Company Overview
Tarmac, a leading supplier of construction materials in the UK, selected Weighwell to deliver an advanced in-motion weighing solution at Greenwich Wharf. This installation aimed to enhance both the accuracy and efficiency of freight wagon loading and unloading.
Located along the River Thames, Greenwich Wharf is a critical hub in Tarmac’s logistics network. The site supplies bulk materials for key infrastructure projects across London. Rail freight operations, managed by DB Cargo, support the daily movement of these materials in and out of the facility.
Rail Vehicles Being Weighed
The freight wagons operating at Greenwich Wharf carry aggregates and other bulk materials. These wagons are essential for maintaining supply chain efficiency. Typically, the site handles three trains per day, with each train comprising of 18 to 21 wagons.
Our Weighing Solution
To meet the demands of this high-traffic site, Weighwell installed a robust in-motion train weighing system. The solution is designed to cope with frequent train movements and heavy axle loads, while providing highly accurate measurements.
A core requirement from Tarmac was the ability to immediately detect wagon imbalances—a key safety concern. Uneven loads can cause operational risks and must be corrected before wagons leave the site. This aligns with the National Freight Safety Group’s code of practice, which advises:
- Identifying residual payloads from previous journeys.
- Using loading techniques that avoid uneven distribution.
- Using weighing data to identify uneven loading.
In close collaboration with Tarmac, Weighwell enhanced its in-motion software to provide real-time visual feedback on wagon imbalance. The system now calculates lateral and longitudinal load ratios using parameters specific to two-axle and four-axle wagons. This allows operators to quickly identify and address uneven loading before wagons leave the site, ensuring safer, compliant and more efficient freight movements.
In addition to improving safety, these tools help maximise wagon fill and reduce the environmental impact of under-utilised loads. Together, this contributes to more cost-effective and sustainable rail freight operations.
