Updated rail standard keeps rail freight safe, punctual and cost-effective

On 1 March 2025, RSSB published RIS-3781-TOM-Iss2, which includes a new industry-agreed requirement for organisations to assess the time and resources required to prepare a train for service. The updated standard is supported by detailed guidance on train preparation factors and examples of Certificates of Readiness.

The standard will help freight operators consider the suitability and appropriateness of existing arrangements and arrangements for new traffic flows. It will also support with the introduction of new wagons and wagons being considered for loads that they have not previously carried.

The update made will reduce the risk of operational incidents such as derailments, reducing delays for both freight and passenger services. It will also create cost savings of £15m over the next five years. 

Tom Lee, RSSB’s Director of Standards, says, ‘The safe and economic movement of freight is vital to the country. Learning from incidents and good practice we’ve worked with freight operators and other industry partners to drive improvements that will reduce delays and waste. The industry has agreed that this will lead to savings of at least £15m over the next five years, though probably much more.’

Lee Shann, RSSB’s Senior Rail Operations Specialist, says, ‘We have worked with freight operating companies, Network Rail, and industry working groups to develop and agree these changes, bringing safety and performance benefits to the rail freight sector.’

RIS-3781-TOM-Iss2 is intended for freight operating companies, operators of freight terminals and yards, and those who prepare engineering trains. It supersedes Issue 1, which was published in March 2021.