EP Logistics International (EPLI) has started operating the Central European Rail Express (CEREx), a new international rail freight service linking Germany with Central Europe and onward connections to the Balkans.
The inaugural movement was a block train operated from Germany to Serbia. From January 2026, CEREx has been running at a frequency of two to three train pairs per week.
The service is designed to carry industrial chemicals, petroleum products and steel. EPLI states that CEREx is available for both regular traffic flows and ad-hoc spot trains, depending on customer demand. By March 2026, the offer is scheduled to increase to five train pairs per week, expanding capacity and frequency.
CEREx is based on fixed timetable paths combined with operational flexibility to manage infrastructure constraints. For the 2026 timetable year, eight regular train paths per week have been secured, enabling routing via the Czech Republic and Slovakia. This routing also provides an alternative to Austrian transit corridors affected by planned infrastructure works during 2026.
The service is structured around guaranteed capacity and predictable transit times, with train paths prepared in advance to maintain stable operations across Central Europe. The corridor supports onward connections towards Balkan destinations, including Serbia.
Alongside the start of operations, EPLI has made a dedicated CEREx project website available to customers, providing service information, contacts and capacity request options.