Unlocking the Potential of Freight Rail in NSW: Insights from Industry and Academia

On 17 October 2024 , industry, researchers, and logistics professionals gathered for an event, co-hosted by the International Forwarders & Customs Brokers Association of Australia (IFCBAA) and UNSW’s Research Centre for Integrated Transport Innovations (rCITI), bringing together stakeholders to develop practical solutions that will unlock the potential of freight rail in NSW.

The theme of the event, "Unlocking the Potential of Freight Rail in NSW," resonated with attendees eager to collaborate on solutions that would enhance the freight rail modal share in the state. Through an innovative Design Thinking approach, the workshop facilitated an in-depth exploration of freight rail processes, pain points, and actionable strategies to streamline operations and drive future growth of Feight Rail in NSW.

Key Facilitators and Thought Leaders

The workshop was led by two distinguished facilitators:

1. John McNeil
   John McNeil, a process improvement consultant with over 40 years of experience in the United States, brought a wealth of expertise in Design Thinking, and his engaging facilitation helped participants navigate the complexities of freight rail and develop creative, yet practical solutions.
2. Dr. Elnaz (Elli) Iranenzhad
   Dr. Elli Iranenzhad, a Senior Lecturer at  rCITI, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UNSW Sydney, added significant value to the workshop with her expertise in behavioural freight transport modelling and logistics optimisation.

Workshop Highlights

The event kicked off with an introduction to the current state of freight rail in NSW and the potential benefits of increasing the modal share. With focus’ on the pressing need for improved logistics, reduced road congestion, and lower environmental impacts through a shift towards rail-based freight solutions. The Design Thinking process  included:

• Mapping Freight Rail Booking Processes: outline existing freight rail processes, identifying bottlenecks and inefficiencies that impede growth.
• Identifying Industry Pain Points: Through collaborative discussions, industry stakeholders shared their challenges, from outdated booking systems to regulatory barriers and insufficient infrastructure.
• Co-Designing Pragmatic Solutions: Leveraging the collective knowledge of participants, the workshop culminated in ideation sessions where practical, scalable solutions were proposed to overcome key challenges.

A Collaborative Path Forward

This workshop exemplified the importance of industry-academic collaboration in tackling complex challenges like those facing NSW’s freight rail sector. The outcomes of this workshop are expected to inform future projects aimed at increasing freight rail efficiency and sustainability. Attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose and a clearer understanding of how to collaboratively unlock the potential of freight rail in NSW.

As the freight forwarding industry continues to evolve, events like this workshop are essential to fostering innovation, streamlining operations, and creating a more sustainable future for transport in NSW.

Stay tuned for upcoming developments and follow-up initiatives arising from this impactful workshop.