EagleRail Container Logistics
- Apr 20
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 23
Intermodal Takes Flight!
We do with a 60,000lb box in a port what Amazon does with a 60lb box in a warehouse; robotically lift, shuttle and distribute to repetitive locations using smart, overhead rail.
Mission
To support global container logistics growth and port-facility expansions by delivering automated, electric, elevated short-haul transport systems that increase throughput, reduce congestion, and decarbonize port operations.
Problem
Global container volumes have crossed the 1billion TEU milestone, but port land remains finite. The "last mile" between the terminal and inland depots is currently a bottleneck of diesel-idling trucks, massive CO2 emissions, and unpredictable gate congestion that slows the entire global economy.
Solution
Because ground traffic in and around ports is highly congested, any real future transportation solution will need to be either underground/tunnelled, which is cost prohibitive, or in unused airspace. EagleRail does just that and is a 100% electric, automated, light-rail overhead system that lifts containers and "flies" them above port traffic directly to rail yards and inland depots. Controlled by our Eagle-i Native AI software, it operates as a continuous, predictable, and green "conveyor belt" for intermodal cargo.
Throughput Expansion: Increases terminal capacity by moving containers to off-dock yards without needing more road lanes.
Zero-Emission Flow: Eliminates diesel drayage, supporting Net Zero 2050 goals.
Eagle-i Intelligence: Native AI that predictively schedules movements and interfaces with Port TOS in real-time.
Multi-Cargo Utility: Beyond standard 20'/40' boxes, the system handles tanktainers, vehicle racks, and open-top bulk.
Market Opportunity
Market size:
TAM: Part of the $24.5 Trillion seaborne trade market. 6,000+ locations of global seaports, inland ports, rail yards and economic and industrial zones needing over 50,000 short-haul repetitive moves to inland locations. With the elimination of Chinese market for geo-political reasons, we calculate at 3,500+ installation possibilities.
SAM: Specifically targeting the $14.7 Trillion containerized segment and the 1B+ TEU annual movements. We estimate that in the next 10 years at least 20% of these ports will seek short-haul shuttling as a non-truck solution, so 700 potential installations.
SOM: We estimate approximately 15%-20% of SAM, or 100-150 potential installations, would be able to be contracted, approved and funded in the next 10 years, which create a multiple billion dollar corporation. For scope-comparison’s sake, the largest global port operators manage between 50-200 port locations worldwide, so we would be creating the equivalent of a DP World-sized corporation.
Target customers:
Customers are BCO or Beneficial Cargo Owners and Shippers. Service Provider Partners are Terminal Operators and Port Authorities, but also Free Zones, Logistics Parks, Freight Railways. System installation funders are Infrastructure PE Funds as well as Government PPP funders like BNDS and Saudi PIF.
Go-to-Market Strategy
Like many global industries, the global port world, while massive, is managed by only a handful of shipping companies and port operators, and we have good relations with all of the top tier. The next group down the supply chain is the actual larger port authorities at potential locations, which with over 500-1,000 possible global locations is reachable via Trade Shows and LinkedIn, and most importantly through local agents who are typically well-connected ex-port or intermodal executives in each market. And then together with our local agents, we develop regional networking and marketing efforts focused on industry events, professional organizations and introductions.
Exit Strategy
Due to our three-part business model of EagleRail corporate partnering with Regional JVs who then manage the actual installations and operations, we could potentially divest of various components in the three layers to strategics or Infrastructure Private Equity.
Major maritime carriers (CMA CGM, Maersk), global terminal operators (DP World), or leading infrastructure funds (Stonepeak, Brookfield) looking to verticalize their tech stack and secure "green" port assets.
Traction
EagleRail has consulted with over 90-ports on five continents with a 90%+ pre-sales interest rate. We are now seeking to rebuild our second-generation Proof of Concept (POC) in order to allow many of those positive consultation and study agreements to move to definitive project development agreements. Originally our patented hardware design and technical validation was engineered by ZPMC, the world’s largest container crane technology company. Another former Chinese technology partner, CRRC, installed their IP copy-cay Air-Track Intelligent Transporting System aka “Sky Rail” in Qingdao Port in China, the world’s 4th busiest port by volume. To us that was a positive and proves the validity of the concept. This allows us to compete in a validated market and not be the only players with a heavy lift.
There have been three (3) major developments and gained traction in the past 3-4 years:
Hardware improvements with lighter equipment, battery power and the ability to lift and shuttle industrial and bulk goods as well as automobiles.
Software updates with reworked Native AI-as the basis for our scheduling
Highly improved business modelling with our Benefits Cost Analysis (BCA) process which can calculate port KPI improvements while using our system as well as other improved monetary returns for operating financial, social and environmental holistic benefits.
Business Model
We do not sell equipment but rather are a transportation service provider with our patented technology as a means to that end – and different from the CRRC equipment-selling model. And as mentioned, we have a three-tier, franchise-like business model:
ERX Corp. as IP licensor, carrier leaser and quasi-franchisor
Regional JVs that set-up and run multiple installations within a defined country or region as the franchisee
Individual Project-level Special Purpose Entities (SPEs) or Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) under each JV’s jurisdiction that are funded through independent PPP project financing
The business model includes some upfront project development fees paid by the SPE/SPV to the JV and ERX, but the majority of the revenue is made from “per-move” transportation fees under a 15-25 year recurring revenue take-or-pay concession which roles up to, and is shared across, all three-levels. The Regional JVs also will charge for additional operational and maintenance services. Finally, ERX corp. also retains the leasing of the EagleRail rolling stock (Carriers and Lifters) and licensing of the ER/OS software suite in a SaaS model.
The majority of new funding is being applied to the hardware and software technology and expressed through the Second Generation POC. This includes internal and external Design, Engineering, Fabrication and Testing. Leser amounts go to international travel (GCC, U.S., EU and Brazil in particular), financial modelling and legal costs for IP expansion and protection.
Financials
EagleRail is a late-stage start-up and pre-revenue. We maintain audited P&Ls including asset utilization reporting and have a tight control on our monthly burn rate. We also have several business models and forecasting tools that we can review in private meetings which show the three-part revenue-sharing model as well as valuation projects and various exit strategies.
Team
Mike Wychocki, Founder / CMO: Visionary leader in intermodal innovation and successful entrepreneur with multiple exits.
John Elliott, Executive Chairman: Expert in port operations and intermodal infrastructure development.
Tim Brankin, VP Business Development: Expert in global logistics strategy and strategic partnerships.
Dr. Scott Harper, COO: Veteran in logistics technology and supply chain optimization.
Kevin Russell, CTO: 30+ years in large-scale port automation design and development.
Dr. Sania Irwin, VP Engineering: Specialist in Process Engineering and Social and Environmental Impact Sciences
Bill Hamlin, Industry Advisor and Port Electrification Specialist: 30+ years in port and intermodal C-suite management
Mike Scimeca, Robotic Conveyance Advisor: Specialty in industrial overhead conveyance systems
Robert Alger, EPC Advisor: Current Chairman of AtkinsRealis Global Engineering
All of the people above are both Founding investors and shareholders.
Funding
EagleRail and ERX combined have raised $12.1M to-date from Founders plus Private Investors through two previous Reg. D offerings.
EagleRail is currently raising additional funds through a Series A offering. The use-of-funds for the first tranche is specifically for the Second Generation POC. Initial investors can come from a variety of sources including High Net Worth Private Investors, VCs and Strategics. The larger portions of the Series A will come mainly from Strategics and Private Equity.
Port industry and Investor testimonial
Contact Information
Mike Wychocki, Founder / CMO
Tim Brankin, VP Development
Company Website; LinkedIn
This article was written by a third-party business or organisation. marinn.ai has not conducted due diligence on the company or organisation. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or a solicitation.
