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DB Cargo business unit
Business model
With about 4,200 sidings and additional services in 17 European countries, DB Cargo offers its customers access to its European network, which extends via the new Silk Road to China. In terms of volume sold, DB Cargo is number one in the European rail freight transport.
In its international network, DB Cargo carries out the transport of freight cars and groups of freight cars in single wagon transport, enables transport chains for containers or truck trailers belonging to shipping companies and freight forwarders using multiple modes of transport in combined transport, and, in block train transport, operates direct connections from siding-to-siding for large-volume industrial products, raw materials and industries such as steel, recycling, paper and pulp, and consumer goods. In addition to the pure transport service, DB Cargo creates individual solutions with additional logistical services for its customers.
Owned or rented traction units and freight cars, terminals and train formation yards, as well as own personnel resources, are used to provide services. Customers include the manufacturing industry in the automotive, steel, recycling and raw materials, chemicals and mineral oil and building materials, industrial and consumer goods sectors, as well as shipping companies, forwarding companies and combined transport operators throughout Europe. Since DB Cargo generates the majority of its income by transporting goods by rail, the leading performance indicator is volume sold in ton kilometers. Utilization is measured in tons per train. In addition to the depreciation of locomotives and cars, as well as personnel costs, the main cost components are energy, infrastructure and maintenance expenses. The intra-Group infrastructure companies and service providers are important suppliers in this respect.