# Dual Mode Freight Vehicles

*Last updated: 2026-06-23*

> A dual-mode freight vehicle is a truck equipped with retractable railway wheel sets that allow it to operate on both public roads and railway tracks without any reload operation at the road-rail interface.

A dual-mode freight vehicle is a truck equipped with retractable railway wheel sets that allow it to operate on both public roads and railway tracks without any reload operation at the road-rail interface. Unlike conventional piggyback services – where semi-trailers are placed on flatcars – the vehicle itself travels the full route as a single unit, switching modes at designated transition points. This eliminates transshipment stops and the associated handling time and cost. Pilot programmes across Europe are testing the concept to extend rail freight's reach into last-mile distribution and make intermodal transport more competitive. The technology is still maturing, but the CO₂ reduction potential versus all-road haulage is widely considered significant.

**Source:** [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dual-mode_vehicle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dual-mode_vehicle)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Dual Mode Freight Vehicles |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 112 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-23 |
| Source | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dual-mode_vehicle |

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