Fast Frequent Fulfiment (F3) by Rail/Intermodal

Research on UK rail timetables, terminal operations and financial models indicates that a fundamentally different integrated approach is essential to facilitate any realistic future rail/inter-modal participation in traffic governed by demanding fast, frequent fulfillment requirements. Rail has as a minimum, to match and outperform road based systems on cost, productivity, service response, agility and availability (24/7 mandatory) and endow real quantifiable commercial advantages to shippers, owners and operators through the adoption of the new methods being proposed. Innovative train technologies and operational models are a major component to achieve this. These technologies include rapid terminal handling and improved road fleet asset management to support the high aggressive productivity targets which are essential to underpin the economic case for this new model of operations. Linked cargo and resource planning and management systems are a a central component of this initiative. The project is built around the simulation of very intensive short train operations linked to terminal operations for the rapid loading and off-loading of containers, pallets and roll cages for onward delivery. This phase will be linked to economic and commercial modelling to validate the simulation and test the concept in the face of changes and disruption. The project will also examine evolving requirements and not seek to merely replicate current practice. The emphasis is on high value time sensitive cargo, fast frequent fulfilment and to meet the demanding and evolving imperatives of shippers.