TX Logistik and Greenbrier Europe signed an agreement in Berlin on 22 September 2026, during InnoTrans, for the production and leasing of Nik (Neutral Intermodal Key, formerly Nikrasa), the platform that allows non-craneable semi-trailers to be loaded onto rail wagons. Greenbrier Europe, part of The Greenbrier Companies, will handle production and leasing, while TX Logistik, part of FS Logistix, will continue to lead commercial development and sales. The agreement includes an initial order for 50 platforms, for an undisclosed amount. Nik will be available to all operators through purchase, a range of leasing options or cooperation agreements, and may be further developed together with companies in the industrial and logistics sectors.
The system was originally developed as Nikrasa, and the rights were transferred to TX Logistik in early 2021 by Bayernhafen, which had been involved in its development. In 2022, when presenting version 3.0, TX had already reported compatibility testing with Greenbrier products. Nik is a platform onto which the semi-trailer is placed before being vertically lifted into the rail wagon. Non-craneable semi-trailers account for around 80% of Europe’s heavy vehicle fleets, and the platform does not require changes to existing terminal, wagon or rail network standards, nor to terminal processes. It can accommodate fixed-body semi-trailers, silo trailers, megatrailers, units without superstructures and container chassis. If the platform remains empty in the wagon, containers and swap bodies can be loaded in the usual way, with no interference between the two systems. Version 3.0 incorporates into the platform the terminal ramp that was previously separate and allows empty platforms to be stacked up to five high. Declared compatibility includes T3000 pocket wagons, single-pocket T5 wagons and second-generation Kolowag wagons, while tests were under way at the time on T4000 wagons and products from other manufacturers.
“The handling platform fits very well with our product range in the intermodal sector and expands the services we can offer customers,” said William Glenn, president of Greenbrier Europe. Gian Paolo Gotelli, chief executive of TX Logistik, said: “Together with our new production and leasing partner, we want to make access to rail transport easier for shippers. This strengthens combined transport and benefits the market as a whole.” The two companies say their aim is to shift more freight from road to rail and, according to TX Logistik, the fact that the system requires no changes to terminal processes makes it a tool that could help alter the modal split in favour of rail over the longer term.
