EXPERT OPINIONS
Rail transport as support for waste transport
Specialist in waste logistics, carrier cooperation and hybrid transport
Radosław Strzyżewski
"Good logistics is the art of planning and trust" is the motto that drives Radoslaw in his daily work. He knows very well that in the waste transport business it is not only efficiency that counts, but also the reliability of business partners.
Waste transport plays a key role in waste management, affecting the environment and logistical efficiency. In recent years, there has been growing interest in integrating rail and road transport to optimise waste transport. This approach not only reduces CO₂ emissions, but also relieves pressure on road infrastructure.
Rail and road transport - comparing solutions for a waste haulage company
Road transport dominates waste transport due to its flexibility and ability to handle short distances and door-to-door deliveries. However, it has its disadvantages, such as high emissions, road congestion and restrictions on transporting large volumes of waste.
Rail transport in turn is characterised by greater efficiency over long distances. It also makes it possible to transport large volumes of freight and lower CO₂ emissions per tonne-kilometre. Indeed, rail transport generates approximately 75% less CO₂ emissions per tonne-kilometre than road transport. According to data from the European Environment Agency (EEA) Rail freight transport accounts for only 0.5% of greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector in the European Union. By comparison, road transport generates as much as 71.7% of total transport emissions.
Transport by rail for a company transporting waste in Austria - regulations
As we wrote in May last year, Austria has introduced strict regulations aimed at increasing the share of rail in waste transport. From 1 January 2023, selected waste weighing more than 10 tonnes must be transported by rail. Alternatively, another means of transport with equivalent or lower emission potential may be used. Initially, this obligation applied to transports of more than 300 km on Austrian territory. However, this limit was lowered to 200 km from 1 January 2024. From 1 January 2026, on the other hand, it will be reduced again, this time to 100 km.
An exception to crossing by rail is when the sum of the distance of waste delivery to the loading rail terminal and collection from the unloading rail terminal, travelled by road vehicles, is 25% or more compared to the length of the route by pure road transport in Austria. In such cases, the obligation to transport by rail is not required.
Examples of rail to road support in other countries
In Germany, there is a well-developed network of intermodal terminals that enable efficient transhipment between road and rail transport. This makes it possible to effectively combine the advantages of both modes of transport, leading to a reduction in costs and emissions.
Similar initiatives are observed in Switzerland. The country has for years been pursuing a transport policy aimed at shifting freight from road to rail. A key element of this strategy is the introduction of high tolls for trucks and investment in rail infrastructure. Revenues from road tolls are used to fund rail projects such as the construction of tunnels under the Alps. Thanks to these measures, around two thirds of goods crossing the Alps are transported by rail.
In addition, Switzerland has invested heavily in the development of rail infrastructure, including the construction of the Lötschberg and Gotthard tunnels, which has made it possible to increase the share of rail in freight transport. As a result, around 72.5% of freight traffic across the Alps now runs on rail.
Benefits of integrating rail and road transport
- Rail generates significantly fewer emissions per tonne-kilometre compared to road transport.
- Shifting some transport to rail relieves congestion on the road infrastructure, reducing traffic jams and improving safety.
- Over long distances, rail transport can be more cost-effective, especially when transporting large volumes of waste.
- Compliance with regulations such as those introduced in Austria can protect companies from sanctions and improve their environmental image.
Challenges and recommendations
The integration of rail and road transport requires investment in transhipment infrastructure and coordination between different logistics operators. Companies should analyse their supply chains to identify opportunities for optimisation through the use of rail transport, especially over long distances. Cooperation with local authorities and rail operators can facilitate the implementation of efficient intermodal solutions.
Summary
Rail transport for the waste haulage company provides a valuable support to road transport in waste transportation, offering environmental and economic advantages. Examples from Austria and other European countries show that appropriate regulation and investment in infrastructure can effectively promote the use of rail in waste logistics. Companies operating in the waste management industry should consider integrating both modes of transport in their operations. All to meet today's environmental and logistical challenges.