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Digital Automatic Coupling | Freight-Academy™

DAC

GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 26, 2026

Digital Automatic Coupling

During freight train shunting, Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC) connects wagons fully automatically while simultaneously establishing electrical and data links between vehicles.

Quick Answer

During freight train shunting, Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC) connects wagons fully automatically while simultaneously establishing electrical and data links between vehicles.

Unlike conventional screw couplers, which require manual intervention by yard staff, DAC operates remotely without physical contact, significantly reducing injury risk.

The coupling continuously transmits vehicle data such as brake pressure, brake system status, and tractive effort, enabling more precise management of train dynamics.

Last updated: 26 June 2026Published: 27 January 2026

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automatic_coupler

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Digital Automatic Coupling

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Definition & Explanation

During freight train shunting, Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC) connects wagons fully automatically while simultaneously establishing electrical and data links between vehicles. Unlike conventional screw couplers, which require manual intervention by yard staff, DAC operates remotely without physical contact, significantly reducing injury risk. The coupling continuously transmits vehicle data such as brake pressure, brake system status, and tractive effort, enabling more precise management of train dynamics. DAC is a European rail industry standardisation project being rolled out progressively across freight networks to boost capacity and operational efficiency.

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Recommended format: Source: Freight Academy – Digital Automatic Coupling (https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/digital-automatic-coupling-2), accessed 2026-09-26
APA style: Freight Academy Editorial Team. (2026). Digital Automatic Coupling. Freight Academy. https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/digital-automatic-coupling-2
BibTeX: @misc{digitalautomaticcoupling2026, title = {Digital Automatic Coupling}, author = {{Freight Academy Editorial Team}}, year = {2026}, url = {https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/digital-automatic-coupling-2}, note = {Freight Academy, accessed 2026-09-26} }

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