24. July 2025, 12:59 o'Clock
Netherlands
Article: Borderless rail transport: DB Cargo Nederland repositions itself
DB Cargo NL meets a challenging market environment with a clear strategy, customer focus and international cooperation.
Fit for the future: DB Cargo Nederland
DB Cargo Nederland (DB Cargo NL) has been part of the DB Cargo Group since 2000 and is the leading provider of rail freight transport in the Netherlands. The majority of its runs have an international focus - it has close economic ties with Germany in particular.
The Dutch rail freight sector is currently going through a challenging phase. The market is under pressure - partly due to the persistent cost difference compared to road transport, regulatory conditions and structural changes such as the decline in the energy segment. DB Cargo NL is also affected by this and is realigning itself to successfully meet the changing requirements.
Nanouke van ‘t Riet Managing Director DB Cargo Nederland
Nanouke van 't Riet and Falk Holtz head DB Cargo NL
Nanouke van 't Riet, together with Falk Holtz, forms the Managing Director for Digitalization and Technology at DB Cargo Nederland. While Nanouke van 't Riet focuses on the continuous improvement of operations, Falk Holtz takes care of the finances.
Efficient infrastructure as a locational advantage
The Netherlands traditionally has an excellent infrastructure for sea, road and rail transport. The Betuwe Route - a high-performance freight transport route between the port of Rotterdam and the Ruhr region - is an important locational advantage. The modern equipment with 25 kV- overhead line, ERTMS and a continuous axle load D4 creates the conditions for efficient and reliable cross-border transport - also towards northern and eastern Germany and Belgium.
DB Cargo en route on the "Betuwe - Route" freight train route from Zevenaar (north of Emmerich) to Rotterdam operated by the infrastructure operator ProRail B.V.. Two class 189 multi-system locomotives in double heading.
DB Cargo on the "Betuwe Route": Two class 189 multi-system locomotives in double heading from Zevenaar to Rotterdam.
Transformation as an opportunity
IAs part of the transformation at DB Cargo, there is a greater focus on personal responsibility, market orientation and entrepreneurial action. DB Cargo Nederland is also making use of this scope."In the past, the order usually came from Germany - today we initiate transports ourselves," explains Marike Schilderman, Head of Service Design at DB Cargo Nederland. "We work closely with our colleagues at DB Cargo headquarters, but at the same time we are much more independent on the market. This motivates us and strengthens our customer focus."
Cooperation with RBH a model for success
A strong example of this new way of working is the close cooperation with DB Cargo subsidiary RBH Logistics. Together, international transports are organized independently and consistently - for example on the Rotterdam - Wedau - Dillinger Hütte route. Both companies provide their own personnel and resources for this, which reduces system disruptions, increases punctuality and improves process quality. In the future, there are plans to expand the round trips and extend them to other transport segments.
Marike Schilderman: "Our goal is clear: to be more efficient, more stable and to think across borders. This is our contribution to European rail freight transport with a future."
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