The role of rail freight in oversize and heavyweight cargo transportation in Lithuania

Abstract

With the quick increase of Lithuanian economy there is a demand for carrying oversize or heavyweight cargo transportation, which is quite problematic in Lithuania. After analyzing transportation facilities in other countries it was noted that oversize and heavyweight cargo is frequently transported by sea or inland waters and only then by road transport till the final destination point. The choice of sea or inland water transport is determined by the least number of restrictions, which may block oversize or heavyweight cargo transportation. Therefore, Klaipeda State Seaport was chosen as the object of analysis. The research is concerned with the analysis of transportation of oversize and heavyweight cargo by railway from Klaipeda State Seaport to the East direction. The article evaluates the present Infrastructure of Lithuanian railway roads and identifies critical points which have crucial influence on the choice of the mode of oversize and heavyweight cargo transportation. While identifying possibilities of oversize and heavyweight cargo hy railway transportation there are two criteria categories related to cargo weight and cargo parameters. Size criteria in railway transportation is essential as railway vehicles always roll in the same trajectory and cargo always keeps the same distance to the central road axial, which is different from roadway transport (except for curves, which require separate calculation of movement trajectory). Considering possible cargo parameters the article analyses potential cargo vehicles and special requirements for their transportation.