A new container concept developed in Austria as part of the FFG-funded PhysICAL project introduces a roll-off intermodal solution for timber and wood product transport.
Container for round wood and wood chips
The project, led by Fraunhofer Austria, aimed to address two logistics inefficiencies in timber transport: empty returns due to unidirectional stake wagon use, and the high time demands of reloading logs to rail. The newly developed container design accommodates both round wood and bulkier materials like wood chips and can be moved between road and rail in minutes.
The container is based on the ACTS (Abroll-Container-Transport-System), a roll-off technology commonly used on construction sites and in waste transport. It uses a standardized grab-arm truck to lower and retrieve containers, rolling them into position via built-in rollers. No crane is required. A grab eyelet on the container allows connection to the truck arm. Folding doors support faster loading and unloading.
Previously, rail was economically viable for timber only at distances of approximately 300 km. According to project information, the new design reduces that threshold to around 140 km.
Weighing system and prototype testing
The prototype is equipped with built-in weighing sensors to provide real-time weight data, offering transparency and reducing the risk of truck overloading.
The test phase included demonstration transports across three Austrian regions: Styria, Lower Austria, and Upper Austria. Trials involved both logs and chips, confirming the adaptability of the container in varying transport conditions.
Industry involvement
Fraunhofer Austria led the research consortium, with engineering support from Georg Kraemer Fahrzeugbau, responsible for the container’s structural execution. Railway operators Steiermarkbahn and Wiener Lokalbahnen Cargo participated in the project and operational testing.
