Breakthrough innovation paves way for sustainable parcel delivery by rail
DirectTrainS, the rail technology startup developing aerospace-inspired solutions for the transportation industry, has successfully completed its first field test of the Dynamic train Coupling (DC) system, marking a significant milestone in rail technology innovation, aimed at the first phase to freight rail and later for passengers’ trains.
The tests, conducted in collaboration with French engineering partner company CERTIA, demonstrated the DC system’s ability to couple and decouple high-mass trains in motion on a real railway line. Using full-scale, 22.5-ton carts for real-life coupling scenarios, the tests validated the precision and smoothness of the operation, even passing the “water cup test,” with no spillage from a cardboard cup placed on the fixture during coupling.
“This successful test demonstrates that our vision for transforming rail transport is becoming reality,” said Alberto Mandler, CEO of DirectTrainS. “By enabling trains to couple and decouple while in motion, we can not only increase rail capacity and add significant operating flexibility but also reduce energy consumption and provide much better service, without building a single meter of new track.”
The technology comprises a Dynamic Coupling (DC) wagon—attached to the front or rear of a train—and a software platform that maps and manages coupling points. Both physical and software components are designed for seamless installation on existing rolling stock with no modifications required to infrastructure, signalling systems, or regulations, making it compatible with any existing railway operation. This breakthrough opens new possibilities for middle-mile parcel delivery using existing rail networks.
Franck Thelot, President of CERTIA, commented on the partnership: “At CERTIA, we have extensive expertise in developing advanced mechatronic systems, particularly through the design of test benches. The system developed for DirectTrainS represented a genuine technical challenge, which we tackled with enthusiasm. The initial full-scale tests proved to be successful and fully consistent with our multiphysics design model, thereby confirming the robustness of our engineering approach. This milestone marks a significant breakthrough: the concept of dynamic train coupling is now a demonstrated reality.”
“Imagine city centers without large delivery trucks clogging roads and polluting the air,” said Dr. Leah Mandler, VP of Marketing at DirectTrainS. “Our technology enables a shift to rail that reduces delivery times, cuts operational costs, and dramatically lowers emissions.”
The company will now proceed to pilot testing in collaboration with parcel delivery companies and railway operators on operational lines with various signalling systems.
For more information, please contact: info@directrains.com; certia@certia.fr
About DirectTrainS
DirectTrainS develops dynamic train coupling technology that allows trains to couple and decouple while in motion. Founded by aerospace industry veterans, the company’s mission is to make rail transport sustainable without costly infrastructure changes.
About CERTIA
CERTIA is a French leader in custom test rigs, tooling, and hydraulic solutions for the aerospace, automotive, and defense industries. By leveraging advanced simulation tools, the company delivers high-performance systems for development, validation, and MRO operations. Their agile approach and deep engineering expertise make them a trusted partner in complex R&D environments.
