TX Logistik Equips All Trains with Rear-view Cameras from Railway Metrics and Dynamics

TX Logistik, one of the largest freight railway companies in Europe, which belongs to Mercitalia Logistics (FS Italiane Group) is outfitting all trains in Sweden with rear-view cameras from Railway Metrics and Dynamics (RMD) to enhance the safety and efficiency of its freight transports.

TX Logistik operates 21 round trips every week, equivalent to 42 freight trains, on the routes between Malmö–Eskilstuna and Malmö-Trelleborg-Eskilstuna. Last year, they transported 57,000 truck trailers, alleviating the burden on Swedish roads. Additionally, they are set to commence freight transports on the Gothenburg–Eskilstuna–Umeå route next week.

Longstanding Collaboration

The collaboration between TX Logistik and Railway Metrics and Dynamics dates back many years. In Sweden, freight wagons have been equipped with RMD’s Performance Monitoring Units (PMUs), which monitor movement patterns and acceleration in real-time. The data is then analyzed using AI and Machine Learning, mapping not only the status of locomotives and wagons but also the interaction between trains and infrastructure.

For TX Logistik, it’s also valuable that the PMUs register and log shocks during careless loading or overloading. After a brief initial test, 112 units were ordered, and today all freight wagons operated by TX Logistik in Sweden are equipped with PMUs.

Rear-view Cameras an Obvious Choice

TX Logistik was at the forefront in Sweden by installing rear-view cameras on its locomotives early on. Even on the upcoming route, the locomotive will be outfitted with a cameras, maintaining their commitment to safety. Currently, TX Logistik has ordered a total of seven rear-view cameras.

– The collaboration works well. We’ve tested the rear-view camera in tough conditions, rain, ice, and snow, and our suggestions for improvements have been very well received, says Mats Abrahamsson, Head of Operations, Regional Production Scandinavia.

The camera works well, and it has great value when, like us, you’re reversing trains at a combi terminal. If the cameras help avoid just one incident, they’ve paid for themselves.

 

– Mats Abrahamsson

Equipped with a rear-view camera from RMD, train drivers gain an additional layer of support when needed, akin to having an extra set of eyes. Utilizing a dashboard interface, real-time monitoring of train reversals is facilitated from any location.

– The ability to watch a train being reversed in Kiruna from our offices in Skåne turned out to be more than just a fun feature. It can provide the driver with some extra reassurance, if needed, says Mats Abrahamsson.

– At TX Logistik, we prioritize readiness, and the camera undoubtedly offers benefits for our operations. Moreover, should the Swedish Work Environment Authority impose restrictions on riding footplates for directional visibility during reversing, we have already implemented necessary adjustments, Mats concludes.

About TX Logistik:
TX Logistik was founded in 1999 as a private rail transport company and maintains an efficient European network with connections in eleven countries. The company has subsidiaries in  Switzerland, Austria, Denmark, and Sweden as well as local office in Italy. In its Intermodal and  Rail Freight divisions, TX Logistik develops comprehensive rail solutions for continental and maritime traffic as well as tailor-made concepts for conventional freight. Since January 2017, TX Logistik has been wholly owned by Mercitalia Logistics  S.p.A., a subsidiary of Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane.