A stronger commitment is needed for better co-operation between wagon owners, rail operators and infrastructure managers to ensure the maintenance and safety of all rail freight vehicles, says the International Union of Wagon Keepers (UIP).

With digitalisation and ‘intelligent communications’ playing an increasingly key role in ensuring the effective movement of goods across Europe and the world, the UIP says freight wagon keepers are at the heart of market demand and are reliant on new technologies for helping them improve their assets and make them more attractive to potential customers.

‘Challenges remain’

In calling for better voluntary co-operation between all stakeholders, the organisation says it is ‘very much aware’ that challenges remain due to complex authorisation discussions over data access rights, a lack of standards for data quality and formats, and fears over losing information related to rail traffic patterns.

It has put forward several recommendations: implementation of a flexible decision-making structure to keep a mandatory data catalogue; an obligation by all stakeholders to exchange operational information; promoting an open dialogue on the need for operational data; and regular reviews of data to benefit the future needs of a developing industry landscape.