Rail Logistics Research Articles

Logistical ways to export grain under martial law

The full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation has caused problems for the agricultural sector: many lands have ended up in the temporarily occupied territories, and some remain mined or have become unusable. The constant shelling has caused problems not only with growing produce but also with its export. The leading logistics sea channel was not working at total capacity. It became necessary to look for alternative options for the delivery of goods. The article aims to analyze the possibilities of using alternative logistics routes for exporting Ukrainian grain under martial law. The study used the following methods: analysis, synthesis, generalization, specification, statistical and graphical. The dynamics of grain exports in physical and value terms were analyzed throughout the study. The problems of supplying agricultural products in times of war are presented. Alternative logistics routes for grain exports are identified. The importance of the Black Sea Grain Agreement is analyzed. Trends in the use of river transport are considered. The possibility of using the railway route is assessed. The problems of cargo delivery by road are considered. The study shows that the most efficient way to export grain is by sea. Therefore, it is essential to ensure its functioning by maximizing its capabilities and assistance of foreign partners, including cargo insurance, without considering blackmail by the Russian Federation. To solve the problems encountered in grain exports, expanding river logistics capabilities by creating additional transport routes through the EU is necessary. Further active use of road transport is possible only if an agreement is reached to resume Ukrainian grain exports to certain EU countries and problems at checkpoints are resolved. In rail logistics, tariffs for services need to be revised. Keywords: logistics, exports, grain, logistics routes, Black Sea Grain Agreement, sea transport, river transport, land routes

RAIL TRANSPORT IN E-COMMERCE: AN OVERVIEW OF THE OPPORTUNITIES

The e-commerce market is constantly growing and attracting new entrants, but some developing trends are controversial.
 The study presents the results of a comparative analysis of logistics development strategies in the e-commerce market in the Russian Federation and the Republic of Indonesia. The analysis shows that while technological solutions are more general and they can be disseminated as best practices, the structure of transportation depends on local characteristics. 
 In Russia rail transport has an important place in the overall transport volume, but in order to be integrated into the e-commerce market, railway companies have to change their existing logistics significantly. This study presents an analysis of strategic documents, examining the prospects for Russian Railways to enter the e-commerce market and the challenges encountered along the way. Rail logistics is a rather conservative industry but nowadays it ready to embrace new technologies, cloud-based solutions and services, such as track and wagon sensors, intelligent video analytics and so on. In Indonesia, as an island nation, rail transport is not that important. The country faces the challenge of developing land transportation by different modes of transport.
 The article not only identifies general trends in the use of logistic instruments for small-scale shipments but reveals possible obstacles and ways to improve logistics. Some recommendations are made, as E-commerce logistics systems seek improved communication, transparency in the supply chain, improved customer satisfaction, distribution and logistics optimization, cost reduction, improvement in efficiency and on-time delivery. The land transportation industry is crucial for the growth of national connectivity and contributes significantly to national development.

Evaluation of a rail logistics transmission system for the transportation of blood components within a medical centre.

Rail logistics transmission systems (RLTSs) are commonly used for the transportation of blood samples, pathological specimens and other medical materials in many hospitals, as they are rapid, secure, cost-effective and intelligent. However, few studies have evaluated blood component transportation from blood banks to the patient care areas of hospitals using RLTS. In this study, we evaluate the RLTS used for the transportation of blood components within a medical centre. The dispatch of blood components, including packed red blood cells (pRBCs), fresh frozen plasma (FFP), cryoprecipitate and platelet units, from a blood bank to critical care areas or general wards was done using RLTS. Parameters such as the delivery time, temperature, physical integrity and blood component quality were evaluated via analytical testing using specimens obtained before and after transportation by RLTS. The turnaround time and temperature of all tested blood units via RLTS transportation were able to meet the clinical demands of blood component delivery (median time: 323 s [118-668 s]; temperature variation: 4.5-8.9°C for pRBCs and FFP and 21.5-23.5°C for cryoprecipitate and platelet units). Furthermore, parameters of pRBC quality, including the haemolysis index and potassium and lactate dehydrogenase levels in plasma, were not significantly different before and after transportation through RLTS. Similarly, RLTS transportation affected neither the basic coagulation test results in FFP and cryoprecipitate specimens nor platelet aggregation and activation markers in apheresis platelet specimens. Hospital-wide delivery of blood components via RLTS seems to be safe, reliable and cost-effective and does not have any negative impact on blood quality. Therefore, the establishment of standard criteria, protocols and guidelines based on further studies is needed.

Rigorous environmental and energy life cycle assessment of blast furnace pig iron in Brazil: The role of carbon and iron sources, and co-product utilization

Iron and steel are valuable commodities worldwide. Pig iron is produced mainly by blast furnaces, being the primary raw material used in steel manufacturing. The ironmaking sector is intensive in energy use and greenhouse gas emission; however, detailed information on further environmental impacts concerning the blend of material sources and co-product utilization as well as a rigorous application of the life cycle assessment (LCA) method are scarce. This study aimed to assess the environmental and energy performance of the production of 1.0 t of pig iron from cradle-to-gate via LCA. Global warming potential (GWP), renewable and non-renewable cumulative energy demand (CEDR and CEDNR), fossil resource scarcity (FRS), mineral resource scarcity (MRS), blue water footprint (WF), and land use (LU) were assessed in five scenarios in the Brazilian context, being S0: the baseline scenario with coke as a carbon source; S1: partial utilization of by-/co-products (top gas and slag), representing the current industry practice; S2: carbon and iron input blends proportional to the current industry practice; S3: current industry mix (S1 and S2 combined); and S4: ex-ante (forecast) scenario with an enhanced blend of inputs and maximum utilization of co-products. Results show that, when evaluated against an unrefined but realistic fossil-based state of the technology (S0), the existing practice in co-product utilization (S1) provided more gains in terms of GWP, CEDNR, FRS, and MRS (11 % on average) than the current iron and carbon input blends (S2, 9 % on average) if compared side-by-side. The current industry mix (S3) showed further improvement in environmental and energy performance (22 % on average) compared with the baseline scenario (S0), while the forecasted scenario (S4) indicated additional gains, reducing GWP by 47 % (down to ~1 t CO2 eq), CEDNR by 69 %, FRS by 70 %, MRS by 12 %, and WF by 5 %. The GWP, CEDNR, and FRS presented the greatest improvements with a significant statistical difference, and using charcoal as a carbon source was key in that regard, despite the great increase in CEDR (3× for biomass) and LU (2×) indicators suggesting that a robust sustainable wood supply chain will be decisive for the sector strategy. The sensitivity analysis (SA) and benchmarking of the ex-ante scenario (S4) showed notable competitiveness of such pig iron in the global market, especially for carbon and energy footprints, reaching 0.69 t CO2 eq t−1 pig iron and 4.6 GJNR t−1 pig iron from 100 % sustainable charcoal and including rail logistics (SAiv), which are from 2× to 5× smaller than those of any conventional blast furnace pig iron reported in the consulted literature.

Research on Partner Selection of High-Speed Railway Dynamic Logistics Alliance Based on the Dynamic Programming Model

Traditional railway transportation can no longer meet people’s demand for logistics services. This paper takes advantage of high speed to propose a high-speed railway dynamic logistics alliance based on a cloud platform to make up for the lack of transport capacity at both ends of the high-speed railway logistics trunk line. Selecting partners is crucial to the high-speed rail logistics alliance. This paper uses the methods of multiobjective fuzzy optimization and dynamic programming to conduct multistage optimization of high-speed railway dynamic logistics alliance partners. When the market demand changes, in order to optimize the overall interests of the alliance, this paper uses the efficiency profit field method to achieve the dynamic selection of alliance partners or potential partners. The case study shows that the establishment of the high-speed railway dynamic logistics alliance can optimize the interests of the members of the alliance, verify the effectiveness of the method, and provide a reference for the better development of high-speed railway logistics.

Improving the supply chain management of China’s rail logistics system

The main purpose of the study is to propose possible ways of improving the supply chain management of China’s railway logistics system as part of the ongoing “One Belt One Road” initiative. Based on a multi-aspect analysis of scientific sources, the impact of the “One Belt One Road” initiative on the railway logistics system of China is justified. The author’s forecast results of rail freight transportation for the period 2022-2030 are given. It was revealed that the digital transformation of supply chain management is the main tool for improving the efficiency of China’s railway logistics system. Within the framework of scientific novelty, a range of basic elements of digital transformation and digital solutions are indicated that can be included in each of the areas of railway transport management. The prospects for the development of supply chain management of China’s railway logistics system in the view of “One Belt, One Road” initiative are identified and the corresponding innovative digital tools in the field of logistics are justified. It is concluded that the use of the latest digital technologies by rail carriers contributes to high performance and maintaining a competitive position in the logistics market, which is an integral part of the transition to sustainable rail freight transport.

HR MANAGEMENT OF TNCs (on the basis of SC Kuehne+Nagel)

The article analyzes the work of personnel departments in international companies. It is noted that the human resources department in the 21st century reached the international level, although even at the end of the 20th century it was mostly local and local in nature. The reason for this was globalization.
 The Human Resources (HR) department has evolved from a mere administrative function to a more professional, consultative and strategic partner. Previously, HR was primarily responsible for managing employee records, benefits and payroll functions, as well as other operational tasks. Today, the primary responsibility of the HR department is to ensure that employees are motivated and committed to their work and responsibilities, as well as committed to the vision, mission and goals of their organization. And this role is becoming more difficult for HR in multinational corporations (hereinafter TNCs). TNCs have a positive qualitative impact on wages and working conditions, the formation of new skills and knowledge in host countries.
 The company that became the subject of our work also belongs to the definition of TNC. The human resource function plays an important strategic role in the success of the organization and its further growth. Kuehne+Nagel is an international forwarding company that is a world leader in the logistics services market and occupies the first places in sea logistics, air logistics, contract logistics, international road logistics and rail logistics. Using her example, in this article we will examine the development of HR activity in the company, analyze its weaknesses and strengths, and provide recommendations for further improvement of the company's work.

Multiagent-based simulation of rail logistics services in Le Havre Port: multimodal platform vs. innovative modular rail service

Multiagent-based simulation of rail logistics services in Le Havre Port: multimodal platform vs. innovative modular rail service

Research on Innovative Design of Urban Domestic Garbage Treatment System Based on Intelligent Logistics

This paper aims to solve the problems of low operation efficiency of the traditional urban garbage sorting and recycling logistics network and worrying about the sanitation environment based on social construction. It will be connected to the front end, and the model innovation will be carried out with the collection and transportation logistics of the key link of garbage classification in the end recycling process. The method adopted is to establish a complete system, using differential centrifugal and pneumatic power transportation methods to act on garbage classification and pipeline transportation, formulate standardized collection and transportation procedures, and implement block-based independent management on a community basis. Based on the above methods, the one-stop service of residents' domestic waste collection, classification, recycling, compression, packaging, and transportation is completed, solving the problem of urban waste and finally forming the result of constructing an intelligent process of garbage collection, transportation and classification. This paper uses the domestic waste rail logistics system innovation to provide smarter processing ideas for future communities and create a better living environment for residents. It has a positive effect on implementing urban organic construction, promoting industrial upgrading and economic development.

Innovations to improve rail freight efficiency : considerations for emerging economies

Given the overtime decline in rail freight volumes in emerging economies, this review explores key measurable innovations, in rail freight transportation that have improved rail logistics efficiency in developed countries. A systematic approach was used in this review to select and extract data from published journal articles. Journal articles included were only those that showed and reported impact of key innovations on various rail freight efficiency outcomes. There are 4 (four) innovation clusters namely; i.) investment; ii.) operational management; iii.) policy and or regulatory framework; and iv.) technology and automation. These clusters were reported to have a positive impact on rail freight efficiency measures including transport costs, routing, rolling stock rotation and real-time dispatching, customer satisfaction, rail freight infrastructure and improved railway safety. This article highlights that opportunities exist to implement various innovations in emerging countries. However, the success of these innovations, in improving rail freight efficiency, is dependent on context and evidence-driven assessments of the challenges related to rail freight operational efficiency in the different emerging economies. Additionally, governmental commitment to implementation of sound policies and strong collaboration with various stakeholders, including the private sector, is required to successfully implement innovations and improve rail freight efficiency.

The Concept of Railway Transport in the Czech Republic

The contribution focuses on the position of rail logistics in the transport market in the Czech Republic. In the context of the drive for an even division of transport work between modes, a survey has been carried out on the development of rail transport since 2010. Based on correlation and regression analysis, predictions for future development have been established concerning to transport flows of goods on import or export by rail. These predictions are very important in the feasibility studies of track reconstruction. The lack of capacity of the main corridors should be addressed in the light of the development and need for capacity enhancement of individual lines, rather than the current estimates of the transport companies, which do not have information on their future contracts.

The Validation process of a new MSc Programme in Rail Freight and Logistics

The objective of this paper is to describe the Validation process of a new MSc Programme in railway transport and logistics which has been designed within the RiFLE project. RiFLE stands for Rail Freight and Logistics Curriculum Development and is funded by the Erasmus programme of the European Commission. The innovative idea of RiFLE is that the courses developed will run in the participating institutions, and they will be compatible to allow the students to attend some of their modules in the other universities. Moreover the possibility of a joint programme and degree is currently under evaluation. In particular RiFLE developed 26 rail freight and logistics Subjects combined in four Curricula, each of them corresponds to the perspective of a student entering the Programme from one of the four participating Institutions. The Validation process of the four Curricula has been carried out against both the European Educational Standards for Mscs and Industry requirements, implementing a stepwise methodology. Validation against Standards has been performed developing an extensive overview of the existing educational standards for Master programmes in Europe and the guidelines on how to meet them. Validation against Industry requirements has been achieved through a Workshop, during which over 30 external experts of Academic Institutions and Companies active in the Rail and Logistic sectors expressed their judgment on the RiFLE Programme and gave suggestions for improvements. Keywords: Rail Freight and Logistics; Higher Education; Innovation; Survey; State of the Art.

Towards a systematic analytical framework of resource interfaces

In this paper, we posit that current Industrial Marketing and Purchasing literature on resource interaction and resource interfaces is hampered by fragmentation and conceptual imprecision, hindering scholars to build systematically on each other's works. To rectify this, a systematic analytical framework acknowledging the empirical variation of resource interfaces along a coherent conceptualization of resources and resource interfaces is suggested to enable further scholarly development. A case study focusing on a central product and the network surrounding the product is used to illustrate the analytical framework. We employ the analytical framework to show how interaction through resource interfaces of a European rail logistics network play out. Our findings suggest that the analytical framework has the capacity to fruitfully distinguish between the multitude of empirical manifestations and the need for a coherent conceptual framework. It also enables explanations of what may seem paradoxical by exploring the deeper cores of the phenomena.

К исследованию вопроса повышения энергоэффективности зданий на железнодорожном транспорте

Traditional forms and ways of interaction between manufacturing and rail transport in the process of materials movement at the metallurgical enterprise with the changed production environment show its inefficiency. Moreover, the management of production and transport system focused on transportation where the transport only adapts to the needs of production does not meet modern requirements. Furthermore, this way of management leads to significant delays, costs and losses, which is unacceptable in a competitive market. At this stage, one of the most important question is creation of the effective management mechanism. This mechanism provides high efficiency of interaction between production and transport, shift of emphasis to the activation of production resources and elimination of production losses at all stages of the material movement processes. In order to solve this problem, it is necessary to make the transition between the management of rail transportation and logistics management process of material movement of enterprises. The logistics management process is based on a process view of working capital. Authors identified the technological scheme and indicators of interaction between production and transport. Moreover, they developed method to optimize the duration of process of cargo handling and resource costs and proposed the model of synchronization of cargo and transport modules. It was established that integrating role in the formation of a continuous process of material movement, linking in each flow all its participants. The flows between them perform logistic cycles: systemic and functional (technological). Consequently, the key indicators of logistics cycles are duration (productivity) of the structure and consumption of production and transport resources. Furthermore, authors propose the model to solve the optimization problem of the systemic cycle. It was indicated that end-to-end logistics management of the material movement process in the system cycle of handling the railcars of the external fleet should be based on technology of logistics system also called just in time. This technology is widely used in foreign countries and ensuring the delivery of raw materials semi-finished and finished products to the right place, in the right amount and exactly on time. In order to handle bulky cargoes, authors developed two types of logistics facilities: transport-cargo (TGK) for processing the external railcars park (VP) and transport and technology (TTK) to work with the railcars industrial park (ZP). The developed methodology was applied in the study to improve the efficiency of TGC for unloading of mass iron-containing raw materials (up to 800 railcars per day) at sinter plant of a large metallurgical industry. Furthermore, the developed methodology reduced the duration of acceptance and unloading of railcars of the external park from 20-22 to 10-12 hours. Moreover, the introduction of technical solutions is mainly implemented because of the resources of the sinter plant. The development and implementation of JIT logistics technology to manage the systemic cycles that form the process of material movement can significantly improve the efficiency of the organization of cargo handling processes and the operation of the transport infrastructure at the enterprise. Finally, it can reduce the volume of transport work and significantly reduce transport costs and production losses.

남북경제협력 정상화를 대비한 철도 물류망 구축 방안

남북경제협력 정상화를 대비한 철도 물류망 구축 방안

Three Principles for Optimal Pricing of Trackage Rights

Borrowing from the literature on optimal road pricing, this paper introduces three efficiency-based principles for setting track access fees. The fundamental principle is that track fees should be set as close as possible to optimal congestion tolls on a track segment. Since this procedure gives an incentive to keep capacity inefficiently low in order to increase congestion tolls, the second principle is that track fees be devoted to paying for track maintenance, the opportunity cost of land, and the amortization of plant and equipment installed on the track. The third principle is that track fees should be set by traffic and cost conditions on a line and should not vary with the identity of the user whose freight is hauled on the line; this third principle is designed to encourage efficient location and mode choice. The combination of these three principles has the promise of increased willingness to use rail logistics systems, the installation of an appropriate level of capacity on each line, and optimal routing and traffic levels throughout the rail system.

A supply-demand study of practice in rail logistics higher education

This paper includes a study conducted to analyse the current state of supply and demand for higher education in rail logistics. More specifically the study presented consists of two surveys, as follows. The first survey, Supply Survey, explores existing transport and logistics-related courses and educational programmes offered in higher education institutions. The second survey, Demand Survey, examines demands for rail logistics higher education and aims to understand the current needs for higher education in the sector. This paper shows that a spectrum of rail, freight transport and logistics related courses and programmes exist, however there is a strong need for a more specific training and education offering operations management skills needed to improve the company performance, efficiency and quality of service provided.

On RFID Application In the Information System of Rail Logistics Center

On RFID Application In the Information System of Rail Logistics Center

Organization and Management of an Innovative Intensive Programme in Rail Logistics

In this paper we present an intensive programme in rail logistics that will be organized and delivered in Newcastle University in the summer of 2012. The intensive programme employs an innovative multidisciplinary approach that combines a number of learning methods, such as: Lectures; Project-based learning; and Technical Visits as well as Thematic Seminars. We will work with approximately fifty undergraduate students and twenty professors in railway, transport and logistics from different locations from Europe. The targeted learning outcomes are to develop the undergraduate student's ability to initiate and carry out analysis, research, seminars and workshops with the purpose of solving railway and logistics-related problems.

Sharing tracking and tracing data to improve operations of supply chain actors

The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyse, by means of in-depth case study, opportunities offered by sharing rail-wagon tracking and tracing data for operations of actors of an automotive Supply Chain (SC). The study shows that sharing data via a wagon tracking and tracing system provides opportunities for traffi c authorities to better monitor infrastructure usage. This will lead to improved maintenance procedures by transport operators and, further, will enable the tracking and tracing of containers and pallets demanded by transport customers. This research provides guidelines for the adoption of Radio Frequency Identifi cation (RFID) for vehicle tracking and tracing, especially in rail logistics. New opportunities created by the auto-identifi cation of rail wagons and sharing of tracking and tracing data are not discussed in the current literature. This research topic has generated a great deal of interest from the rail industry in Europe.