12. November 2026, 08:46 o'Clock
Article: DB Cargo modernises the digital infrastructure of combined transport
New platform lays the foundation for flexible, future-oriented order management in combined transport.
Whether containers, swap bodies or craneable semi-trailers, combined transport requires large volumes of information to be exchanged reliably every day between customers, terminals, production systems and other partners. Digital processes ensure that orders can be processed, consignments managed and loading operations handled. To develop the necessary digital infrastructure further, DB Cargo is modernising key systems in combined transport.
New platform for the next stage of development
For more than 25 years, the LPK system (Ladungsverkehrs- und Produktionssystem Kombinierter Verkehr, the freight and production system for combined transport) has supported key order-processing activities. With the Rail Order Fulfillment Platform (ROFiP), DB Cargo is now gradually introducing the next generation of digital order processing. The new, tailor-made platform can be adapted flexibly to future requirements and makes it easier to connect national subsidiaries and partners. In this way, DB Cargo is laying the foundation for future-ready and more closely networked collaboration among those involved in combined transport.
The new platform is based on cOperator from Catkin and is being adapted specifically to DB Cargo’s requirements. The result is a solution that supports the digitalisation of combined transport processes and can be developed flexibly as required.
“With the new platform, we are laying the foundation for future-ready order processing in combined transport. It can be adapted quickly and flexibly to changing requirements whenever necessary.”
Dorothée Appel, CIO/CDO, DB Cargo AG
First services already migrated successfully
An important milestone has already been reached: in April 2026, the first national service was successfully migrated to ROFiP. This demonstrated the new platform’s suitability for day-to-day operations. At the same time, the key interfaces with production and billing systems were integrated.
The experience gained provides the basis for the next stages of development. From November 2026, further national continental combined transport services will be migrated to the new platform. By then, instructions for loading at terminals are also expected to be largely automated via ROFiP.
For customers who already transmit their order data to DB Cargo digitally, data exchange will remain unchanged. The existing interfaces will continue to be used. Incoming messages will be forwarded to the new system in the background.
Phased introduction by the end of 2027
Once the national services have been migrated, further stages of development will follow. In 2027, maritime services are expected to follow with the connection of seaport terminals. In parallel, the necessary conditions are being created to handle international services via the platform.
The changeover is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2027, once all continental and maritime services have been migrated. DB Cargo is thus continuing to develop the digital infrastructure of combined transport systematically. The new platform lays the foundation for modern order processing and strengthens digital connectivity in combined transport.
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