Rail Freight Forward

Rail Freight Forward is a coalition of European rail freight companies that are committed to drastically reduce the negative impact of freight transport on the planet and mobility, through innovation and a more intelligent transport mix. UIC Freight acts as the overall coordinator of the RFF program and related technical projects.

The RFF coalition is unified and driven by a common vision to make rail freight the green and multimodal, logistical backbone for all people in Europe. To achieve this, we aim for a modal shift striving for a 30% modal share of rail freight by 2030. The “30 by 2030” vision is being realized by the harmonization of existing processes and the implementation of technological game-changers, which include:

Digital Platform (DP-RAIL) – one consolidated data system for all countries and companies that allows for seamless international transport and creates new more competitive rail freight products for customers.
Digital Capacity Management (DCM) – internationally standardized capacity planning that enables instant and fully digitalized freight booking, which is flexible in meeting market requirements.
Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC) – automating train assembly by replacing manually operated coupling with a stronger standardized digital solution, allowing for faster, longer and heavier freight trains.
European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) – granting consistent digital infrastructure and train systems throughout Europe, thus facilitating the implementation of one borderless railway network.
Autonomous Train Operation (ATO) – supervised or fully automated train steering and pacing on mainlines, terminals and shipyards, making operations easier and allowing for more trains and thus higher freight loads to be transported.