UIC Leaflet 920-3: Standard Numerical Coding of Locations

What is UIC Leaflet 920-3?

UIC Leaflet 920-3 is a cornerstone of railway Information Technology, titled “Standard numerical coding of locations.” In the management of International Traffic, it is insufficient to identify a destination by name, as names vary by language and can be duplicated across different regions.

This leaflet provides a universal “digital address” for every station, border point, and siding. By standardizing these codes, the leaflet enables seamless Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) between different infrastructure managers and railway undertakings, which is a prerequisite for Logistics Management and automated Freight Traffic operations.

The Coding Structure

The coding logic defined in UIC 920-3 is hierarchical and designed for machine-readability. The system primarily uses two formats:

• The 5-Digit Primary Code: A unique number within a specific national railway network identifying a station or a significant operating point.
• The 7-Digit Global Code: This format combines the 2-digit Country Code (defined in UIC 920-14) with the 5-digit primary code. For example, a station in Germany might have a code starting with “80-XXXXX”.
• Auxiliary Codes: Used for specific points within a station complex, such as specific platforms, loading ramps, or warehouse sidings.

Role in TAF TSI and Interoperability

UIC 920-3 is the technical foundation for the TAF TSI (Technical Specification for Interoperability relating to Telematics Applications for Freight). When a freight forwarder initiates a “Consignment Note” digitally, the origin and destination must be coded according to this leaflet.

• Accurate Routing: Ensures that dispatching systems across different countries recognize exactly which border crossing point a train will use.
• Billing Accuracy: Allows Infrastructure Managers to calculate track access charges accurately by knowing exactly which “kilometric points” the train has passed.
• Real-Time Tracking: Enables “Estimated Time of Arrival” (ETA) calculations by providing standardized data points for GPS and wayside sensors.

Location Identification in Signaling and Operations

Beyond logistics, these codes are used in Operational Safety systems. Onboard computers in locomotives (such as those running ERTMS) use location codes to confirm their position relative to the digital map provided by the Infrastructure Management system.

Comparison: Station Name vs. UIC 920-3 Location Code