Rail Cargo Group (RCG), the freight transport division of Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) has optimised its TransFER network with Rotterdam so that direct connections can be made between Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands.

As one of the largest seaports in the world and the largest deep-sea port in Europe, Rotterdam plays a crucial role in transporting freight by rail.

It is also a major logistics hub for transferring goods between rail, ship, and road transport.

Starting in Linz. the TransFER runs via Duisburg to Rotterdam according to a fixed timetable to provide reliable logistics planning.

The service allows all types of stackable containers between 20 and 45 feet to be transported, as well as swap bodies towards Rotterdam. The company is also working on an option to use trailers that need to be transferred by crane. The service is also cleared to transport dangerous goods (RID) along the entire route.

ÖBB Rail Cargo Group transports goods throughout with around 60 TransFER connections making over more than 1,500 TransFER combinations, transporting everything from entire wagonloads and intermodal transport to customised services. The company can also provide additional freight services including transhipment, warehouse logistics, and customs services depending on the place of departure and the destination.

Providing its services 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, Rail Cargo Group has a presence in 18 countries worldwide. With nearly 6,000 employees, it operates 448,000 trains a year transporting over 88 million net tonnes of freight. It has a 27.5 % modal share of the total freight market in Austria and is Europe’s leading rail freight group.

Last December, the International rating platform EcoVadis awarded the company ‘gold’ for its corporate social responsibility (CSR) for the third consecutive time. It also placed a contract with Swiss wagon hire company MFD Rail for up to 600 additional container carrier wagons.

ÖBB Rail Cargo Group CEO Clemens Först said “With our new TransFER Linz–Duisburg–Rotterdam, we are creating another high-frequency direct connection to one of the world’s largest seaports. With four round trips per week and numerous transport options – from classic containers to swap bodies and soon also cranable trailers – our TransFER offers an optimal connection for maritime flows of goods to the economic regions of Western and Central Europe

“In addition, the TransFER allows transfers within Rotterdam to all maritime and continental terminals in the Maasvlakte and Waalhaven industrial and port areas, as well as to Antwerp and Zeebrugge.”

Matthijs van Doorn, Vice President Commercial at the Port of Rotterdam Authority is enthusiastic about the new rail service: “As port authority, we strive for sustainable, safe and efficient hinterland connections. Therefore, this new connection provides much more than just an additional rail service. Next to more flexibility and better connectivity for our customers, it also means fewer traffic on the motorways and thus less emissions and less risk of traffic jams and accidents.”