铁路输送大宗散装货物,用轴重大的大型车辆编组长大重专列这样的重载货运铁路,起源于北美,现正在推广发展中。近年来,这种重载货运铁路被引进到澳大利亚、南美和非洲一些国家,主要服务于开发和输出煤铁等原材料。在这方面,澳大利亚发展得较快。1978年,由澳大利亚铁路发起召开“重牵引铁路”国际会议,9月间在西澳大利亚首府佩斯举行,参加者有15个国家铁路界的 Large bulk cargo transported by railways, large heavy vehicles with large and medium-sized group of such heavy rail freight train, originated in North America, is now promoting the development. In recent years, this heavy haul railway has been introduced to Australia, South America and some African countries, mainly serving the development and export of raw materials such as coal and iron. In this regard, Australia has developed rapidly. In 1978, the Australian Railways initiated the convening of an “International Conference on Heavy Traction Railways”, which was held in Perth, the capital of Western Australia, in September. Participants included 15 national railroads