Essential for rail transport performance is the specific transport optimization due to a high bandwidth of traction capacities per train. Transport optimization for rail transports and especially rail operator co-operations are an interesting modelling environment due to three specific characteristics: First a simple minimum optimiza-tion direction of e.g. transport distances may not be feasible due to connecting transport routes for rolling stock equipment – in some cases an increase in empty transport kilometres could therefore provide for marginal earnings larger than mar-ginal costs. Second this logistics setting is including large areas of qualitative bene-fits of transport decisions for rail operators – which are hard to calculate as for ex-ample long-term competitive advantages or image benefits due to co-operation ef-fects and capabilities. Third the initial definition of empty transport avoidance as a minimization objective is entitled to a complex discussion – leading to different measurement and therefore optimization standards according to real-world business practice. The subsequently presented discussion may lead to a concept to include these special aspects in standard transport optimization modelling...
