Shipping cargo by rail on universal platforms

A universal railway platform is a type of freight railway rolling stock that, unlike specialized railway platforms, is designed for the transportation of a wide range of cargo. According to railway classification, a platform is considered an open wagon.

What and where can be transported on a universal railway platform is transported in covered wagons

On railway universal platforms, the following can be transported:

• Long-length cargo.
• Automotive and special equipment.
• Containers.
• Various equipment.
• Any cargo that does not require protection from rain, snow, and sun.

The geography of transportation on universal platforms covers a large part of the Eurasian continent. Europe, Belarus, China, the Caucasus and Transcaucasia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, all these regions are connected by railways. Accordingly, the delivery of cargo between railway stations in these regions on universal platforms is possible. With the use of special railway ferries, the transportation of cargo on platforms by sea is also possible.

Design and characteristics of universal railway platforms and their specifications

Universal platforms differ from other types of railway platforms by the presence of metal sides. The sides are located around the entire perimeter of the platform. Both side and end sides can be folded down. If wheeled equipment that moves under its own power is loaded onto the train, the folded end sides can serve as crossing bridges. Then the first vehicle drives onto the last platform and moves towards the front of the train. Gradually, the entire train is filled this way.

The frame of the universal platform is robust, welded from steel. Universal platforms have a floor covered with wooden or wooden-metal decking. The universal platform allows for the transportation of cargo that is either distributed across its entire surface or concentrated. Concentrated cargo is placed in the center of the platform.

Universal platforms have a carrying capacity of up to 72 tons, with a tare weight of up to 24 tons.

Calculation of the cost of transportation on universal platforms by rail

If you order a one-time rail transportation, its cost will depend on the specific modification of the universal platform, the mass and dimensional characteristics of the transported cargo, and the distance of transportation. If the cargo crosses state borders, transit customs duties will also need to be considered. The cost of one-time rail transportation can be reduced by renting a universal platform for a long period. This is exactly what companies that regularly transport cargo on such platforms by rail should do.