ÖBB Rail Cargo Group has a new subsidiary in Serbia

Vienna, 13/1/2023 – ÖBB Rail Cargo Group (RCG) has formed a new subsidiary in Belgrade. Rail Cargo Carrier - Southeast d.o.o. has made Serbia the 13th country in Europe in which RCG offers sustainable rail freight transport with its own staff and locomotives. The new railway undertaking will mainly provide transit services between Turkey and Central and South-Eastern Europe, thus strengthening RCG's market-leading position in Turkey.

RCG CEO Clemens Först says, "As the sustainable logistics backbone of the European economy, we are now also able to offer Serbian industrial companies an efficient and sustainable connection to our network (TransNET). Besides cost advantages and increased quality, in-house traction in 13 countries also offers a higher degree of flexibility. This means, for example, that we can now carry out transports to Turkey on two alternative routes – via Romania and via Serbia – in order to be more resilient to infrastructural restrictions.

Huge potential for the economy and climate protection

The connection with Turkey has huge potential for sustainable, climate-friendly rail freight transport. As it stands, Turkish foreign trade is still heavily dependent on truck transports. Rail currently accounts for only about one percent of Turkey's exports. By establishing the company in Serbia, RCG is ensuring that rail freight transport in South-Eastern Europe expands and becomes more attractive.

Rail Cargo Group: the freight transport division of the ÖBB

As a leading rail logistics company in Europe, we are shaping the industry. 365 days a year – 24 hours a day. Across Europe and beyond into Asia. We connect people, businesses and markets – from the first to the last mile. We are present in 17 countries worldwide with our own employees. It’s thanks to our 5,755 logistics professionals from 34 nations that 463,000 trains a year, respectively 1,270 a day, reach their destinations safe and sound. With our efficient end-to-end logistics services, we transport 94 million net tonnes of freight each year. A modal share of 28 % (preliminary value) of the total freight market in Austria makes us top of the league in Europe. Operational management of the Rail Cargo Group lies with Rail Cargo Austria AG.