International loading gauge

This annex provides the technical requirements for semi-trailers that are being transported by train.

Published: 10. September 2024

Semi-trailers which are to be transported on railway wagons must be built according to the UIC-596-5 requirements with regard to external dimensions. An example of loading a semitrailer on a railway wagon.

Illustration of international loading gauge

International loading gauge.

The height of a standard wagon (top of rail–floor of wheel recess) is 33 cm. The distance ”a” between the floor of the wheel recess and the king pin on a standard wagon is 113 cm.

The gauge is ”rectangular” and specifies a static width of 260 cm from 33 cm to 440 cm above the top of the rail. This is shown below.

The semi trailer in the above exampel is labelled P 77 if maximum width is 2,50 metres. It is labelled P 407 if the width is between 2,50 metres and 2,60 metres.

To of the rail. Illustration.

Top of the rail.

The following maps show the international loading gauges of semi trailers and containers that are specified for the national railway network.

Loading gauges P/C 80 etc.

Loading gauges P/C 80 etc.

Loading gauges P/C 410, etc.

Loading gauges P/C 410, etc.