Governments have recognised that the continued dependence on the motor/freight vehicles is unsustainable and that modal shift to low and zero-carbon public transport solutions, both for passengers and freight, is essential if legislative commitments to Net Zero are to be met.

The Freight Skate provides a sustainable, low cost, reliable and high-quality rail freight experience which will drive down emissions and increase profits to freight companies and assist in bringing about the much-needed modal shift from road to train. To achieve this objective, it required us to use different ways of thinking across every aspect of the programme - design, supply, build and system implementation. This approach has yielded the desired results.

The skate chassis was originally designed with steering axles for passenger trains. It is a unique and tested design which we believe lends itself to operating as an independent 4-wheel unit that can be virtually coupled to form a platform for 10', 20',30' or 40' containers. The study would also allow us to optimise loading for 9'6" HC units; Three units could also be used to carry 2 x 40' containers. An individual unit would carry a 10' container.

TDI plans to commercialise the Freight Skate vehicle over the next 3 years, with the product entering freight terminal service in 2025\.