03. July 2025, 10:17 o'Clock
Article: In focus: What does a wagon inspector actually do at DB Cargo?
A portrait of Matthias Maage - between responsibility on the sorting siding and insights into social media.
A key job for safe processes
The job of wagon inspector is one of the central pillars on which the efficiency and safety of rail freight transport rests. Matthias took on this responsible job in 2021 and has been ensuring that everything runs smoothly when trains are on the move. As shift supervisor, he is responsible for both the scheduling of his team and the safety of the trains.
"We check every vehicle for operational safety before it goes on the line," explains Matthias. "It's a highly responsible job that requires not only technical skills, but also a lot of experience and a keen eye for detail."Technology, experience and a keen ear
Matthias' working day is organised in a 3-shift system. As a wagon inspector, he checks the functionality of brake systems, wheelsets and couplings, among other things. One of the most important tasks is to test the brakes for their effectiveness - this is done using a special tool known as a sound hammer.
"You can recognise fine cracks or loosened brakes with the sound hammer. It's a bit like a musical instrument - you only develop an ear for these sounds over time," says Matthias. "The more experience you have, the quicker you can hear deviations that indicate possible damage."Between digitalisation and practical knowledge
In recent years, the profession of wagon inspector has evolved thanks to modern technologies. Tablets have replaced the classic checklists, and brake tests are now often triggered by radio. In addition, there are camera gates at large locations such as Seelze, which also monitor areas of the wagons that are difficult to see.
Matthias is part of a pilot project for image-based damage diagnosis that utilises artificial intelligence (AI). With the help of AI models, damage is to be recognised more quickly and specifically in future.
"Digitalisation helps us to work more efficiently. But it does not replace on-site expertise. Experience remains irreplaceable," explains Matthias.A job for technology enthusiasts with vision
To work as a wagon inspector, you not only need sound technical training, but also physical resilience and a willingness to work in shifts. Matthias himself trained as an agricultural machinery mechatronics technician and joined DB Cargo as a career changer in 2020.
"You need a good eye, a steady hand and the ability to keep a clear head even under time pressure. Anyone who is good with technology and likes to take on responsibility will enjoy their work here," says Matthias.
Profile: Matthias Maage
How I came to DB Cargo:"After leaving school, I spent a year in Australia, worked a lot with machinery and developed my enthusiasm for technology there. Back in Germany, I trained as an agricultural machinery mechatronics technician. When I came across DB Cargo in 2020, I quickly realised that this was the right path for me."
What particularly appeals to me about my job?"For me, it's particularly important that my work creates real added value for society. In agriculture, I helped to ensure that machines run smoothly, and now I make sure that the more environmentally friendly transport by rail works safely and efficiently. It's more than just a job - it's a significant contribution to the value chain."
My tip for newcomers:"The shift work is demanding and you have to be weatherproof. But if you have a good eye for technology and are prepared to take on responsibility, you'll be in good hands in this job. An openness to new things and a real can-do mentality will help you develop here."
Social media - creating proximity, making the profession visible.
In addition to his work as a wagon inspector, Matthias is also active on social media, where he regularly provides authentic insights into his day-to-day work. As part of a new generation of railway employees, he uses these platforms to make the profession of wagon inspector more tangible and to get more people interested in the subject.
"Many people don't even know what exactly a wagon inspector does and what responsibility lies behind it. With my contributions, I want to show how versatile and important the profession is. If I can help to change that, I'm delighted," explains Matthias.
Whether through spontaneous insights into the work, detailed explanations of technical processes or simply a brief look behind the scenes of everyday working life - Matthias uses social media to make the profession of wagon inspector more visible and also to interest young people in working at DB Cargo.
"It's not about staging my life, but simply conveying authentic impressions," he says.
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