
DB Cargo is a leader in sustainable rail transport, with a strong focus on reducing its environmental impact. DB Cargo has set a goal to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030.
The company is investing heavily in new, cleaner locomotives and freight cars. DB Cargo has ordered over 100 new electric locomotives, which will reduce emissions and noise pollution.
DB Cargo's commitment to sustainability is not just about reducing emissions, but also about improving safety and efficiency. The company is working to reduce accidents and improve the overall safety of its operations.
DB Cargo is also working to improve the efficiency of its operations, which will help to reduce costs and emissions.
European Expansion
DB Cargo's European expansion was a significant milestone in the company's history. In the late 1990s, the competitive environment with other European providers became increasingly challenging.
DB Cargo and the Dutch state-owned rail company Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) announced plans to merge their rail freight transport activities in 1998. This merger was a first in the industry, marking a new era for DB Cargo.
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The merged company, DB Cargo and NS Cargo, reached revenues of around 6.9 billion Deutsche Mark (3.5 billion euros) and had roughly 50,000 employees. This massive scale gave DB Cargo a strong foothold in the European market.
A financial holding company, Railion GmbH, was created for the new company and commenced operations during early 2000. This move streamlined DB Cargo's operations and set the stage for future growth.
Deutsche Bahn retained its majority share of 94% in the merged company, ensuring that DB Cargo remained under its control. This strategic move allowed DB Cargo to maintain its independence while still benefiting from the merger.
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Innovative and Digital
DB Cargo is a leader in digital innovation, providing unique added value through its environmentally friendly solutions.
Their digital innovations make using their networks and connections a breeze.
DB Cargo has been at the forefront of digital transformation, leveraging technology to improve efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint.
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Their focus on sustainability is evident in their environmentally friendly innovations, which set them apart from the competition.
By embracing digital solutions, DB Cargo is able to offer its customers faster, more reliable, and more cost-effective services.
Their commitment to innovation is driving the future of cargo transportation, making it cleaner, greener, and more efficient.
Sustainability and Environment
DB Cargo is a leader in sustainable transportation. With over 80% less CO2e emissions than lorries, trains are the clear winner when it comes to climate-friendly transport.
DB Cargo's commitment to the environment is evident in its operations, making it a reliable choice for those who care about the planet.
Nothing beats trains when it comes to reducing carbon footprints, with over 80% less CO2e emissions than lorries.
Freight Services
DB Cargo offers a wide range of freight services, making it a reliable partner for transporting goods across Europe and beyond.
One of the key services is rail freight transport, which is handled by various subsidiary and sister companies within the Deutsche Bahn Group. These companies are located in countries such as Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, France, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Russia, and Switzerland.
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DB Cargo ensures that more than 1,200 trains per year transport goods between Duisburg and Chinese economic centers, providing an environmentally friendly exchange of goods. Customers can book both block trains and single-wagon transport.
For time-critical products, DB Cargo offers the weekly "Speed Train", which covers the route from Xi'an to Duisburg in Germany in just ten to twelve days.
DB Cargo has a strong presence in Europe, with subsidiary companies in 14 countries, including DB Cargo Belgium, DB Cargo Bulgaria, and DB Cargo UK.
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Rail Freight Transport
DB Cargo is a major player in the rail freight transport industry, with a presence in several European countries. The company has undergone significant restructuring over the years, including the founding of DB Cargo AG in 1999.
DB Cargo's parent company, Deutsche Bahn, has a long history of innovation in rail freight transport, including the use of digital automatic coupling in freight wagons. This technology is being rolled out across Europe using pop-up workshops.
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DB Cargo operates a network of subsidiary companies across Europe, each with its own specific focus. Some of the countries where DB Cargo has a significant presence include Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, and France.
Here is a list of some of the countries where DB Cargo has a significant presence:
- Belgium (DB Cargo Belgium)
- Bulgaria (DB Cargo Bulgaria)
- Czech Republic (DB Cargo Czechia)
- Denmark (DB Cargo Danmark)
- France (DB Cargo France)
- Germany (DB Cargo Eurasia GmbH)
- Hungary (DB Cargo Hungária)
- Italy (DB Cargo Italia)
- Netherlands (DB Cargo Nederland)
- Poland (DB Cargo Polska)
- Romania (DB Cargo Romania)
- Russia (DB Cargo Russija)
- Spain (Transfesa)
- Switzerland (DB Cargo Schweiz)
- United Kingdom (DB Cargo UK)
Southwest Route to Spain
DB Cargo offers a complete service for rail freight transport to Spain, including block trains and individual containers for the entire route or sections. This includes pre-carriage and on-carriage, and coordination with all parties involved.
The European standard gauge has been expanded to Barcelona, eliminating the need to change axles at the Spanish border. Trains can now travel directly to the Mediterranean metropolis.
DB Cargo provides a seamless service for rail freight transport to Spain, making it easy to reach the only Spanish port facility in the standard gauge network.
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Offer Freight Wagons On The Go
DB Cargo is leading the charge in rail freight innovation, with their Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC) system set to revolutionise the industry.
Andreas Haller, the lead on DAC module technology, sees a future where rail freight is more efficient and interoperable across Europe.
DB Cargo is taking steps to make this vision a reality, starting with the retrofitting of freight wagons with digital automatic coupling.
They're using pop-up workshops throughout Europe to make this happen.
The DAC system has the potential to transform rail freight, enabling the full digital freight train vision.
This means faster, more efficient, and more reliable transportation of goods across the continent.
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Rail and Road Connectivity
Deutsche Bahn's initial goal was to cover the entire transport chain with all transportation means and routes, but it mainly resulted in shifting its freight transport activities from rails to roads.
In 2009, Deutsche Bahn consolidated its rail freight transport activities under the name DB Schenker Rail, replacing the Railion brand. This move aimed to improve the links between its rail and road transport.
The company's organisational structure remained unchanged after the consolidation. However, media reports began to speculate about a stock market launch of the newly formed DB Schenker division.
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DB Schenker Rail is now the main subsidiary responsible for Deutsche Bahn's rail freight transport activities.
Here is a list of DB Schenker Rail's subsidiary and sister companies involved in rail freight transport:
- DB Cargo Belgium, Antwerp, Belgium
- DB Cargo Bulgaria, Pirdop, Bulgaria
- DB Cargo Czechia, Ostrava, Czech Republic
- DB Cargo Danmark, Taastrup, Denmark (formerly DSB Cargo)
- DB Cargo Eurasia GmbH, Berlin, Germany (formerly Trans-Eurasia Logistics)
- DB Cargo France, Paris, France (formerly Euro Cargo Rail)
- DB Cargo Hungária, Győr, Hungary
- DB Cargo Italia, Novate Milanese, Italy (formerly SFM Strade Ferrate del Mediterraneo)
- DB Cargo Nederland, Utrecht, Netherlands (formerly NS Cargo)
- DB Cargo Polska, Zabrze, Poland (formerly PCC Rail)
- DB Cargo Romania, Timișoara, Romania
- DB Cargo Russija, Moscow, Russia
- DB Cargo Schweiz, Basel, Switzerland (formerly BRS Brunner Railway Services)
- DB Cargo UK, Doncaster, United Kingdom
- Transfesa (Transportes Ferroviarios Especiales), Madrid, Spain
Rail Freight Transport
Rail Freight Transport is a complex and global network, with Deutsche Bahn at its core. DB Cargo is the main subsidiary responsible for rail freight transport within the Deutsche Bahn Group.
DB Cargo has a strong presence in Europe, with companies in 14 countries, including Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, Denmark, France, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Russia, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. These subsidiaries are directly involved in rail freight transport.
DB Cargo Belgium is based in Antwerp, Belgium, while DB Cargo Bulgaria is located in Pirdop, Bulgaria. DB Cargo Czechia is based in Ostrava, Czech Republic, and DB Cargo Danmark is in Taastrup, Denmark. DB Cargo France is in Paris, France, and DB Cargo Hungária is in Győr, Hungary.
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DB Cargo Italia is in Novate Milanese, Italy, and DB Cargo Nederland is in Utrecht, Netherlands. DB Cargo Polska is in Zabrze, Poland, and DB Cargo Romania is in Timișoara, Romania. DB Cargo Russija is in Moscow, Russia, and DB Cargo Schweiz is in Basel, Switzerland. DB Cargo UK is in Doncaster, United Kingdom.
Here is a list of DB Cargo subsidiaries involved in rail freight transport:
- DB Cargo Belgium
- DB Cargo Bulgaria
- DB Cargo Czechia
- DB Cargo Danmark
- DB Cargo Eurasia GmbH
- DB Cargo France
- DB Cargo Hungária
- DB Cargo Italia
- DB Cargo Nederland
- DB Cargo Polska
- DB Cargo Romania
- DB Cargo Russija
- DB Cargo Schweiz
- DB Cargo UK
- Transfesa (Transportes Ferroviarios Especiales)
Deutsche Bahn is also innovating in rail freight transport, with the introduction of digital automatic coupling (DAC) for freight wagons. Pop-up workshops are being used throughout Europe to retrofit freight wagons with this technology.
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Recent Developments
DB Cargo has been making significant changes to its operations in recent years. The company reduced its fleet size by nearly one half in the 2000s and 2010s.
This reduction has led to a shift towards more efficient and versatile locomotives, with multi-system models being increasingly used. These models can operate in the international rail network, making them a valuable asset for the company.
DB Cargo has also been investing in technology, equipping its wagons with whisper brakes that have reportedly halved noise pollution. This is a significant improvement for the environment and local communities.
The company's focus on innovation has led to its involvement in the "Innovative Freight Wagons" research project. Between 2016 and 2019, DB Cargo played a leading role in this project, which aimed to improve the competitiveness of rail freight transport.
As a result of these efforts, DB Cargo's wagons have increased in size, allowing them to transport larger quantities of goods. This is a key advantage for the company as it looks to increase its market share.
Despite these advancements, DB Cargo's fleet has become slightly older in recent years. However, the company's focus on innovation and efficiency has allowed it to stay competitive in the market.
The COVID-19 pandemic presented a significant challenge for DB Cargo, but the company was able to adapt and secure its transport operations. In fact, DB Cargo provided additional capacities for transporting essential supplies, such as food and hygiene products.
This was a critical service, especially during the pandemic, and DB Cargo's ability to respond quickly and effectively was impressive.
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Key Partnerships
DB Cargo has established itself as a reliable partner for transportation needs across Europe and Asia. They offer block train or single wagon transports on the most important routes in Europe and Asia.
Their network spans the entire continent, making it easy to find the right offer for any route, whether from north to south or from west to China.
Key Relationships
Key Relationships are crucial for any successful partnership. Our company has established strong ties with key partners across Europe and Asia. We've got a solid presence on the most important routes in both regions. Whether you're shipping to or from Europe or Asia, we've got you covered.
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Companies
DB Cargo's business operations are divided into three regions: Germany, Central Europe, and Western & Eastern Europe.
The German company DB Cargo AG handles operational services in rail freight transport in Germany and central functions like production, sales, finance, and human resources for the entire DB Cargo Group.
DB Cargo is a partner of the European Xrail Alliance, represented by its subsidiary DB Schenker Rail, now known as DB Cargo.
The alliance aims to make single wagonload transport a more competitive alternative to lorry transport, offering customer-friendly service, efficiency, and punctuality in cross-border transport.
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Up to 50% Reduction in Costs
DB Cargo has made significant strides in reducing costs, with up to a 50% reduction in external costs. This is largely due to the fact that trains cause fewer large-scale problems than lorries, resulting in fewer accidents, less environmental damage, and a reduced impact on landscapes.
The company's restructuring efforts in the 2010s also played a crucial role in reducing costs. By introducing a more flexible price structure and closing numerous freight railway stations, DB Cargo aimed to reduce fixed costs and increase capacity utilisation.
The company's decision to reduce staff headcount was met with criticism from trade unions, but ultimately led to a more gradual reduction in headcount over several years. This approach allowed DB Cargo to retain its ambition to grow its freight transport activities.
DB Cargo's focus on its core business activities in rail freight transport has led to a renewed emphasis on its core operations. This is reflected in the company's name change to DB Cargo AG in 2016, which also applies to its most important German and international subsidiaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does DB Cargo stand for?
DB Cargo is the rail freight transport arm of Deutsche Bahn, the German railway company. It's responsible for rail freight transport within Germany and globally.
Who owns DB Cargo?
DB Cargo is owned by Deutsche Bahn, a German railway company. Headquartered in Doncaster, England, DB Cargo operates as a leading rail freight company in the UK.
How many employees does DB Cargo have?
DB Cargo has approximately 30,648 employees. The company continues to grow with more dedicated staff joining its team every day.
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