DB Cargo Czechia Strengthens Role on North–South Freight Axis

On 24 February, DB Cargo presented an overview of the activities of its Czech subsidiary. According to the company, DB Cargo Czechia plays a key role in network-based logistics solutions supporting the transformation of the pan-European freight system.

DB Cargo Czechia is described as an integral part of "networked logistics solutions that play a decisive role in the transformation of the Europe-wide network." Since May 2023, the company has been led by CEO Jan Rajnoch, who is said to be steering the firm towards continuous development and strategic expansion in rail freight.

Under his leadership, DB Cargo Czechia has strengthened its international presence and expanded operational capacities across key Central European markets. Rajnoch has been with DB Cargo in the Czech Republic since its establishment in 2015 and has held several senior roles, including Project Manager, Commercial Manager and certified Railway Safety Manager for Austria. In this capacity, he played a key role in the company’s market entry into Slovakia and Austria.

Cross-Border Certification and Interoperable Fleet

DB Cargo Czechia holds a cross-border safety certificate allowing it to operate trains independently in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Austria. With interoperable locomotives of series 189 and 193 (Vectron), the company ensures seamless transport across Europe without the need to change locomotives at borders.

The Czech Republic’s geostrategic position between the Elbe and the Danube, and at the heart of Central European transport corridors, makes it a key market for continental rail freight. Two factors are particularly decisive:

• Central location on European freight corridors: The Czech Republic lies on both the Baltic–Adriatic and Rhine–Danube corridors, serving as a link between northern, southern and south-eastern Europe.
• Strong industrial base: The country is one of Europe’s most important manufacturing and export centres, particularly in engineering and the automotive industry. Industrial value chains depend on reliable and efficient rail freight connections.

North–South Axis and Network Expansion

A major growth driver for DB Cargo Czechia is the expansion of north–south connections. Together with sister companies DB Cargo Polska and DB Cargo FLS Italia, the company operates high-frequency shuttle services from the Baltic States through the Czech Republic and Austria to Italy.

These routes are managed independently by DB Cargo Czechia, covering traction and operational handling, enabling direct cross-border transport without locomotive changes. For customers, this means shorter transit times and integrated logistics services from a single provider.

One example of network development is the link between Žilina, Ostrava and Halle, operating since 2021 and connecting industrial regions in Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Germany to the wider DB Cargo network.

The Pardubice hub plays a central role, alongside Ostrava, serving as a key train formation and distribution centre. Pardubice supports the single wagonload structure in Central Bohemia and enables access to new industrial routes.

Fleet Modernisation and Service Portfolio

DB Cargo Czechia’s transformation is also supported by fleet modernisation. The new diesel locomotive EffiShunter 1000 expands traction capabilities, particularly for single wagonload services on ETCS-equipped lines.

In future, the EffiShunter will focus mainly on first- and last-mile services, connecting industrial sidings, terminals and hubs more efficiently. This is intended to increase flexibility for customers and strengthen the competitiveness of single wagonload transport in an international context.

According to the company, DB Cargo Czechia offers a comprehensive service portfolio attractive to industrial and logistics customers in Central and Eastern Europe, including:

• Full trainload services
• Combined transport on the Baltic–Adriatic corridor
• Flexible single wagonload transport
• Shunting services in the Ostrava region
• Logistics and forwarding services
• Industrial rail and siding operations

Source: DB Cargo