UIC Leaflet 428-1: International Marking for Freight Wagons

What is UIC Leaflet 428-1?

UIC Leaflet 428-1 is a core operational standard titled “International marking for freight wagons.” In a unified rail market, it is vital that Rolling Stock from one country can be instantly recognized and understood by the Infrastructure Management and staff of another.

This leaflet provides the technical rules for all visual markings on a wagon. These markings are not merely for identification; they communicate vital data regarding Operational Safety, load capacity, and technical constraints to shunting crews, maintenance technicians, and automated scanning systems.

The 12-Digit Vehicle Number

Central to UIC 428-1 is the 12-digit European Vehicle Number (EVN). This code provides a complete digital “biography” of the wagon:

• Digits 1-2: Interoperability code (indicating the regime under which the wagon can travel).
• Digits 3-4: Country code (the home network where the wagon is registered).
• Digits 5-8: Technical characteristics (type of wagon, number of axles, etc.).
• Digits 9-11: Serial number.
• Digit 12: Self-checking digit to prevent data entry errors.

Technical and Loading Markings

Beyond the serial number, UIC 428-1 dictates the placement of “technical shorthand” on the Underframe or wagon side:

• Load Table: A grid showing the maximum weight the wagon can carry based on the track category (A, B, C, or D) and the train’s speed.
• Braking Information: Markings indicating the type of brake system, brake weight, and whether the wagon features a manual parking brake.
• Length over Buffers: The total length of the wagon, used by dispatchers to calculate total train length.
• Dead Weight (Tare): The weight of the empty wagon, essential for calculating total hauled tonnage.

Standardization for Digital Logistics

UIC 428-1 is heavily integrated with the TAF TSI (Telematics Applications for Freight). The standardized font, color, and positioning of the Wagon Labeling allow Optical Character Recognition (OCR) cameras at border crossings and terminal gates to automatically log wagons into digital management systems without stopping the train.

Maintenance and Quality Assurance

The leaflet also specifies Technical Delivery Conditions for the markings themselves:

• Durability: Paints or decals must be resistant to weather, UV light, and industrial cleaning agents.
• Reflectivity: Specific requirements for visibility during nighttime operations to ensure the safety of shunting personnel.

Comparison: Mandatory vs. Optional Markings (UIC 428-1)