TSI Telematics (Technical Specification for Interoperability – Telematics Applications for Freight, TAF TSI) is a regulatory framework within the European Union aimed at standardising digital communication and data exchange across the rail freight sector. It is part of the broader effort to create a harmonised railway system across Europe, covering both infrastructure and rolling stock.
The European Commission is revising the TSI Telematics to increase interoperability between operators, improve supply chain visibility, and potentially extend the same digitalisation principles to both freight and passenger services.
One of the central topics is the "Rotterdam Clause" introduced in 2016, which enables stakeholders involved in the same freight service to share specific operational messages with each other, under the condition that the parties are identifiable. The clause is designed to provide transparency and track-and-trace capabilities for shippers and logistics providers during the rail leg of combined transport. The implementation of this clause has been under scrutiny, as the full practical application of its principles remains limited.
UIRR position: Rotterdam clause and minimum data sharing
The International Union for Road-Rail Combined Transport (UIRR) is calling for the full application of the Rotterdam Clause in the updated TSI Telematics framework. The organisation underlines that data sharing must be possible without administrative, legal, or commercial barriers, while at the same time protecting confidential business information.
UIRR proposes that the sharing of minimum relevant scheduling, forecasting, and status information should become a baseline for combined transport chains. According to UIRR, reducing the depth and frequency of data sharing would help prevent unnecessary data overload and limit costs related to data distribution and storage. The focus should be on delivering essential information that supports efficient logistics planning without overexposing commercially sensitive data.
UIRR also stresses that identifying all supply chain stakeholders and enabling data exchange without restrictive conditions are key to improving track-and-trace capabilities for intermodal customers.
Practical use cases: Planning and reliability in combined transport
Two practical examples illustrate why harmonised data sharing is viewed as necessary by the combined transport community:
- Optimisation of road legs Currently, shippers or logistics service providers (LSPs) using intermodal rail freight must install individual tracking devices on each container or loading unit. This fragmented approach raises costs and limits interoperability across borders. UIRR suggests that sharing data from infrastructure managers, railway undertakings, and intermodal terminals would be more cost-efficient and would avoid the need for each shipper to develop standalone tracking solutions.
- Reliable transport chain visibility Consignees require accurate, up-to-date information to plan collection schedules and production activities. Standardised updates on transport progress, estimated arrival times, and disruption notifications would provide greater reliability for intermodal rail freight users. Currently, this level of information sharing depends on individual agreements and is not yet standard practice across the sector.
UIRR advocates for standardised, selective data sharing that supports such planning and coordination without creating excessive costs or administrative hurdles.
Request from the combined transport community
The combined transport sector is proposing two key adjustments to the TSI Telematics regulation:
- Harmonised data exchange without unfair restrictions Data sharing rules should cover the full end-to-end transport chain, including secondary recipients such as logistics service providers. UIRR emphasises that the digital exchange of scheduling, status, and disruption information should not incur separate fees for dissemination and storage.
- Selective open data sharing between stakeholders Minimum data sets should be clearly defined and made accessible to authorised stakeholders without requiring specific contractual arrangements. UIRR is working on setting these standards and ensuring that IT systems can restrict or adjust the level of information sharing in line with customer requirements and confidentiality needs.
The intermodal sector underlines that the updated TSI Telematics regulation must balance data transparency with the protection of sensitive information and operational feasibility for all stakeholders involved.
FerCargo raises concerns about costs and practicality
FerCargo, representing the interests of Italian rail freight operators, has expressed concern regarding the current draft of the TSI Telematics regulation. The organisation warns that applying passenger transport data rules to freight could impose disproportionate obligations and increase costs, particularly affecting small and medium-sized operators.
FerCargo submitted technical feedback to the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, requesting that commercially sensitive information be excluded, that data sharing obligations remain proportionate, and that financial support be considered for operators adapting to the new system.
The association also called for traceable, realistic data sharing processes and reinforced its willingness to collaborate with national and EU authorities to develop a practical, sustainable approach to rail freight digitalisation.
