Axle load and axle pressure
In contrast to road transport where the axle pressure is around 10 tons, this is much higher in rail freight transport to up to 22.5 tons per axle. A rule of thumb is: Western Europe 22.5 tons of axle pressure (D). Eastern Europe 20 tons axle pressure (C). When a country allows 22.5 tons of axle pressure, the wagon must also be suitable for 22.5 tons of axle pressure to transport this tonnage.
For extra heavy loads, the ton-meter weight is also looked at. However, this only plays a role when the ton-meter weight exceeds 6.4t per meter (at C and D countries), which is exceptional.
Axle Pressure Table
| Axle pressure | A | B | C | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tons per meter | 16t | 18t | 20t | 22,5t | |
| 1 | 5,0 t/m | A1 | B1 | ||
| 2 | 6,4 t/m | B2 | C2 | D2 | |
| 3 | 7,2 t/m | C3 | D3 | ||
| 4 | 8,0 t/m | C4 | D4 |
Overhead contact voltage
The photo above shows the loading grid of a Kettle wagon that can be loaded within D countries with a maximum of 68.4 tons. The S indicates how much the wagon can load at 100 km / h (most common), SS indicates the same at 120 km / h. (in this case it says 120 here). De wagon kan laden 68.4 ton + 21.6 ton tarra = 90 ton totaal = 22.5t per axle (4-axle wagon) = D-regiem. Whether a certain tonnage per track is allowed is determined by the wagon and the track section. The track section with the lowest letter coding is decisive for the entire process.
If a track section does not allow the desired weight or ton/meter weight, a request for extraordinary transport must be submitted to ProRail. The application can often be honored by applying a speed limit on a specific route.
Gabarite
The gauge in conventional rail freight transport is not directly relevant to the customer. In principle, the rail operator or operator provides the correct wagon for certain cargo or container. However, this gauge must be monitored for swap bodies and trailers. A four-meter trailer will only be allowed to drive on a track section where it is so-called. P-400 profile applies. The restrictions are often imposed by old works of art still present on and in the track. Think of tunnels and viaducts. In England in particular, there are major deviations in this tunnel regime. A 45ft PW HC (HighCube) container needs extra low wagons in England.
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