Rail transport may not be as visible as transport by barge or truck, but it is an essential link in European container logistics. Through innovative software solutions, Modality supports the processes of dedicated rail terminals, intermodal container terminals with rail connections and rail freight agents.
This article gives you a current overview of our solutions for container transport by rail. See at a glance which solutions Modality offers – from order processing to terminal optimisation – and learn how our software can make your processes more efficient.
Target groups that we support with our rail software
For container transport by rail, our software focuses on three main groups:
- Multimodal terminals – terminals that combine rail with road and barge.
- Rail terminals – dedicated rail terminals that handle trains from multiple rail operators.
- Rail freight agents – logistics service providers that organise container transport by rail via different operators.
We do not provide systems for rail operators that operate their own trains and manage their own personnel scheduling. Instead, we focus entirely on the parties responsible for the transport, planning and administrative handling of container transport.
Our core functionalities for rail-based container transport
The Modality system supports activities throughout the entire logistics process: from order entry to planning and invoicing. The system includes the following core functionalities that apply to every customer group:
- Order processing
- Recording of wagon data
- Recording of wagon types
- Recording of wagon sets
- Recording of train trips
- Assigning booked containers to train trips
- Detailed planning of containers on the wagons
- Invoicing for transport, handling and storage
- Operational and financial documentation and reporting
This foundation is at the heart of our rail software and can be expanded with advanced modules tailored to fit specific customer needs if desired.
Rail software for terminals and rail freight agents
Additional functionalities per customer group
- Multimodal terminals
Multimodal terminals with a rail connection combine rail transport with road transport and, in some cases, maritime transport. For these hubs, coordination between modes of transport is key. Among other things, our software supports:
- Planning of containers on rail trips and, if applicable, integration with barge and truck planning.
- EDI interfaces for direct communication with seaports and terminals.
- Synchronisation of arrival and departure times across modes of transport.
- Rail terminals
Dedicated rail terminals that handle trains from multiple rail operators benefit from advanced operational optimisation. Our software provides:
- Tools to optimise loading, unloading and storage processes.
- “Optimiser” functions for crane operators: guidance on loading/unloading sequences and assigned stack positions.
- OCR applications at rail and truck gates for fast, error-free registration.
- EDI pre-notification portals for drivers, allowing for mostly automated gate handling.
- EDI interfaces with visiting rail operators for the fastest possible access to the loading and unloading data of trains.
- Registration of the “Zapfenstellung” (pin positions) of incoming wagons, enabling maximum loading efficiency.
- Rail freight agents
Rail freight agents organise container transport by rail through various operators. Flexibility and quick adaptability are crucial for them. Our software provides:
- Integration of current train schedules into the system.
- Easy implementation of changes when adjusting the train connections used within the European rail network.
- Clear, consolidated order and capacity planning across multiple operators.
- Ability to work with TEU commitments on trains.
Connections and interfaces
Our rail software is designed to connect seamlessly with the systems of terminals, rail operators and other logistics partners. Thanks to a wide range of EDI, API and equipment interfaces, the exchange of data takes place fully automated, minimising the risk of errors and speeding up processes.
Examples of commonly used interfaces:
Deepsea ports and seaport terminals
- Rotterdam Portbase HCN Train / Train Composition
- Rotterdam RSC
- Antwerp DP World/PSA
Rail operators
- Kombiverkehr
- Hupac
- Deutsche Bahn
- Rurtalbahn
- BoxXpress
Terminal equipment & operational systems
- Interfaces with container cranes for automatic positioning.
- OCR gate systems at entrances to both incoming and outgoing trains
- EDI pre-notification portals for visiting trucks.
These interfaces deliver real-time status updates, faster planning and smoother operational processes. Whether it’s the automatic reading of discharge lists, predicting arrival times or automatically transmitting loading and unloading statuses: our interfaces make it possible.
Would you like to learn more about our software solutions for container transport by rail? Our page on rail transport features an overview of all system features. Of course, you can also contact our sales department with any questions you may have.
