January 11, 2022
Varamis Rail, the UK’s newest high-speed rail logistics company successfully launched operations last month, in October. Managing Director Phil Read was very complimentary of D/Gauge’s gauging work in helping prove feasibility and gaining compatibility certification.
Varamis Rail, the UK’s newest high-speed rail logistics company successfully launched operations last month, in October. The innovative organisation worked closely with Eversholt to configure existing passenger trains into freight carriages. Making huge strides in achieving a modal shift from road to rail, Managing Director Phil Read was very complimentary of D/Gauge’s gauging work in helping prove feasibility and gaining compatibility certification.
Varamis Rail is providing a viable alternative to shipping, suitable for the modern age. Where delivery times are getting considerably shorter, same-day delivery is costly to achieve and is not the most environmentally friendly method. Existing freight trains too, are bound to have gaps in scheduling and speed limitations. The conversion of passenger freight into freight-friendly carriages allows higher speeds of operation. Varamis Rail was successful in acquiring First of a Kind (FOAK) 2022 funding for this project. The project is being carried out collaboratively with shipping firms DHL and FedEx to trial operational improvements. Managing Director Phil Read commented, “we want to capitalise on the online shopping boom by creating high-speed delivery services”.
The gauging required for this project was analysing the vehicle in differing load states. Passenger stock gauging is well established, but D/Gauge had to ensure that removing the internal stock and installing freight cages would not negatively impact the swept motion, clearance figures and the behaviour of the vehicle. D/Gauge Technical Director David Johnson commented “The railway has the distance and span, but we need to think differently about how to maximise this network to make a positive impact. This is the type of innovation and efficiency that will help us to empower the railway and turn it into a pivotal part of the delivery chain. We wish Phil and Varamis Rail all the best in their novel endeavour and will continue to support with offering bespoke gauging services.”
The launch of the fully electric Class 321 train was successfully completed on 30th October 2021, and Varamis now enter a period of logistically and cost-effectively moving parcels from Scotland all the way down to Birmingham. To find out more about D/Gauge gauging solutions, from tried-and-tested vehicle movements, introductions, and adaptations to bespoke innovative ideas, get in touch with the D/Gauge team.
