Opportunities, Challenges, and the Role of Technology.
Rail freight is a cornerstone of the UK’s supply chain, offering a more sustainable and often more efficient alternative to road transport for long-distance container movement. Yet, despite its environmental and capacity advantages, the rail freight sector continues to face operational fragmentation, data silos, and a lack of real-time visibility across stakeholders.
As the sector pushes towards digital transformation, leading technology providers like Fargo Systems are helping to bridge these gaps, unlocking opportunities to streamline operations, reduce costs, and build a more connected, resilient supply chain.
Enhancing Efficiency Through Digitalisation
One of the most significant benefits digitalisation offers rail freight operators is the ability to achieve real-time visibility and end-to-end automation. Fargo Systems’ TopsTMS® (Transport Management System) and CYMAN (Container Yard Management) solutions sit at the heart of this transformation, facilitating seamless data exchange between rail operators, terminals, and road hauliers.
“Automation is transforming how the rail freight sector operates,” explains Martin Pickles, Sales Director at Fargo Systems. “The ability to process over 500,000 EDI messages annually means less manual intervention, fewer errors, and improved efficiency for operators like GBRf.”
Case Study: GB Railfreight (GBRf)
GB Railfreight, one of the UK’s leading rail freight operators, exemplifies how automated data flows can streamline intermodal operations. Through Fargo’s systems, GBRf processes over 500,000 EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) messages annually, removing the need for time-consuming manual input while delivering live updates across the supply chain.
Integrated port EDI messages provide GBRf with up-to-date container status, enabling accurate planning from ship arrival through the final mile. EDI messages also validate train loading against safety guidelines, while customer-facing messages confirm which containers are on which trains, offering end clients the transparency and confidence they increasingly demand.
GPS-enabled locomotives, meanwhile, transmit location data in real-time via EDI, allowing complete shipment tracking across the rail network.
Visibility in Action: CYMAN at Maritime Transport
At Maritime Transport’s Rail Freight Terminal in Doncaster, Fargo’s CYMAN, integrated with TOPS, offers a clear example of how digitalisation can enhance planning and execution. By capturing data at every stage of the journey, from road and rail arrivals to depot handling and outbound delivery, CYMAN delivers real-time visibility and improves scheduling precision.
“Having real-time visibility of operations is a game-changer,” says Martin. “Our technology enables businesses like Maritime Transport to optimise planning, improve asset utilisation, and ultimately provide better customer service.”
Live data also enables depots to prepare for incoming containers in advance, helping to reduce bottlenecks and accelerate turnaround.
Automated information flows between rail terminals, hauliers, and depot systems lead to better resource allocation and more responsive, efficient operations.
Building Trust: The Role of Blockchain
Fargo Systems is also exploring the benefits of blockchain technology for secure, tamper-proof tracking of container milestones across the supply chain.
“Blockchain presents an opportunity to establish trust and transparency across the supply chain,” explains Pickles. “By treating the container as the ‘block,’ each handover – whether at a terminal, depot or on the move – can be securely recorded and verified.”
This approach can eliminate disputes over milestone ownership and ensure all parties, from port to last-mile haulier, work from a single, trusted version of the truth.
The Challenges Ahead
Despite the clear advantages, the sector faces several structural challenges to complete digitalisation.
1. Fragmented Data Ownership
Different stakeholders often manage discrete stages of the container journey, creating gaps in continuity. A container may be booked on a GBRf-operated train, arrive at a Maritime terminal, and then be collected by a third-party haulier. Without integration, vital information is lost at handover points.
“One of the biggest hurdles is ensuring data continuity across multiple stakeholders,” says Martin. “At Fargo Systems, we are focused on breaking down these silos and creating a more connected and transparent ecosystem.”
2. Lack of Standardisation
Rail freight involves a complex mix of systems, from port interfaces to terminal yard software and customs platforms. Incompatible formats and non-standardised processes can result in delays and missed data points.
Fargo is addressing this through integration with third-party platforms such as CBS, as demonstrated in active collaborations with GBRf, Maritime Transport, and Russell RailRoad.
“Interoperability is crucial,” adds Pickles. “By ensuring our technology integrates with other platforms, we can help bridge these gaps and make digital rail freight a reality.”
3. Cybersecurity and Data Protection
As digitalisation expands, so does the risk of cyber threats. Protecting data flows without compromising accessibility is critical.
“With increased digitalisation comes the need for enhanced cybersecurity,” says Martin. “Our focus is on ensuring data is both secure and available when it’s needed most.”
What’s Next?
The future of rail freight is digital. Innovations such as ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) are already being implemented. John Mitchell Haulage and Warehousing, for instance, is working to eliminate the need for gatehouses by fully automating vehicle acceptance at its terminals.
The next phase will see greater adoption of intelligent systems, AI-led analytics, and blockchain-backed data sharing. Fargo Systems is committed to leading this evolution through continued collaboration and innovation.
“By embracing technology, the rail freight sector can unlock efficiency, reduce costs, and build a more resilient and sustainable supply chain,” concludes Martin. “Fargo Systems’ vision is a fully connected, automated, and secure intermodal ecosystem – and we’re proud to be at the forefront of delivering it.”