EN 13044-2:2011
(Main)Intermodal Loading Units - Marking - Part 2: Markings of swap bodies related to rail operation
General Information
- Abstract
This European Standard provides a system for the identification and presentation of information about the ILU. The identification system is intended for general application, for example in documentation, control and communication (including automatic data processing systems), as well as for display on the ILU and other non ISO containers (i.e. which dimensions and testing parameters differ from those defined by the applicable ISO standards) used in European transport.
The methods of displaying identification and specific other data (including operational data) on the ILU by means of permanent marks are included.
This European Standard specifies:
a) an ILU identification system with an associated system for verifying the accuracy of its use, having mandatory marks for the presentation of the identification system for visual interpretation; and
b) a coding system for data on ILU size, with corresponding marks for their display;
c) mandatory operational marks;
d) physical presentation of the marks on the ILU.
This part of the European Standard prescribes the system of operational data for the codification of the swap bodies. The codification assigns a maximum profile for the cover area available at the rail tracks to the swap bodies in order to enable the selection of those rail tracks on which these swap bodies can be transported without any danger.
This part of the European Standard prescribes furthermore the additional operational markings, which are necessary for railway operation.
This European Standard does not cover temporary operational marks of any kind, permanent marks, data plates, etc. which may be required by intergovernmental agreements, national legislation or non-governmental organisations other than CEN.
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 11-Jan-2011
- Withdrawal Date
- 30-Jul-2011
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 119 - Swap bodies for combined goods transport
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 119/WG 6 - Intermodal Loading Units
- Current Stage
- 9060 - Closure of 2 Year Review Enquiry - Review Enquiry
- Start Date
- 02-Sep-2026
- Completion Date
- 02-Sep-2026
Overview
EN 13044-2:2011 - "Intermodal Loading Units (ILU) – Marking – Part 2: Markings of swap bodies related to rail operation" (CEN) defines a harmonised system for marking swap bodies used in European intermodal transport. The standard specifies an ILU identification system, a coding system for ILU size, mandatory operational marks and the physical presentation and location of those marks on swap bodies to support safe rail operation and automatic data processing.
Key topics and technical requirements
- ILU identification and verification
- Mandatory visual marks for identification and an associated verification system for reliable documentation, control and IT systems.
- Coding of size and profile
- Length codes (symmetrical and asymmetrical) and width classes (2 500, 2 550, 2 600 mm).
- Assignment of a railway profile code according to UIC 596-6 to define maximum profile/clearance for rail routes.
- Operational marking structure
- Two plate formats (vertical or horizontal) showing: profile code, length code, width class, and body-strength marking (standard or reinforced per EN 12642).
- Left-side approval block records certifying body code and case number (assigned by certified allocation bodies).
- Allocation and certification
- Only certified Railway Undertakings (RUs) or approved national authorities may assign operational codes; assignment limited to swap bodies that pass tests per EN 283.
- Additional operational marks
- Maximum gross and tare mass marking in kg (mandatory for inland waterway and sea transport; optional for other modes). Digits must be clearly legible (numerals min. 50 mm).
- Warning sign for non-ISO stack configurations (per CEN/TS 13853).
- Electricity warning for swap bodies with ladders: black symbol on yellow background with black border, minimum 230 mm overall.
Applications and who uses this standard
- Manufacturers and designers of swap bodies and other ILU (to ensure compliant marking and rail compatibility).
- Railway undertakings, terminal operators and logistics providers (route planning, loading decisions, safety checks).
- Certification and allocation bodies responsible for coding and documenting rail approvals.
- IT and operations teams using ILU identification in tracking, documentation and automatic data processing systems.
- Regulators and infrastructure managers assessing which rail tracks are safe for given swap body profiles.
Related standards
- EN 13044-1 (markings for identification)
- EN 283 (swap bodies - testing)
- EN 12642 (body strength)
- UIC 596-6 (profile coding for rail operation)
- EN ISO 6346 (container marking – format compatibility)
- CEN/TS 13853 (stackable swap bodies warning)
Keywords: EN 13044-2:2011, intermodal loading units, ILU marking, swap bodies, rail operation, profile code, UIC 596-6, max gross, tare, operational markings.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 08-Jun-2022
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
EN 13044-2:2011 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Intermodal Loading Units - Marking - Part 2: Markings of swap bodies related to rail operation". This standard covers: This European Standard provides a system for the identification and presentation of information about the ILU. The identification system is intended for general application, for example in documentation, control and communication (including automatic data processing systems), as well as for display on the ILU and other non ISO containers (i.e. which dimensions and testing parameters differ from those defined by the applicable ISO standards) used in European transport. The methods of displaying identification and specific other data (including operational data) on the ILU by means of permanent marks are included. This European Standard specifies: a) an ILU identification system with an associated system for verifying the accuracy of its use, having mandatory marks for the presentation of the identification system for visual interpretation; and b) a coding system for data on ILU size, with corresponding marks for their display; c) mandatory operational marks; d) physical presentation of the marks on the ILU. This part of the European Standard prescribes the system of operational data for the codification of the swap bodies. The codification assigns a maximum profile for the cover area available at the rail tracks to the swap bodies in order to enable the selection of those rail tracks on which these swap bodies can be transported without any danger. This part of the European Standard prescribes furthermore the additional operational markings, which are necessary for railway operation. This European Standard does not cover temporary operational marks of any kind, permanent marks, data plates, etc. which may be required by intergovernmental agreements, national legislation or non-governmental organisations other than CEN.
This European Standard provides a system for the identification and presentation of information about the ILU. The identification system is intended for general application, for example in documentation, control and communication (including automatic data processing systems), as well as for display on the ILU and other non ISO containers (i.e. which dimensions and testing parameters differ from those defined by the applicable ISO standards) used in European transport. The methods of displaying identification and specific other data (including operational data) on the ILU by means of permanent marks are included. This European Standard specifies: a) an ILU identification system with an associated system for verifying the accuracy of its use, having mandatory marks for the presentation of the identification system for visual interpretation; and b) a coding system for data on ILU size, with corresponding marks for their display; c) mandatory operational marks; d) physical presentation of the marks on the ILU. This part of the European Standard prescribes the system of operational data for the codification of the swap bodies. The codification assigns a maximum profile for the cover area available at the rail tracks to the swap bodies in order to enable the selection of those rail tracks on which these swap bodies can be transported without any danger. This part of the European Standard prescribes furthermore the additional operational markings, which are necessary for railway operation. This European Standard does not cover temporary operational marks of any kind, permanent marks, data plates, etc. which may be required by intergovernmental agreements, national legislation or non-governmental organisations other than CEN.
EN 13044-2:2011 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 35.240.60 - IT applications in transport; 55.180.10 - General purpose containers. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN 13044-2:2011 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 13044:2000, EN 13044-1:2011, CEN/TS 13853:2003, EN 12642:2016, EN ISO 17262:2012, EN 284:2006, EN ISO 17263:2012, CEN/TS 14993:2005. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
EN 13044-2:2011 is associated with the following European legislation: EU Directives/Regulations: 2016/797/EU, 2016/797/EU, 2016/797/EU, 2016/797/EU, 2016/797/EU, 2016/797/EU, 2016/797/EU, 2016/797/EU, 2016/797/EU, 2016/797/EU, 2016/797/EU, 2016/797/EU, 2016/797/EU. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.
EN 13044-2:2011 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Intermodale Ladeeinheiten - Kennzeichnung - Teil 2: Kennzeichnungen von Wechselbehältern für den BahnbetriebUnités de chargement intermodales - Marquage - Partie 2: Marquages des caisses mobiles pour l'exploitation sur railIntermodal Loading Units - Marking - Part 2: Markings of swap bodies related to rail operation55.180.10General purpose containers35.240.60Uporabniške rešitve IT v transportu in trgoviniIT applications in transport and tradeICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 13044-2:2011SIST EN 13044-2:2011en,fr,de01-november-2011SIST EN 13044-2:2011SLOVENSKI
STANDARDSIST EN 13044:20001DGRPHãþD
EUROPEAN STANDARD NORME EUROPÉENNE EUROPÄISCHE NORM
EN 13044-2
January 2011 ICS 35.240.60; 55.180.10 Supersedes EN 13044:2000English Version
Intermodal Loading Units - Marking - Part 2: Markings of swap bodies related to rail operation
Unités de chargement intermodales - Marquage - Partie 2: Marquages des caisses mobiles pour l'exploitation sur rail Intermodale Ladeeinheiten - Kennzeichnung - Teil 2: Kennzeichnungen von Wechselbehältern für den Bahnbetrieb This European Standard was approved by CEN on 30 November 2010.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
Management Centre:
Avenue Marnix 17,
B-1000 Brussels © 2011 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CEN national Members. Ref. No. EN 13044-2:2011: ESIST EN 13044-2:2011
Warning; Electricity . 11Bibliography . 12 SIST EN 13044-2:2011
The methods of displaying identification and specific other data (including operational data) on the ILU by means of permanent marks are included. This European Standard specifies: a) an ILU identification system with an associated system for verifying the accuracy of its use, having mandatory marks for the presentation of the identification system for visual interpretation; and b) a coding system for data on ILU size, with corresponding marks for their display; c) mandatory operational marks; d) physical presentation of the marks on the ILU. This part of the European Standard prescribes the system of operational data for the codification of the swap bodies. The codification assigns a maximum profile for the cover area available at the rail tracks to the swap bodies in order to enable the selection of those rail tracks on which these swap bodies can be transported without any danger. This part of the European Standard prescribes furthermore the additional operational markings, which are necessary for railway operation.
This European Standard does not cover temporary operational marks of any kind, permanent marks, data plates, etc. which may be required by intergovernmental agreements, nationa
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