Rail Scout Wizard, an online resource mapping all scheduled intermodal rail freight services going to and from The Netherlands, is set to benefit freight movers across Europe. The comprehensive web-based application uses Google Maps and also covers the key border areas including Duisburg (Germany) and Antwerp (Belgium).

It is a product of the existing railcargo.nl portal, which is widely recognised as the main online information centre for rail freight transport in The Netherlands, and is widely used by shippers and logistics providers across the continent and beyond.

Parameters

RailScout.nl takes the concept further however, enabling potential clients to search for services using specific parameters, including type of client, type of cargo, weight, loading and unloading locations, and whether a block train or wagonload service is required. Clients can also look for a door-to-door solution, potentially beneficial because many intermodal operators only offer terminal-to-terminal services, and do not have intermodal loading units (ILUs).

Cor Hoenders, Director of the Information Rail Cargo resource, said while there were currently several route finders offering information about single intermodal connections, the Rail Scout Wizard was different as it offered customized solutions, including door-to-door solutions and conventional transport.

Customised

Pieter-Dirk Roeleveld, Communication Coordinator at Rail Cargo, added: “We have found in practice that various parties are interested in rail freight, but often do not know in which area they should be. For this reason we have developed the Rail Scout Wizard.”