Various limit lines must be observed when transporting freight by rail. This serves to ensure safe transport without damage to the load, the freight wagons and the infrastructure (such as overhead lines, tunnel walls and platform edges).
The loading gauge, one of these boundary lines, defines the external dimensions of an open freight wagon including its load for safe transport on railway lines. In the past, so-called Ladelehre (also known as loading profiles or loading templates) were used to check the loading gauge. These loading gauges, made of wooden or iron profiles, used to be located on secondary tracks that could be swivelled out. Nowadays, the loading gauge is checked using modern technologies that are more precise and efficient than the manual method. For example, optical measuring systems, video surveillance and electronic data transmission are used.
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All in all, this determines whether the loaded freight wagon can travel the planned route without any problems and, for example, whether it can pass through a tunnel without colliding despite its dimensions. The permitted loading gauge varies across Europe. This has to do with the construction of tunnels, signals and overhead lines. For example, the loading gauge in France is 330 mm lower than in Germany and other countries. Accordingly, some loaded wagons that can travel in Germany without any problems are not allowed to cross the border without further ado.
Lademaße für beladene Güterwagen international (links) und in Deutschland (rechts).
Bza - Rail transport despite exceeding the loading gauge
What happens if a freight wagon and its load exceed the prescribed loading gauge? Consignments that exceed the loading gauge, such as heavy goods loads, are classified as exceptional consignments (ZS), which require a special check of their roadworthiness and special authorisations and are coordinated internationally. In Germany, this authorisation is called Bza, short for "operation of train transport exceptional", and must be applied for in each country involved in the transport route.
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The automotive industry, for example, is producing ever larger models that require special car carrier wagons with flexible upper loading levels for transport by rail. Car carrier wagons loaded with modern cars often exceed the permitted loading gauges at some critical points.
Various factors play a role in the authorisation of these transports, which is handled by the "Exceptional consignments" team in Germany. In addition to the critical points of the load, there is also the question of earthing, for example, if the load exceeds the loading gauge at the top and could therefore come too close to the overhead line. If the loading gauge is exceeded in this way, the Bza comes into play, which, for example, restricts transport to a specified route, only allows certain tracks to be used at some stations or avoids travelling over bridges. Freight wagons that exceed the loading gauge can therefore still travel if certain conditions are met, which are defined by the Bza and additionally registered with the date and train number.
In addition to the transport of finished vehicles or batteries for the automotive industry, transports from other industries often require a Bza, as they exceed the permissible loading gauge or the maximum load of the line category. Expert teams, who also manage the calculations and applications, maintain an overview. The special permits then ensure smooth and safe rail transport both nationally and internationally.
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