Combined Transport shipments almost always exceed the normal load gauges for rail transport and so can only be carried out on sections of the rail network whose structure clearance has been specially measured. A profile code indicates the maximum width and height combinations for a standard CT wagon that allow the route to be used. Loading units suitable for transport by rail must also be duly marked. For a loading unit to be carried on a particular rail route, its profile code must not exceed that of the lines making up the route.

Getting the code number plate

Every loading unit that is to be transported by unaccompanied road-rail Combined Transport must have the relevant technical authorisation, i.e. code. An exception from this type of marking are the ISO standard maritime containers, known under the UIC code as large containers for land transport, and vehicles that use the Rolling Road.

With the introduction of the current DIN EN 13044, a new procedure for the coding of loading units applies: under the new standard, the owner of a loading unit is no longer shown as a key on the yellow code number plate, but can instead be determined from the ILU-Code. In addition, the coding of new intermodal loading units can be carried out directly by the manufacturer. You can obtain more information on this from the UIRR at www.uirr.com.

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