Five companies said they have created a new technology platform that would transform the rail shipping industry, noting the innovation’s primary objective is safety.
Norfolk Southern, GATX Corporation, Genesee & Wyoming, TrinityRail, and Watco said Rail Pulse would facilitate and accelerate the adoption of GPS and other telematics technology across the North American railcar fleet – noting the companies are seeking to accelerate the adoption of telematics to meet safety and rail industry competitiveness goals.
The companies will join The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in making investments related to the platform. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania helped lead the successful Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements grant application resulting in Federal Railroad Administration funding.
“Rail Pulse is another example of how the freight rail industry is using advanced technology to enhance safety and service to shippers,” Jennie Granger, PennDOT deputy secretary for Multimodal Transportation, said. “PennDOT is proud of the strong partnership we have with the freight rail industry, and we look forward to this platform being implemented throughout the North American railcar fleet.”
The platform’s initial phases would incorporate hand brake and impact data – providing safety Information for the railroads, car owners, and shippers. Onboard bearing temperature and wheel impact detection sensors are also envisioned as the technology evolves.
The initiative is slated to improve the status, location, and condition visibility of individual railcars. It would translate to industry growth.
Telematics capabilities would include data capture to support real-time track-level visibility, whether doors or hatches are open, whether the car is loaded or partially loaded, and other performance metrics.