Break the barriers
in single wagonload.
Transport of single wagons or wagon groups are often complex, fragmented, and difficult to make profitable. Each operator runs its own network, while matching supply and demand still relies on slow, manual coordination via calls, emails, and spreadsheets. Transparency into available train capacity is limited driving up costs through underutilized trains and avoidable detours. As a result, trains are underutilized, detours and empty runs increase costs, and many potential wagonload shipments never materialize. Without improved transparency and cross-operator collaboration, single wagonload risks losing relevance and volumes over time.
The Rail Capacity Broker addresses these challenges by enabling coordinated wagonload planning across company borders. Operators publish available capacity such as routes, schedules, free length and weight, and restrictions, while shippers submit transport needs in a structured way. The RCB algorithm matches supply and demand across networks, creating a virtual wagonload network that supports joint traffic concepts and coordinated offers. Feasibility checks cover first- and last-mile connections and handover points, reducing coordination effort and speeding up decisions. The result is higher train utilization, new rail options for smaller flows, and improved economic efficiency for all participants.
Simply Matching wagenload demand and supply.
Discover the benefits of digital wagonload brokerage
Optimize your single wagonload traffics with the Rail Capacity Broker.
1.
Clear overview of transport options by rail
Gain fast and structured access to available wagonload capacity across multiple rail networks.
2.
New wagonload options for smaller flows
Create new single wagonload options by connecting individual trains and networks into end-to-end solutions.
3.
Faster and more reliable planning decisions
Reduce manual coordination and accelerate decision-making through automated matching of demand and supply.
4.
Improved collaboration in traffic concept creation
Enable structured, cross-operator collaboration when developing traffic concepts and offers.
5.
Higher train utilization and improved profitability
Increase utilization by filling free length and weight.
How does the RCB work?
Setup & Capacity Publishing
Providers publish their transport capacities and keep them up to date. This creates a transparent overview of available capacity.
Search the available network
Shippers or Railway Undertakings submit a transport request with the key requirements.
Matching
The platform matches transport requests with already available or potential capacities. Also, incomplete options are identified and the request becomes visible to suitable providers.
Planning & Quotation
Based on the match, the transport is planned in detail. Providers issue an offer, and shippers review and confirm it.
Execution
The transport is executed and commercially closed. (Not yet part of the RCB platform)
Key Features
Publish your rail services and make them discoverable for customers and partners.
Unified view of routes, schedules, free length, and free weight across multiple operators.
Algorithmic matching of transport requests considering dwell times, shunting requirements, transit times, and operational constraints.
Combination of services from different providers to create feasible end-to-end wagonload connections, including proposals to close network gaps.
Create, submit, and receive concrete transport requests in a standardized workflow.
Centralized communication to reduce back-and-forth during traffic concept development and offer creation.
Built-in search functionality with full transparency on past requests and matching results.
Integrated workflow from matched request to contract, supported by Rail-Flow’s Purchase and Tender Management.
Rail Capacity Broker
The RCB project aims to build a neutral matchmaking platform for wagonload transport, enabling market participants to transparently share capacity and efficiently match demand across operators.
Providers publish available train capacity, while requesters submit transport needs. The RCB algorithm combines networks and calculates feasible transport options considering shunting, dwell/transit times, and constraints – supporting coordinated offers and concept creation. The result is higher utilization, fewer empty runs, and new rail options for smaller volumes, forming a virtual wagonload network
Project partners
Fraunhofer IML, Captrain, Rail-Flow
Funded by
Federal Ministry of Transport
Duration
December 15, 2024 – June 14, 2027
- Short‑term matching of available wagonload capacity across different network providers.
- Higher train utilization and lower costs by filling free length/weight.
- Efficient collaboration and traffic concept creation with potential partners.
