Ermewa's brand-new railcar dedicated to palletised goods sets the standard
Better operations and management, faster and easier loading and unloading, more payload capacity per train – the newly designed flat-covered railcar from Ermewa is a game changer in the transport of palletised goods by rail.
Remote-controlled railcar opening – fast and reliable handling
A significant new feature in the design of this railcar is the fixation of the tarpaulin on a central bar along its length, rather than on transverse arches as previously. This design change allows the tarpaulin to be opened fully automatically on one side only or on both sides and remotely controlled via an application on a tablet/smartphone. Where previously two people were needed to push the tarpaulin manually, the new railcar requires only one remote action from the forklift (several wagons can be selected at the same time). This means that the railcar can be loaded and unloaded more quickly and more easily, and with greater safety.
The power for the automatic tarpaulin opening is supplied by an axle generator with a buffer battery, sufficient for 50 opening and closing operations. Another plus is the polymer-reinforced tarpaulin, which provides reliable protection against vandalism and intrusion, to secure and preserve goods
More loading capacity
Ermewa is working on the design of two types of railcars.
One of them is a short-coupled two-axle railcar for transporting lightweight pallets with an objective of 27 tons for the tare weight, for 56 pallets. The two platforms of the railcar are connected by a drawbar that shortens the distance between them and thus increases the loading capacity.
For the transport of heavy pallets, such as electric batteries, a version with a classic platform bogie will be available with an objective of 25 tons for the tare weight, for 46 pallets.
Powerful solution, customised design
The new concept of the railcar has been developed in close cooperation with our customers. The high-performance design, such as lightweight and eco-designed modular chassis, is the result of an intensive exchange with logisticians and employees at the ramp as well as in the logistics centres and warehouses on site – the experts for daily transport requirements.
Optimising Logistics
This brand-new railcar represents a significant leap forward in freight transportation technology, offering unparalleled advancements in logistics, goods management, and maintenance. It will be equipped with state-of-the-art IoT devices that transmit crucial information to customers, enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of freight operations. For example, customers will access detailed information on loading and unloading activities, usage history, alarm status, and wagon positions. This wealth of data allows for better decision-making and streamlined logistics management, ensuring that goods are transported safely and efficiently.
In addition to its data transmission capabilities, the wagon will boast complete energy autonomy for managing its on-board systems. It features an on-board energy production and storage system that powers essential components such as the tarpaulin and IoT equipment. This self-sufficiency ensures that the wagon remains operational without the need for external power sources, further enhancing its reliability and reducing operational costs.
A prototype will be available for testing in the second half of next year, with series production planned for mid-2027.
Peter Reinshagen, Managing Director of Ermewa: “The future belongs to CO2-free logistics chains – not least in the growing groupage market. Our new railcar dedicated to transport palletised goods is Ermewa’s answer to this challenge. As a high-performance solution, it sets new standards and creates the conditions for competitive offers in pallet transport by rail. In combination with e-trucks for the first and last mile, this will result in consistently climate-neutral transport.”
