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18. June 2025, 07:32 o'Clock
Article: DB Cargo: Europe's rail freight company of the future
Transformation for strong logistics structures - DB Cargo makes rail freight transport European and viable for the future
Industry is European - logistics too
Europe's industry functions and works across borders: transporting raw materials from the ports in the north to Italy, consumer goods to Scandinavia, supplied parts from south-eastern Europe for further processing in central Europe and end products for the global market. DB Cargo networks the complex flow of goods and raw materials across national borders. More than 60% of our freight trains cross at least one national border, /more than 1,000 times a day. With a strong rail network in the heart of Europe and industry expertise, DB Cargo offers logistics solutions that support international value chains efficiently and sustainably.
European presence: DB Cargo's competitive advantage
DB Cargo is present in 18 European countries - with its own national companies, local teams and expertise for regional requirements. From block train transports for the steel industry from Sweden to automobile transports to the Iberian Peninsula and intermodal services in France: DB Cargo's national presence enables it to provide customized logistics solutions and management "from a single source" - Europe-wide, but locally anchored.
The European subsidiaries of DB Cargo AG
DB Cargo across Europe - A look at 2024
- 179.8 million tons transported
- 68.5 billion metric ton kilometers
- 750,000 trains in operation
- 29,000 employees
- 17 national companies in Europe + 1 in China
- 60% of transports are cross-border
- 4,200 sidings
- 2,600 locomotives and around 80,000 freight cars
- 20 million trucks replaced per year
- 6 million tons of CO₂ saved
Transformation: DB Cargo sets the course for the future
DB Cargo is pooling its strengths for Europe and Europe's industries under the leadership of Birgit Wirth: twelve national companies are growing together to form a decentralized, efficient unit. Clear responsibilities, modern management tools and close interaction between business segments and European national companies form the backbone of the "European Network".
Birgit Wirth, Managing Director DB Cargo Scandinavia and Management European Rail Logistics Companies
Birgit Wirth
- Since 2021: Manging Director of DB Cargo Scandinavia
- 2023-2024: Head of Cargo Management Region North (PU)
- 2025: Management European Rail Logistics Companies
- Since 1993: Employed by Deutsche Bahn, with diverse experience and various management positions in passenger and freight transportation, sales/marketing, production and IT in Germany and abroad
What exactly will change for our customers?
The transformation ensures modern and efficient structures:
- In Sweden, the use of in-house train drivers ensures greater flexibility and competitiveness in operations.
- In France, DB Cargo is developing into an intermodal provider and expanding its combined transport (CT) offering.
- In Switzerland, DB Cargo will take over cross-border transit services to Italy under its own management from 2026.
- In Denmark, DB Cargo has set up its own maintenance depot to return the Scandinavian fleet to operation more quickly, directly and cost-efficiently.
Transformation with a sense of proportion and clear goals
Creating synergies, increasing efficiency and ensuring quality - strengthening local responsibility.
Together, we are shaping freight logistics in Europe with modern structures and overarching cooperation. A small and internationally experienced team accompanies the transformation. Business decisions are made locally by the management of the national companies.
Together we are shaping the future of freight logistics
DB Cargo connects Europe's economy by rail - sustainably, reliably and with a view to the future. The ongoing transformation is an important step: it strengthens the European network, improves quality and creates an efficient logistics system that meets the requirements of modern industries. DB Cargo not only remains Europe's leading rail freight operator - we are actively shaping the freight logistics of tomorrow.
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