Freight traffic: DB-Cargo boss: “Can’t afford a loss loan”

The deficit single car traffic of the rail freight subsidiary DB Cargo could be hired by the federal government, according to the company, according to Sigrid Nikutta. “What I can clearly say for DB Cargo: I can’t afford a permanent loss loan,” Nikutta told the German Press Agency. “Either in Germany we succeed in financially sustainable – or we cannot continue to operate it in this form.”

In the case of single car traffic, the wagons are picked up directly from the corporate customers and compiled into long trains at marginal stations. At the destination, these are then dismantled again and transported individually. Single car traffic is very important for individual industries such as steel, chemistry and building materials.

For some industries, single car traffic is indispensable

However, many experts do not consider an economic operation of the offer to be feasible. That is why the Federal Government supports single car traffic, which is dominated by DB Cargo in Germany. DB Cargo considers the proportion of funding that will benefit her, but is too low.

Nikutta emphasized: “I have clear guidelines – from Brussels, from Germany and from the supervisory boards: DB Cargo has to become profitable. We know the goal and also know what to do and what measures are necessary.” Therefore, the individual car funding is currently being discussed again.

DB Cargo overall is in the crisis. 5,000 jobs are to be dismantled by 2029. According to the EU Commission, the company must also write black numbers by 2026. In 2024, the minus with more than 350 million euros was significantly higher than planned. This year Nikutta is aiming for a low three-digit, at best double-digit loss of millions. Deutsche Bahn may no longer compensate for the losses of its daughter after the decision of the EU Commission.

10 to 15 percent less volume transported

Nikutta said the dpa now that you stand where you want to stand. This applies to the implementation of the new organizational structure to independent industries, the long trips of the engine drivers and the number of employees required.

In the event of violations of the requirements, the EU Commission can order a reorganization of the company or request repayments. However: “A repayment on your own would not be possible at the moment.” One consequence could be that DB Cargo then has to take out loans.

Nikutta said that the stimulus is challenging for the freight transport division. “As a company, we are both at the beginning and at the end of the supply chains – and we will feel that clearly.” In January and February, 10 to 15 percent less volume was transported than in the same period last year.

The customs announcement by US President Donald Trump would affect export. “We expect that we will feel that too.” The transports that went to the ports and would be shipped from there are affected. The question is to what extent the transports could be shifted to regions other than the United States and how this affects the overall system.