A prestigious ‘seal of quality’ has been awarded to Austria’s national freight carrier, the Rail Cargo Group (RCG), for its work as a reliable partner of the national economy. The ‘Leitbetriebe Austria’ (Leading Companies Austria) has commended RCG for its provision of a comprehensive rail freight network and operating environment. 

Leitbetriebe Austria is a cross-industry economic collaboration which every year recognises those companies deemed to be of high importance to the national economy because of their focus not on short-term gains but sustainable corporate success.

Exemplary

Assessments are carried out based on a diverse criteria of financial strength, sustainability, performance, economic power and innovation, before the Leitbetriebe Institute selects the top performers as what it calls ‘exemplary companies’. The eligibility of RCG – which operates in 18 European countries – for the award is not only down to its customised services at national and international level, but predominantly as a reliable partner of the Austrian economy.

Accepting the award on behalf of all its employees, Clemens Först, Spokesman for the RCG board, said: “This certificate highlights the positive development of the freight transport activity of ÖBB in the face of challenging conditions and shows that the Rail Cargo Group is a benchmark of the domestic economy.”

‘Wagon of the future’

Over the next few years, Austria, which transports a high proportion – over 30 per cent – of its freight by rail will continue to develop its strong market share in mainland Europe. This includes innovations such as the ‘wagon of the future”, close cooperation with start-ups, and the targeted development of booking and tracking & tracing systems,

It will be possible, said RCG, to provide better services and redefine benchmarks through innovation and digitalisation initiatives, while through its international activities the group is committed to the sustainable reinforcement of environmentally friendly rail transport across Europe and beyond.