DAC: Digital Automatic Coupling or Digital Age Conundrum?
Currently, the common denominator concerning the implementation of the Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC) in Europe seems to be confusion. A third DAC consortium, renamed DACFIT, was just formed by Deutsche Bahn (DB), which also plays...Read more
German Passau corridor closes for renovation, diversions seem unviable
As Germany is planning for much-needed rail infrastructure renovations, points of contention arise. While renovations are necessary for the outdated network, significant infrastructure downtime could lead to serious consequences for the rail freight industry. Especially...Read more
European rail a mixed bag: Polish PKP Cargo profits while others struggle
Rail freight operators in Europe are performing very differently. Big names such as DB Cargo and Lineas are in trouble, but in Poland, the annual figures were an invitation to uncork the champagne bottle.Read more
One billion euros for smaller rail infrastructure in Germany by 2025
The four billion euro German infrastructure program “Small and Medium Measures” for the rail network is making progress, with 138 of the planned 355 projects set to be implemented by the end of 2025, says...Read more
First indicative offers for DB Schenker are in
The sale of DB Schenker, the logistics arm of Deutsche Bahn (DB), seems to have entered a new phase. The deadline for submitting indicative, non-binding offers was Tuesday, 26 March, and at least seven interested...Read more
DB Cargo to be divided into six units?
The German state-owned rail freight operator is facing an uncertain future due to significant losses and proceedings from the European Commission (EC). In an attempt to become profitable, DB Cargo might be divided into six...Read more
How has the German chemical industry dealt with rail strikes?
With Germany caught up in frequent rail strikes, the sector has been facing difficulties with the transportation of goods. The branch organisation of the German chemical industry (VCI) sounded the alarm bells ahead of last...Read more
DB vs GDL: strikes end, agreement in sight
There seems to be light at the end of the tunnel. Deutsche Bahn (DB) and the German Locomotive Drivers’ Union (GDL) said that a deal for a new collective bargaining agreement should be expected in...Read more
German chemical industry says it is suffering from continuous rail strikes
The German chemical industry is suffering from the continuous rail strikes, according to branch organisation VCI. The organisation’s director states that the industry cannot afford more strikes, and calls for labour union GDL and Deutsche...Read more
Third time’s the charm? DB sues GDL once again over strike dispute
breakingDeutsche Bahn (DB) is for the third time taking legal action against the German Locomotive Drivers’ Union (GDL). This time, the company is appealing to the Frankfurt am Main Labor Court to stop the strike...Read more
GDL to stage 24-hour strike starting tonight
gdl strikeThe German Locomotive Drivers’ Union (GDL) is staging its sixth round of strikes in the context of its dispute with Deutsche Bahn (DB). For the freight industry, the action will start today, Monday 11 March...Read more
Danish DSV becomes frontrunner for DB Schenker acquisition
The sale of DB Schenker, Deutsche Bahn’s logistics arm, might have found its suitor. Danish shipping giant DSV signed an agreement with two investment banks to gather enough funds to conclude the purchase. On the...Read more
More GDL strikes will come, but no date has been set yet
A solution to the dispute between Deutsche Bahn (DB) and the German Union of Train Drivers (GDL) still seems unattainable after roughly five months of negotiations. Another round of strikes is in the books, but...Read more
GDL calls for 35-hour strike to get 35-hour working week
The German Union of Locomotive Drivers (GDL) called for a 35-hour strike in protest of the ongoing negotiations with Deutsche Bahn for a new collective bargaining agreement. For the rail freight industry, the initiative will...Read moreDB vs GDL: negotiations failed, new strikes on the horizon?
The negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between Deutsche Bahn (DB) and the German Union of Locomotive Drivers (GDL) seems to have taken another wrong turn. GDL accused DB of leaking confidential information...Read more
‘Dark clouds’ gather over German rail renovation plan
German rail freight association Die Güterbahnen sees ‘dark clouds’ in the rail renovation plan proposed by DB and the federal government. The association identifies a number of issues in the June 2022 plan that it...Read more
Recovery and stagnation: German rail survey reveals mixed results
The German rail sector fully recovered from the pandemic in 2022. According to an annual German market survey, German rail freight exceeded its pre-pandemic performance levels by 10 per cent. However, performance also stagnated in...Read more
GDL sends proposal to DB to end strike and resume negotiations
After launching a seven-day strike that might paralyze the transport sector in Germany, trade union GDL drafted a proposal for Deutsche Bahn (DB). If accepted, the union said it “will result in the suspension of...Read moreAnother strike starts in Germany, this time for a whole week
Deutsche Bahn’s (DB) employees affiliated with the German Train Drivers’ trade union (GDL) are about to go on strike until Monday, 29 January at 6 pm. DB Cargo’s workers will start on Tuesday 23 January...Read more