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EU-Rail May 2026 Newsletter
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Towards Digital Rail Freight
Challenge
Modern rail networks are evolving towards more digital and data-driven operations, where real-time information is critical for both infrastructure management and traffic control. As systems become more interconnected, the need for integrated monitoring solutions is becoming increasingly important.
The solutions
Europe’s Rail (EU-Rail) has developed two demonstrations to manage disruptions more easily and effectively.
Maturity level: TRL 7
Digital Automatic Coupler Basic Package
In this context, the Digital Automatic Coupler (DAC) represents a key game changer for European rail freight and the enabler for further automation. It consists of a mechanical and a pneumatical connection, as well as a power and data line allowing the automation of train preparation and operational processes.
Building on this technology, train functions enable full digital freight train operations and provide a sound foundation for the ongoing transformation in the rail freight sector. These train functions are part of the so called “DAC Basic Package”, defined by the sector platform European DAC Delivery Programme under the umbrella of Europe’s Rail (EU-Rail).
Train composition detection (train inauguration) and train integrity monitoring and safe train length determination will be developed with the main objective to enabling a fully functional interoperability of future software defined technologies.
Automated brake test will be developed: A brake test must always be performed on newly formed freight trains before departure. Even for unchanged trains, a brake test is required once a day or if the train has been stationary for more than twenty-four hours. A brake test must also be carried out when freight wagons are added to or removed from a train. The test takes between approximately 15 to 45 minutes, depending on whether a full or simple brake test is required.
Automatic uncoupling as a train function for DAC Type 5 operations will be developed and tested as well.
Did you know?
The automatic uncoupling enabled by DAC can eliminate the need for operational staff to perform manual tasks.
Expected benefits
- Sustainable transformation and competitiveness: Implementation of train functions based on DAC will lead to sustainable transformation and increased competitiveness and thus to growth of European rail freight. To name a few – ecological benefit – DAC as the backbone for achieving the climate change targets in the transport sector (EU Green Deal), efficiency potential to be achieved through intensified use of digitalisation and automation of operational processes in European rail freight sector.
- Full digital freight train foundation: DAC implementation provides a foundation to the Full Digital Freight Train (FDFT) – an intelligent interconnected system capable of transmitting information regarding freight occupation, condition, or destination, enabling management optimisation/ monitoring of freight trains, improving safety and efficiency.
- Shunting and operational efficiency gains: Introduction of train functions based on DAC may significantly reduce efforts required for shunting activities, leading to time saving while assembling a complete freight train compared to manual activities. This means increased productivity, a reduction of costs and more capacity for equipment due to faster processing times. Freight trains equipped with DAC can pull heavier loads and thus make maximum use of the train lengths specified by the infrastructure manager.
Who benefits
Infrastructure Managers
Railway operators
Suppliers
EU-harmonised interoperable DAC and Hybrid Coupler for locomotives and wagon
EU-Rail has also established an EU-harmonised interoperable DAC Type 4 (upgradable to Type 5) and hybrid couplers for locomotives and wagons to enable the gradual replacement of screw coupler with DAC and support automation in rail freight.
Did you know?
Hybrid couplers can couple with both DACs and screw couplings and are especially important in the migration phase.
Expected benefits
- Sustainable transformation and competitiveness: Implementation of DAC as a key technical enabler of European rail freight aims at a sustainable transformation and increased competitiveness, and thus growth of European rail freight.
- Ecological benefits: DAC acts as the backbone for achieving the climate change targets in the transport sector (EU Green Deal).
- Efficiency potential: Efficiency gains can be achieved through intensified use of digitalisation and automation of operational processes in the European rail freight sector.
- Foundation for Full Digital Freight Train (FDFT): DAC implementation provides a foundation to the Full Digital Freight Train (FDFT) – an intelligent, interconnected system capable of transmitting information regarding freight occupancy, condition, or destination, enabling management optimisation and monitoring of freight trains, and improving safety and efficiency.
- Operational efficiency and cost reduction: The introduction of DAC may significantly reduce efforts required for shunting and train preparation activities, leading to time saving while assembling a complete freight train compared to manual activities. This results in increased productivity, cost reduction and greater capacity due to faster processing times.
- Increased load capacity: Freight trains equipped with DAC can pull heavier loads and thus make maximum use of the train lengths specified by the infrastructure manager.
Who benefits
Infrastructure managers
Railway operators
Suppliers
Final users
Conclusion
The DAC Basic Package developed within EU-Rail represents a key step towards enabling fully digital freight train operations—in short, a more efficient, interoperable, and sustainable European rail freight system. Building on this foundation, the introduction of an EU-harmonised interoperable DAC solution, centered on DAC Type 4 (upgradable to Type 5) and supported by hybrid couplers, further reinforces the conditions for a smooth and scalable transition across the European network. By combining a common functional framework with interoperable technical solutions, EU-Rail is paving the way for a step change in rail freight performance, unlocking higher levels of automation, efficiency and capacity, while significantly contributing to climate objectives. This approach creates the conditions not only for technological advancement, but for a system-wide evolution of European rail freight.
Learn more about the project
FP5-TRANS4M-R
The project FP5-TRANS4M-R’s overall goal is to establish rail freight as the backbone of a low-emission, resilient European logistics chain which fulfils end-user requirements to full satisfaction.