24. September 2025, 08:19 o'Clock
Article: Expert view episode 2
Special transport by rail: everyday life with excess lengthA field report by Tim Janotta
Between cliché and reality
"Rail is not at all suitable for special transport."I have heard this statement myself - and not from a layman who is not familiar with the subject, but in a conversation with an experienced freight forwarder. A sentence that symbolises many common assumptions about rail freight transport. Because the reality is often quite different.
I have been working for the railway for over 15 years. I learnt the profession of train driver from the ground up and have been able to take on numerous roles and perspectives during this time: From shunting attendant to train formation dispatcher to line and international locomotive driver. I am particularly fascinated by transport operations that are out of the norm. Huge components, high tonnages, extreme dimensions - and yet: they run. Day after day. Even on the railway.
Large format, clear solution: 30-metre pipes in a freight train
30 metre pipes (Ø 1.20 m) ...
One transport that particularly sticks in my mind involved several extra-long pipes - each one 30 metres long, with a diameter of 1.20 metres and weighing 27 tonnes. On the road, such a transport would have been a complex project with extensive authorisation requirements: escort vehicles, night driving bans, route permits and a special low-loader would have been necessary.
...on a flat wagon (Rbns).
We moved this load by rail - with comparatively little effort. The pipes were loaded onto a regular Rbns wagon. To compensate for the overhang at the ends of the wagon, so-called protective wagons were placed in front of and behind the load. This meant that the freight could be easily incorporated into a scheduled freight train - without any special authorisation or restrictions in terms of time of day. This shows that The railway is capable of handling even unusual dimensions - efficiently, safely and in accordance with regulations.
Gable roof trusses made of concrete in a pack of four, extending over two Samms wagons.
Concrete binders in a four-pack: direct to the construction site
Another example is the transport of concrete gable roof trusses for a warehouse. These were delivered directly from the factory to the construction site by rail - without an indirect route by road. The construction was carried out with swivelling transport securing devices that extended over two Samms wagons. Four trusses were loaded per unit - safe, stable and without any major additional logistical effort.
The fact that such transport by rail is not only technically possible, but also economically viable, is demonstrated in comparison with conventional handling by lorry. Fewer permits, lower risks in urban or long-distance transport and a significant overall reduction in planning costs speak for themselves.
One heavyweight among many: Crankcase weighing 95 tonnes
Crankcase of a marine engine on a Samms type bogie flat wagon.
Another case involved the transport of a crankcase for a ship's engine - 95 tonnes in total weight. A component of this size quickly becomes a large and heavy load task on the road, with all the familiar challenges. By rail, on the other hand, it was a coordinated but routine matter - thanks to existing Samms bogie flat wagons, technical safety concepts and well-established processes.
The railway is ready - you just have to use it
What all these examples show: The railway can do more than it is often given credit for. Special transport is not an exceptional case, but part of everyday logistics - if the infrastructure and knowledge are used correctly. Of course, there are also limits, regulations and challenges in rail transport. But in many cases, the more practical solution lies on the tracks - not on the road.Especially in times of decarbonisation of transport, sustainability goals and increasing regulation on the roads, it is time to raise awareness of rail as a solution. It offers capacity, safety and, in many cases, surprising flexibility.
It's worth taking a look behind the scenes
This "Expert insight" series aims to show exactly that: what works in everyday life, how transport is organised and why practical experience ultimately makes the difference. We at invite you to join us in taking a realistic look at the possibilities of rail freight transport - beyond prejudices and old patterns.
Train driver Tim Janotta
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