The Dalecarlian Girl - Evaluating the implementation of the light-combi concept

Targeting the transport market of full container loads and part loads over distances of 200-500 kms, the Swedish rail operator Green Cargo AB developed Light-combi. The concept is based upon fixed train sets making short stops – 15-30 minutes – at sidetrack terminals approximately every 100 kilometres. At the terminals, swap bodies are transshipped under the overhead contact line using a forklift truck carried by the train and operated by the rail engine driver. The purpose is to describe and evaluate the customer pilot The Dalecarlian Girl for intermodal transport from a central warehouse to Swedish grocery stores from 1998 to 2001. The results show that the Light-combi concept worked technically and logistically well but larger flows were needed for introducing an economically viable service. During the period, however, Green Cargo went through extensive changes in strategy and organisation and did not spend the large efforts needed for competing in market segments new for the company.