Rolling Highway (RoLa): Trucks on Trains

November 24, 2025 4:58 pm

Quick Definition: RoLa

Rolling Highway (derived from the German Rollende Landstraße or RoLa) is a form of combined transport where complete trucks (tractor + trailer) are driven onto special low-floor railway wagons to cross geographical barriers like the Alps.

While the trucks are moving by rail, the truck drivers sit in a separate passenger carriage to rest. This counts towards their mandatory rest periods, increasing efficiency upon arrival.

Benefits of RoLa

Benefit	Impact
Environment	Reduces CO2 emissions and road congestion.
Driver Welfare	Drivers rest while traveling.
Weight Limits	Bypasses strict road weight limits in countries like Switzerland.