Modern logistics has undergone drastic changes due to the introduction of containerization. Fitting platforms for container transportation have become one of the key elements that have ensured increased efficiency and versatility of transportation. Their appearance has become a real breakthrough in the field of rail freight transportation, making it possible to simplify, accelerate and reduce the cost of moving a wide variety of goods both domestically and internationally.
Evolution of approaches to cargo transportation
Prior to the widespread introduction of containers and platforms for their transportation, logistics faced a number of difficulties: the need for repeated reloading of goods, a high risk of cargo damage, and low efficiency in using rolling stock. These problems were especially acute in multimodal transportation, where different types of transport were used — automobile, sea, railway.
Containerization changed everything: cargo could now be loaded once into a standard container and moved along the entire logistics chain without repacking. However, for efficient transportation of containers by rail, a special platform was required that could provide fast loading, reliable fixation and compatibility with standards.
What is a fitting platform and how does it work?
A fitting platform is a specialized railway wagon without a body, equipped with special locking joints (fittings) that allow containers of various sizes to be quickly and securely fixed: 20, 40 and 45 feet. They are versatile, as they are suitable for transporting both single and double containers, depending on the platform model.
The main advantage of such platforms is the high speed of loading and unloading, the ability to work with reloading mechanisms, as well as ease of operation. This significantly reduces the downtime of wagons, increases the turnover of rolling stock and makes it possible to use the railway infrastructure more efficiently.
Impact on the industry
With the advent of fitting platforms, logistics has become more predictable and scalable. Among the key changes:
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The share of multimodal transportation is growing. The container, transported by land and sea without overloading, has become the backbone of global supply chains.
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Simplification of logistics. Shippers no longer need to decide how to pack goods for a specific wagon — the container is suitable for almost any type of cargo.
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Reduction of losses. Containers reliably protect the contents from precipitation, theft and mechanical damage.
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Increased efficiency of logistics
