
DB Cargo France has a strong presence in the European rail network, connecting various countries with its efficient logistics solutions. The company operates a large fleet of locomotives and wagons, ensuring timely and reliable transportation of goods across borders.
DB Cargo France offers a range of services, including intermodal transport, bulk cargo handling, and special cargo operations. With its extensive network, the company can cater to diverse customer needs and preferences.
DB Cargo France's efficient rail networks enable the transportation of goods over long distances, reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable transportation. This approach not only benefits the environment but also contributes to the company's commitment to reducing its ecological footprint.
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The Future of Rail
DB Cargo France is a national company of DB Cargo AG. They're focusing on innovative concepts to drive change in the industry.
A key part of their strategy is a focused corridor strategy. This approach aims to optimize rail freight transport by concentrating on specific routes and corridors.
DB Cargo France is also clear about expanding intermodal transport. This involves combining different modes of transport, such as rail and sea or rail and road, to create a more efficient and flexible logistics system.
By embracing innovative concepts and a focused corridor strategy, DB Cargo France is working to make rail freight transport easier and more efficient for customers.
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Market Challenges
DB Cargo France operates in a challenging market where the state railroads traditionally dominate the French rail freight transport industry.
The company has managed to establish itself as an efficient provider, thanks to its own sales team that addresses the unique features of the market.
DB Cargo France has an operational network that covers national and international runs, offering flexibility and convenience to its customers.
The company's operational set-up is complemented by its own workshop in Alizay, which provides a range of services and support to its operations.
A certified training center for train drivers and operating personnel is also available, ensuring that staff are properly trained and equipped to handle the demands of the job.
Network and Corridors

DB Cargo France has a clear corridor strategy in place, focusing on efficient and continuous connections across the country. This strategy is built around three main corridors: East-West, North-South, and Bulk.
DB Cargo France's corridors are designed to provide seamless connections to key regions and countries. The East-West Corridor connects to Germany and Benelux, while the North-South Corridor links to Spain and Italy. The Bulk Corridor is dedicated to regional bulk freight transport, particularly for the building materials industry.
Here are DB Cargo France's strategic corridors and locations:
- East-West Corridor: connection to Germany and Benelux
- North-South corridor: connection to Spain and Italy
- Bulk corridor: transport structures for regional bulk freight transport, especially for the building materials industry
Focus on Corridors: National and International Networks
DB Cargo France has a clear corridor strategy that ensures efficient and continuous connections. This approach is focused on three key corridors: East-West, North-South, and Bulk.
The East-West Corridor connects DB Cargo France to Germany and Benelux. This corridor is a vital part of the company's network.
The North-South corridor connects DB Cargo France to Spain and Italy. This corridor is another important route for the company.
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The Bulk corridor is focused on regional bulk freight transport, particularly for the building materials industry. This corridor is designed to transport large quantities of goods efficiently.
DB Cargo France's modern fleet provides tractive output for innovative concepts like the rolling highway. The company is also involved in transporting new ICE trains from the Spanish Talgo plant.
Here's a summary of DB Cargo France's strategic corridors:
- East-West Corridor: connection to Germany and Benelux
- North-South corridor: connection to Spain and Italy
- Bulk corridor: transport structures for regional bulk freight transport, especially for the building materials industry
IKEA Shifts to Rail for Paris Deliveries
IKEA has launched a new intermodal rail service to deliver goods to the Paris region, marking a significant shift away from road transport. This service replaces up to 24,000 truck journeys per year.
The rail service runs five times a week from the IKEA depot in Metz, via Champigneulles, to Valenton, serving the Greater Paris area. By using rail, IKEA is reducing its carbon emissions and easing traffic congestion on France's roads.
DB Cargo France is responsible for the rail operation and coordination, while the PORTMANN Group handles transport logistics. This partnership is a key factor in the success of the project.
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IKEA's goal is to reduce its environmental impact and make its supply chain more sustainable. The company aims to remove over 6,000 trucks from the road each year in the Paris region.
Here are the key partners behind this innovative service:
- DB Cargo France: Rail operation and coordination
- PORTMANN-Gruppe: Transport logistics, part of Swiss Post Cargo
- Novatrans (Groupe Charles André): Terminal operator Valenton
- Rhenus Group: Terminal operator Metz
Strategic Realignment with Intermodality Focus
DB Cargo France is taking a bold step towards the future by strategically realigning its operations. This move is centered on intermodality, which is a key area of focus for the company.
One of the main measures DB Cargo France is taking is to expand its intermodal transportation services at both national and international levels. This will help increase efficiency and reduce costs for customers.
DB Cargo France is also assuming operational responsibility in combined transport, which includes tasks like container scheduling and awarding terminal services. This move will allow the company to have more control over the logistics process.
A dedicated terminal is being established in the greater Paris area to give DB Cargo France more control over the value chain and strengthen its operational independence.
Here are the three central measures DB Cargo France is taking as part of its strategic realignment:
- Expansion of intermodal transportation at national and international level
- Assuming operational responsibility in combined transport
- Establishment of a dedicated terminal in the greater Paris area
Sustainability
DB Cargo France is positioning itself as a relevant player in European rail freight transport. This is largely due to its focus on intermodality.
DB Cargo France has a strong regional presence, which allows it to effectively serve its customers. This regional presence is a key factor in its success.
The company's clear strategic orientation is also noteworthy. It's ready to shape the future of logistics sustainably together with customers and partners.
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History and Operations
DB Cargo France has a rich history that spans over 15 years. The company was founded in January 2005 as Euro Cargo Rail by English Welsh & Scottish Railway, which is now known as DB Cargo UK.
DB Cargo France started its operations with a test train in December 2005 in Calais. This marked the beginning of the company's journey in the French market.
One of the notable milestones in DB Cargo France's history is its acquisition by the DB group in November 2007. This move helped the company to expand its operations and improve its services.
Here are the key dates in DB Cargo France's history:
- January 2005: Euro Cargo Rail was founded by English Welsh & Scottish Railway.
- December 2005: First test train in Calais.
- May 2006: First commercial train in Carrières du Boulonnais.
- November 2007: Euro Cargo Rail was acquired by the DB group.
- 2012: Positive operational result for ECR.
- November 2013: First train certified in Belgium.
- 2014: Certified SQAS.
- 2016: First private railway operator in France.
- 2017: Strategic reorganization of ECR with a production and sales organization based on 3 corridors.
- 2021: Euro Cargo Rail changed its name to DB Cargo France.
Alexandre Gallo Leads with Perspective
Alexandre Gallo has been leading DB Cargo France as Managing Director since 2020, steering the company's positive development with a clear course.
He joined the company in 2018 as Production Director, bringing over two decades of experience in European rail logistics.
Under his leadership, DB Cargo France is driving forward its realignment with a focus on intermodal solutions.
Gallo's customer-oriented sales structure is a key aspect of the company's strategy to expand its market position.
With his deep understanding of the market and customers, Gallo is well-equipped to make strategic decisions for the company's growth.
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History
DB Cargo France has a rich history that spans over 15 years. The company was founded in January 2005 as Euro Cargo Rail by English Welsh & Scottish Railway, which is now known as DB Cargo UK.
In its early days, the company started with a significant milestone in December 2005, when it operated its first train test in Calais. This marked the beginning of DB Cargo France's journey in the French market.

Here's a brief overview of the company's key milestones:
These milestones showcase the company's growth and development over the years, from its humble beginnings to becoming a leading player in the French market.
Production and Maintenance
DB Cargo France prioritizes the maintenance of its locomotives to ensure optimal availability. The company has a dedicated team of Techniciens de Maintenance Mobile Locomotive who ensure the good functioning of locomotives by implementing necessary maintenance procedures.
The service of maintenance locomotive is divided into two main categories: mobile and atelier. Techniciens de Maintenance Mobile Locomotive work on-site to maintain locomotives, while Techniciens de Maintenance Atelier work in a workshop setting to perform more complex repairs.
DB Cargo France also has a Planificateur de la Production Ferroviaire who coordinates between maintenance and production to ensure smooth operations. This includes planning safety operations on trains and locomotives, ensuring the availability of locomotives for train circulation.
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Technicien de Maintenance Atelier (H/F)
As a Technicien de Maintenance Atelier, you'll be working in a service that's part of a larger team. You'll be rattaché(e) to the Manager des techniciens d'atelier.
Your main goal is to ensure the good functioning of locomotives. This means implementing necessary maintenance procedures to guarantee optimal availability of locomotives.
In this role, you'll be working to ensure the trains DB Cargo France can run smoothly. This involves putting procedures in place to maintain locomotives and keep them in good working order.
You'll be responsible for the maintenance of locomotives, which will be done in a workshop setting. This is a CDI position, meaning you'll have a regular schedule and be part of the team on a permanent basis.
To be successful in this role, you'll need to ensure the locomotives are in good working order, which is essential for the trains to run on time.
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Planifier la production ferroviaire
Planning the railway production involves coordinating maintenance of the rolling stock with the transportation plan design.
A Planificateur de la Production Ferroviaire ensures this coordination, as seen in job descriptions like the one for DB Cargo France.
The Planificateur de la Production Ferroviaire at DB Cargo France reports to the Directeur adjoint de la conception.
This role involves ensuring the safety of trains and locomotives by planning security operations.
The Planificateur de la Production Ferroviaire coordinates between maintenance teams and transportation planners.
Effective planning is essential to ensure trains and locomotives are running smoothly and safely.
DB Cargo France's Planificateur de la Production Ferroviaire plays a crucial role in this process.
By planning ahead, maintenance teams can avoid conflicts with transportation schedules.
This helps to minimize delays and ensure a smooth flow of goods.
A well-planned production schedule also reduces the risk of accidents.
The Planificateur de la Production Ferroviaire at DB Cargo France works closely with the maintenance team to achieve this goal.
Their role is vital to the success of the railway production process.
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Industry Partnerships

DB Cargo France is a key player in European rail freight transport, thanks to its focus on intermodality. This approach allows for a seamless integration of different transportation modes, making logistics more efficient.
With a strong regional presence, DB Cargo France is well-positioned to meet the needs of local customers. Its regional focus enables it to provide tailored solutions that cater to specific market requirements.
DB Cargo France is shaping the future of logistics sustainably together with customers and partners. This commitment to sustainability is at the heart of its operations and strategic orientation.
By working closely with customers and partners, DB Cargo France is able to create customized solutions that meet the unique needs of each business. This collaborative approach has helped the company establish itself as a relevant player in European rail freight transport.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there freight trains in France?
Yes, France has a significant number of freight trains, with over 1,100 circulating daily. They support a multi-modal delivery network connecting rail, road, ports, and inland waterways.
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