The corridor between the Netherlands and Poland will soon be expanded with even more services, as two large companies have bundled their expertise. The rail freight services Rzepin-Tilburg and Rzepin-Venlo are now operated under one flag, with more to come.

This is the result of a recently signed cooperation agreement between the Dutch parties BTT Multimodal Container Solutions and MThode Rail Solutions. What this means in practice, is that Methode Rail Solutions will now operate the Venlo-Rzepin service, in addition to their Tilburg-Rzepin line, explains Thom Derks, owner of MThode.

From 9 to 12

In total, 9 trains now depart in every direction between the Dutch hubs and Rzepin, an important node just across the border with Germany. “The Venlo train has six departures, the Tilburg train has three departures, which we now want to increase to six departures as well.”

And this is a likely scenario, explains Derks, because the demand is piling up. “From all terminals we are able to load non-cranable trailers on the tracks, so we are also tapping into that market. With nine departures per week, we are also more flexible. If you cannot catch a train, you can always catch the next.”

Bundling

For some customers, both Tilburg and Venlo are suitable destinations, Derk continues. The cities are not that far apart, so we can bundle cargo in both locations. That is an added advantage of this cooperation.

Meanwhile, BTT remains responsible for the terminal operations in Rzepin and Tilburg. It was previously doing this under the name GVT Intermodal, but it announced a name change in December 2021. The terminal in Venlo, Greenport, is ran by Cabooter Group.