Benelux region, however. more
CCTT vice chairman honoured
At the last plenary session of the CCTT (coordinating council on Trans-Siberian transportation) in Kazakhstan, InterRail-president Hans Reinhard stepped down as the CCTT vice chairman for personal reasons. RZD-president Oleg Belozyorov honoured Reinhard with a diploma for his... more
Adding 100 LNG-/CNG-tractors to fleet in France
XPO Logistics has made a significant new investment in sustainability with the purchase of 100 Stralis Natural Power Euro VI tractors from Iveco. The new tractors will be assigned to the company’s less-than-truckload network in France, serving customers in the greater Lyon and... more
New transloader at rail hub in Texas
R. J. Corman Railroad Switching Company in the USA was awarded the contract to be the switching and transloading provider for the 550,000 ssqm multi-modal logistics park in Hempstead (TX) owned by McAlister Assets and operated by RCR Rail. The hub is served by class I... more