(Vienna, 11/01/2021) – ÖBB Rail Cargo Group (RCG) optimises its connection for wagonload transports between Austria and Scandinavia with the new TransFER Linz–Scandinavia–Wels. Starting in the beginning of the year, freight transports from Linz route via the RCG hub Rheinkamp (near Duisburg) in Germany to Malmö in Sweden, from where further distribution throughout Scandinavia takes place. Freight volumes can also be loaded to the train to Scandinavia in Rheinkamp or distributed from Scandinavia to other destinations (including within Germany or to France, Belgium or the Netherlands).
The TransFER Linz–Scandinavia–Wels now shares the route with the TransFER Linz–Duisburg–Wels. As part of the operational consolidation of the connections, the previously weekly round trips between Linz and Rheinkamp (near Duisburg) and to Wels will be increased from five to six – two a week from Rheinkamp to Malmö and back. Transports to and from the Vienna central marshalling yard are still possible with TransFER combinations.
Direct end-to-end connection to the Scandinavian region
With the new route to Scandinavia, reloading onto ship is no longer necessary, as the direct rail route over the Öresund Bridge is now used. The TransFER can also be organised by RCG as an end-to-end connection from the first to the last mile at the customer's request. The customer does not even necessarily have to have his own rail connection.
TransNET – the network
Available in eleven languages with an intuitive user interface, TransNET, the ÖBB Rail Cargo Group’s new digital map, sets new standards in the European freight transport market. Users have three options to find their desired connection: They can choose from three possibilities: they can select “Go” and “Thanks” to choose the starting point and destination for their goods, they can find their connection using our well-arranged list view, or simply click on a location on our map. This opens up a world of possibilities, with TransFER connections and combinations that they can link up to best meet their needs. After selecting the relevant route, it is displayed on the map and shows which services are offered at the selected locations.
TransFER – the connection
The ÖBB Rail Cargo Group transports goods across the whole Eurasian continent with around 60 network connections and many customisable TransFER services. The transport units vary from entire wagonloads and intermodal transport through to complete customisable solutions. Additional freight services such as transshipment, warehouse logistics and customs services can be booked according to the place of departure and the destination. The RCG takes care of all the details – from the first to the last mile.
SmartLINK – the access
The ÖBB RCG’s link to the digital RCG, and thus its entire range of services, can be found at smartlink.railcargo.com. SmartLINK not only makes rail easily accessible, it also gives a clear overview of all the steps that are needed to put freight transport on the rails. SmartLINK is the gateway into the digital world of rail logistics. It guides users through four areas: customers select pre-scheduled or customisable TransFER connections, they find out about the available equipment, services and add-ons relevant to them. The customer journey ends with them getting in touch with customer service representatives who create a unique offer with the customer.
Rail Cargo Group: the freight transport division of the ÖBB
The Rail Cargo Group is one of the leading rail logistics companies in Europe. We are the ones 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. It’s thanks to our 9,393 members of staff from 34 nations located in 18 different countries that 460,000 trains a year, which means 1,260 a day, reach their destinations safe and sound. With our efficient end-to-end logistics services, we transport 95 million net tonnes of freight each year. We have a modal share of 28.2 % of the total freight market in Austria, which makes us top of the league in Europe. Every year, we save the climate from around 1.1 million tonnes of CO2 emissions in Austria. Operational management of the Rail Cargo Group lies with Rail Cargo Austria AG.
ÖBB: Today. Tomorrow. Together.
As a comprehensive mobility and logistics service provider, the ÖBB Group’s eco-friendly transport services brought 287 million passengers and over 95 million tonnes of freight safely to their destinations in 2020. The electricity that powers the company’s trains and railway stations comes from 100 percent renewable energy sources. With a punctuality rating of around 97 percent in passenger transport, the ÖBB ranks as one of the most punctual rail companies in Europe. With annual investments in rail infrastructure of over three billion Euro, the ÖBB is building the railways of tomorrow. Across the Group, almost 42,000 members of bus and rail staff and around 2,000 apprentices make sure around 1.3 million travellers and 1,300 freight trains reach their destinations safely. The ÖBB is the backbone of the public transport system. As the largest eco-friendly business in Austria, the ÖBB brings people and freight wherever they need to go, safely and sustainably. The company’s strategic management lies with ÖBB-Holding AG.