Freight rail transport governance: An international issue

Since the economic deregulation of freight transport operations internationally, it has been necessary to have a workable knowledge and an understanding of the types of freight wagons that can help to be instrumental in the efficient and effective market participation of rail technology in the freight transport market. The article identifies and describes the most commonly used rail freight wagons for commercial purposes internationally. The investigation has indicated that subsequent to the economic deregulation of freight transport, there are nine rail wagon types manufactured and commonly used internationally. They are: (1) covered wagon/van; (2) refrigerated wagon/van; (3) flat wagon; (4) tank wagon; (5) container wagon; (6) open wagon; (7) hopper wagon; (8) side stanchion and centre partition wagon; and (9) motorcar wagon. The study revealed that the following three factors mainly dictate wagon design: (1) characteristics of the freight to be transported; (2) physical railway characteristics; and (3) the type of freight terminals and handling equipment necessary to efficiently and effectively accommodate and support rail freight transport.