The ATTI Morning, focused on the Agreement on Freight Train Transfer Inspection (ATTI), was held online on 5 December 2024, bringing together around 65 participants. The session was chaired by Dirk Euler, DB Cargo, who welcomed the attendees, and introduced the agenda.
Key highlights of the session
Euler began by outlining ATTI’s aims, emphasising its role in ensuring seamless cross-border rail freight exchange. He highlighted the following points:
- Interoperability: Harmonised agreement with over 190 member railway undertakings
- Efficiency: Facilitates expedited international freight transport
- Streamlined inspections: Acceptance sampling and transfer inspections at the handover location replaced by quality spot checks
- High standards: Promotes uniform quality management and traceability via the ATTI Quality Management System (QMS) database
Additionally, he covered the key components of ATTI, including the Internal Regulations, the Agreement, and the ATTI QMS Database, and supporting documentation, which can be downloaded from the UIC Extranet, as well as guidance on managing irregularities, and updating and locating RU points of contact.
ATTI QMS Database
In the next section, Euler provided an overview of the fundamental functions of the ATTI QMS Database, covering how the platform can be accessed and monthly reports downloaded, including inputting sampling and planning data, evaluating compliance by meeting QMS deadlines and maintaining high-quality standards through the continuous exchange of results between ATTI RUs, and conducting spot checks to ensure representative sampling by systematically recording results for a varied selection of trains and wagons inspected.
The different platforms
Paulo de Freitas, UIC Freight Senior Advisor, introduced the ATTI Member platforms, the first of which being the database, which enables users to input annual transport schedules (such as wagons transferred between RUs), record inspection data, and access and download reports.
He also presented the ATTI Extranet, the central repository for ATTI documents, event updates, and news, and explained the responsibilities of ATTI RUs.
Updates and practical guidance
Euler then presented the amendments to the internal regulations and to the agreement effective from 1 January 2025 and discussed:
- How to verify if QMS results from partners have been received and updated
- Planning, checking, and using monthly reports (by RU, in total, etc.)
- Avoiding repetitive inspections (e.g., varying the wagons inspected)
- Recording all inspected wagons, including those without defects
He and Jan Kavrik, ČD Cargo, then further explained sample distribution, covering planning, regular and irregular monitoring, and evaluating results in the ATTI QMS Database.
Closing comments and next steps
The ATTI Morning concluded with a reference to the ATTI explanatory video, which is available in English, French, and German (English version here). Participants were then reminded to mark the next ATTI Morning in their calendars, which is scheduled for 27 November 2025.
