Kombiverkehr KG has successfully completed the project to reorganize its traction services, which began in June 2024 due to the European Commission’s proceedings against Germany as the owner of DB Cargo. Over the course of six months, the operator has redistributed a significant part of its transport operations to other rail companies. As a result of the agreement with the new partners, container transport services have been expanded on key routes between Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, France, Belgium, Switzerland and Italy.
The main partners in the new format are KombiRail Europe, Lokomotion, SBB Cargo International and DB Cargo, with whom Kombiverkehr will continue to cooperate on individual routes. KombiRail Europe is now responsible for domestic transport in Germany and cross-border routes with the Netherlands and Poland. Lokomotion has expanded its role in Alpine transport by becoming a direct contracting partner. SBB Cargo International has set up alternative routes through France, increasing the sustainability of transport operations during the maintenance work in the Rhine Valley.
The restructuring of transport operations required significant changes, including hiring drivers, expanding the locomotive fleet and optimising IT systems. During the reform, Kombiverkehr brought in 18 rail operators, 11 of which became direct contract partners. In total, transport operations on 35 routes were redistributed, and the number of weekly departures reached several hundred. This step allowed the company to maintain transport stability and provide customers with long-term logistics reliability.