10. November 2026, 13:14 o'Clock
Article: FLS Net4Europe: Direct connections for European wagonload transport
The N4E network complements the DB Cargo single wagonload network with direct FLS shuttle connections across Europe.
Direct connections complement the single wagonload network
DB Cargo’s single wagonload network connects production sites, warehouses, ports and economic centres in Germany and across Europe. With FLS Net4Europe (N4E), DB Cargo Full Load Solutions is expanding this network by adding direct FLS shuttle trains. The selected shuttle routes carry individual wagons and wagon groups in international wagonload transport. Smaller transport volumes and individual wagons are also possible and are routed appropriately as required.
The connections run from Germany to and from Italy, Scandinavia, South-East Europe, France, Belgium and the Netherlands. Pre-carriage and onward carriage are provided via the single wagonload system or by road where required.
To integrate customers’ transport volumes into the network, wagons and wagon groups are consolidated into dedicated FLS shuttle trains at marshalling and train formation facilities. This reduces shunting operations and provides more direct transport routes.
Central hub for the shuttle services
The FLS hub in Mainz-Bischofsheim plays a central role in the network. Located away from the major marshalling yards in the single wagonload system, it serves as the main hub for German and European regions. Connections to the single wagonload network are available in Maschen, Mannheim and Nuremberg, for example.
The direct connections and reduced number of shunting operations contribute to more reliable wagon cycles. Fewer disruptions and greater transport stability are further benefits of the N4E network.
For the operation of the shuttle services, DB Cargo Full Load Solutions relies on a dedicated team: its own locomotives and train drivers, as well as a dedicated FLS Control Tower for continuous, transparent tracking and monitoring of the services.
A wide range of goods and wagon types
N4E is designed for different goods and wagon types, making it highly flexible. Goods transported include paper and pulp, industrial goods, timber, consumer goods and building materials. The network enables many industries to use efficient and cost-effective rail transport across Europe, even for smaller transport volumes.
Net4Europe at a glance
| Network | Germany, Italy, Scandinavia, South-East Europe, France, Belgium and the Netherlands |
|---|---|
| Concept | Direct FLS shuttle trains complement the single wagonload network |
| Connection points | Several connections to the single wagonload network in Germany |
| Hub | Mainz-Bischofsheim |
| Pre-carriage and onward carriage | Via the single wagonload system or by road |
| Organisation | Dedicated team with locomotives, train drivers and a control tower |
| Goods | Almost anything is possible, including paper and pulp, industrial goods, timber, consumer goods and building materials |
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