Given that there are still many unclear concepts, mutual contradictions and imperfections in methodologies used in the field of track access charging, this book acts as a communication tool for researchers, and discusses these charges with regard to rail freight competitiveness. It addresses four main topics: namely, the technical features of freight transportation and the costs incurred; the impact of incoherence and volatility of freight traffic volume; the market response to the track access charge level; and the influence of transport policy and state subsidies. The text will appeal to infr.