Parcel / Logistics
no rail slots available? abracadabra!
Dynamic Coupling revolutionizes urban and inter-city parcel transport by making it more efficient and cost-effective. Traditional parcel trains consume track time and are given low priority, resulting in expensive and infrequent services.
Directrains technology allows parcel trains to piggyback onto scheduled passenger or freight trains, coupling and decoupling at speed without occupying track time. This enables parcels to travel seamlessly across the network.
Dedicated parcel trains can be regular trains or smaller battery-powered EMUs, which can recharge while coupled and run independently afterward.
One such EMU can replace 10 to 15 delivery trucks, significantly reducing energy consumption, CO2 emissions, and costs. By removing trucks from the road, this solution alleviates traffic congestion, boosts productivity, and reduces indirect carbon emissions.
the Technology
how it works
coupling on the fly to existing running train
A parcel train with our wagon can couple to scheduled trains, piggybacking efficiently along existing rail lines.
Decoupling before changing routes
Large parcel trains can split on the move to serve multiple city stops and rejoin seamlessly on return.
Unload/reload
parcels
Our plug-and-play wagon attaches to any train without software or regulatory changes – any two trains can couple.
the Technology
Optimized Parcel Delivery
Directtrains optimizes parcel delivery by enabling trains to couple and decouple on-the-fly with existing scheduled trains, without occupying additional track time. This allows parcel wagons to seamlessly piggyback onto passenger or freight trains, maximizing efficiency and reducing delays.
By integrating into the existing rail network, dynamic coupling technology significantly reduces operational costs, such as fuel and labor expenses, while eliminating the need for costly infrastructure upgrades.
In addition to cutting emissions and improving delivery speed, the system provides a financially sustainable alternative to traditional road-based delivery, driving long-term savings and profitability for operators.
Media coverage
DIRECTRAINS, an emerging rail technology company specialising in aerospace inspired solutions for the transportation sector, has successfully completed its inaugural field test of the Dynamic Coupling (DC) system.
This achievement represents a critical advancement in the development of dynamic train operations and forms the foundation for a broader rollout – initially targeting freight services and ultimately extending to passenger rail.