Deutsche Bahn
Universe 2021

Deutsche Bahn
at a glance

Deutsche Bahn Group (DB Group) is a leading supplier of mobility and logistical services with a clear focus on rail transport in Germany. Its corporate management is located in Berlin. About 340,000 employees are employed by DB Group, including over 212,000 in the Integrated Rail System. By integrating transport and rail infrastructure, as well as through the economically and environmentally intelligent linking of all modes of transport, we move both people and goods.

DB Group largely consists of the Integrated Rail System and the two major international subsidiaries DB Schenker and DB Arriva. The Integrated Rail System includes our passenger transport activities in Germany, our rail freight transport activities, the operating service units and the rail infrastructure in Germany.

Market positions
Passenger transport
Freight transport and logistics

Market positions refer to the 2020 calendar year.
1) Without Russia

Integrated Rail System

Facts and figures
Did you know ...
Learn more

... that the first ICE high-speed train began regular operation on June 2, 1991, and with it a new railway era?

German high-speed railway transport was first given the green light 30 years ago by the former Federal President Richard von Weizsäcker. The first ICE started its debut journey in Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe on May 29, 1991. This was the beginning of a new railway world. Since then, 1.5 billion passengers have traveled on DB Group’s environmentally friendly ICE trains.

341
ICE trains
DB Long-Distance offers customers comfortable and environmentally friendly travel within Germany and into neighboring countries. Regularly scheduled daily services with the ICE/Intercity/EC fleet form the backbone of long-distance transport.
~ 5,400
stations
DB Netze Stations is the largest station operator in Europe. In addition to the core business, the development and operation of stations, the business unit offers a variety of mobility-oriented services in stations.
~ 7,900
km of traction current grid
DB Netze Energy offers industry-standard energy products related to traction energy and stationary energy supply. As well as traction current and diesel, these also include supply solutions for alternative drives and synthetic fuels in rail transport.
~ 33,300
km of rail network
DB Netze Track operates the largest rail network in Europe.
> 4,000
multiple units
The core service of DB Regional is to bring millions of passengers in regional transport to their destination every day in a punctual, safe, comfortable and environmentally friendly manner, and in doing so, to meet the requirements of the respective transport contract.
> 80,000
freight cars
With about 4,200 sidings and additional services in 17 European countries, DB Cargo offers its customers access to one of the biggest rail networks in the world, extending as far afield as China, and is thus the number one in European rail freight transport.
341
ICE trains
DB Long-Distance offers customers comfortable and environmentally friendly travel within Germany and into neighboring countries. Regularly scheduled daily services with the ICE/Intercity/EC fleet form the backbone of long-distance transport.
~ 7,900
km of traction current grid
DB Netze Energy offers industry-standard energy products related to traction energy and stationary energy supply. As well as traction current and diesel, these also include supply solutions for alternative drives and synthetic fuels in rail transport.
> 4,000
multiple units
The core service of DB Regional is to bring millions of passengers in regional transport to their destination every day in a punctual, safe, comfortable and environmentally friendly manner, and in doing so, to meet the requirements of the respective transport contract.
~ 5,400
stations
DB Netze Stations is the largest station operator in Europe. In addition to the core business, the development and operation of stations, the business unit offers a variety of mobility-oriented services in stations.
~ 33,300
km of rail network
DB Netze Track operates the largest rail network in Europe.
> 80,000
freight cars
With about 4,200 sidings and additional services in 17 European countries, DB Cargo offers its customers access to one of the biggest rail networks in the world, extending as far afield as China, and is thus the number one in European rail freight transport.
Integrated Rail System
Highlights 2021
With its Strong Rail strategy, DB Group focuses on the business operations of the Integrated Rail System, which includes our passenger transport activities in Germany, our rail freight transport activities, the operating service units and the rail infrastructure companies.
Fleet
ICE fleet expanded with the first XXL ICE

The new XXL ICE trains have been in service since 2021. These are 13-part ICE 4 trains, which can accommodate up to 918 passengers. In addition to passenger comfort, high energy efficiency and innovative technology, the XXL ICE – like all other ICE 4 multiple units – also enables eight bicycles to be transported. The 13-part ICE 4 trains are mainly used on the heavily in demand Hamburg — Frankfurt —Switzerland and Hamburg — Cologne —Munich lines. Since 2021, the XXL ICE 4 has also increased its maximum speed from 250 km/h to 265 km/h in order to further improve punctuality.

Fleet
Green hydrogen buses

In 2021, DB Regional Bus expanded its alternative energy vehicle fleet for the first time with the addition of two hydrogen-powered buses in the Schleswig-Holstein region. The buses, manufactured by Caetano Bus, run on hydrogen produced by regional wind power. One tank is enough for 400 km.

Fleet
New e-buses in Ettlingen

The first five electric buses from the Chinese manufacturer BYD were delivered from the Netherlands to Ettlingen/Germany in 2021. The vehicles will be used in the Ettlingen route cluster in the Baden-Württemberg region. With a battery capacity of 422 kWh, a range of 200 km is guaranteed for the route cluster period of ten years, even in difficult conditions, for example full use of the capacity of 75 people in winter. A total of 13 battery-powered buses were put into operation in 2021.

Fleet
The wheels are turning for Call a Bike

With about 13,000 bicycles in over 80 cities, our Call a Bike bike-sharing service is a functional addition to public transport and connecting mobility for passengers. A bike-sharing pioneer, DB Group is celebrating the 20th anniversary of Call a Bike in 2022. In line with this the bike fleet has been undergoing modernization since the end of November 2021: this includes a new front basket with photovoltaic cells as well as new locking technology. LEDs show from a distance whether the bike is available and provide feedback when it is returned. The app has also been redesigned and now allows for easier and faster renting via QR code.

Fleet
Modernization of euregiobahn

New seat cushions, USB sockets, an innovative video system, WiFi, info screens and a fresh coat of paint: since September 2021, all 20 trains comprising the RB 20 regional railway line in Aachen have been undergoing refurbishment, receiving completely new interior and exterior fittings. The reason behind the modernization of euregiobahn, which operates in the Aachen and Düren area, was the new transport contract with the special-purpose association (Zweckverband) Nahverkehr Rheinland (NVR) GmbH which came into force in December 2021.

Fleet
Procurement of container carrier cars

Almost 100 container carriers from the largest European freight car manufacturer Tatravagonka Poprad were delivered to DB Cargo Polska at the end of 2021. The new design strengthens DB Cargo’s container fleet and is being used by the Polish company in intermodal transport on the north-south axis between Poland and the Czech Republic.

Fleet
Production of new m² freight cars

The first m² series of freight cars was delivered in 2021. The manufacturer of DB Cargo’s internally designed vehicles is the Rybnik depot of DB Cargo Polska. The m² freight cars offer high operational efficiency thanks to a modular design with scalable length and customised design of the charging container. By the end of 2022, freight cars are expected to be manufactured for coil, scrap, timber, and pulp and paper applications.

Fleet
Procurement of Vectron multi-system locomotives

Four new Vectron multisystem locomotives from Siemens Mobility have been strengthening the DB Cargo Polska fleet since the end of 2021. The vehicles, funded by the Polish Center for EU Transport Projects (CUPT), are approved for operation in Poland and the Czech Republic. The new locomotives are to be used primarily in port-hinterland transport between the Polish Baltic ports and the Czech Republic, thereby actively contributing to more climate-friendly transport in this corridor.

Fleet
Redesign for an extended service life

To ensure a service life of at least 30 years for ICE trains, we carry out modernization work, so called redesigns, on our trains after about 15 years. One by one, it is the turn of the ICE 3 trains, which have been in operation since 2000. During the redesign, any previous signs of use are removed and new customer wishes are taken into account. The trains will not only be equipped with new seats, tables and carpets but also installed with more information monitors and baggage racks. All ICE 3 trains will also be fitted with a redesigned on-board restaurant with 20 seats.

Fleet
Milestone for climate-neutral transport logistics

In February 2022, the state-of-the-art Automotive Logistics Center was officially opened in the direct vicinity of the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen. The Battery Logistics Center is the hub of the climate-neutral logistics concept for the battery systems of the new Mercedes EQE model. Starting in 2022, DB Cargo will transport the lithium-ion batteries in a climate-neutral manner, from Stuttgart over a distance of around 650 km to Bremen, and deliver them to the assembly line as required.

Fleet
New procurement of automobile transport cars

The SUV boom of recent years and greater electromobility increasingly call for flexible double-decker automobile transport cars that have an adjustable upper loading level and high load limit. DB Cargo has signed its first contract with the rolling stock manufacturer China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC), marking a strategic milestone in vehicle procurement. Under this agreement, DB Cargo has committed to ordering 200 automobile transport cars.

Digitalization and innovation
EMIL and mobile algorithms

In August 2021, Germany’s largest on-demand service with booking app was launched in Taunusstein, Hesse. DB subsidiary ioki developed the booking app. The biggest difference to the previously operating comfort bus, apart from its climate friendliness, is its high flexibility. The on-demand shuttle EMIL (short for electrically mobile) is the first on-demand shuttle that can be booked via this specially developed on-demand app of the Rhine-Main Transport Association (Rhein-Main-Verkehrsverbund; RMV). About 1,000 virtual stops are planned in the city area which the minibus will call at the request of the passengers.

Digitalization and innovation
First mobility hub in Stuttgart-Vaihingen

At Stuttgart-Vaihingen station, a model project combining rail travel with regional bikes (Regiorad), e-scooters, e-mopeds and car-sharing, thus ensuring seamless mobility. A total of 16 regional bikes, 16 e-scooters and four e-mopeds directly located at Stuttgart-Vaihingen station not only whet people’s appetites for the new mobility, but are also elementary building blocks for getting where you want to go in an uncomplicated way. Germany’s first mobility hub not only makes getting around more attractive, it also bundles all the alternative modes of transport so perfectly that people are happy to do without their cars.

Digitalization and innovation
IdeasTrainCity sets new standards

The IdeasTrainCity (IdeenzugCity) presents a walk-through model of the S-Bahn (metro) of the future and sets the standard for rail transport in metropolitan areas. The IdeasTrainCity presents solutions that enable contracting organizations and local transport railway operators to significantly increase quality and capacity. It is DB Regional’s second 1:1 model financed with DB funds that makes it possible for contracting organizations and operators in regional transport to experience innovations.

Digitalization and innovation
Bike+Ride initiative for more bicycle parking spaces

In 2021, new bicycle parking spaces were created at many stations thanks to the Bike+Ride (B+R) initiative. More than 600 projects are currently underway. With the B+R initiative, the German Federal Ministry for the Environment (Bundesumweltministerium; BMUV) and DB Group want to build lots of bicycle storage facilities at stations in the shortest time possible. The BMUV is providing municipalities with financial support, while DB Group is helping to find suitable locations at stations and providing its own spaces rent-free. DB Group is also providing support during the planning and installation of the facilities.

Digitalization and innovation
Decrease stress. Increase efficiency.

This is the motto of the Eco app for bus and truck drivers, which was launched at the beginning of 2021. All drivers from DB Regional Bus now receive direct feedback on their driving through their work smartphones. This feedback takes the form of color-coded emoticons and is based on data from the telematics system in the bus. This innovation has already reduced fuel consumption by more than 5%. Our drivers are therefore not only more climate-friendly but also more relaxed and safer while traveling around the city.

Digitalization and innovation
Digital Shopping at the railway station

In February 2021, DB Group and EDEKA Südwest opened the first 24/7 digital grocery store at a railway station in Renningen. Customers can pre-order purchases via an app or make their purchase directly at the vending machine – at any time of the day or night. Passengers and visitors have also been able to shop around the clock at Ahrensburg station since June 2021. The first digital 24/7 service store is located directly on the platform. Access and payment are handled via an app.

Digitalization and innovation
Digital S-Bahn (metro) in Hamburg

The pilot project Hamburg Digital S-Bahn (metro) is a prime example of how new technologies can make local transport more efficient. At the ITS World Congress for Intelligent Transport Systems in October 2021, the pilot project launched highly automated rail operations on a 23-km-long section of line between Berliner Tor and Aumühle. The core is the networking of the infrastructure with the vehicle on the basis of the European Train Control System (ETCS) and the automation system ATO (Automatic Train Operation). In addition, the fully automated shunting was demonstrated at the ITS World Congress at Bergedorf station in Hamburg.

Digitalization and innovation
DB Route Agent: the perfect commuter app

The DB Route Agent (DB Streckenagent) app provides many advantages for commuters who use local transport: daily or regular connections can be set up and monitored as a commuting route or commuting alarm. In the event of a disruption, for example, travelers receive real-time information about the reason for the disruption and the expected delay as well as possible alternative routes for all subscribed connections via push message directly to their smartphone or tablet.

Service
Directly to the airport via Express Rail

Lufthansa and DB Long-Distance are optimizing their joint offers for the airport rail link. The Lufthansa Express Rail network is being expanded to include five cities. Since December 2021, Sprinter trains have been running from Berlin to Frankfurt Airport. With this product offensive, which also includes Hamburg, Bremen, Münster and Munich, Lufthansa and DB Long-Distance are setting a new standard for the environmentally friendly networking of modes of transport. The new Sprinter connections link the largest German airport even more closely with rail networks. Travel by train is becoming faster and more comfortable.

Service
Traveling with children is now easier and cheaper

From December 12, 2021, up to four children aged 14 years or younger will be able to travel with DB Long-Distance free of charge with an accompanying person – regardless of the relationship. Until now, children could only travel free of charge if they were accompanied by a parent or grandparent. Now they can also travel free of charge with other accompanying persons who are at least 15 years of age if they are registered on the travel ticket. This means that children will be able to travel accompanied by their older siblings at no additional costs. About eight million children are already traveling on our long-distance trains free of charge each year.

Service
Order at your seat

The new digital service “Order at your seat” extends the existing catering service on board our ICE trains with a digital channel. In the ICE Portal, accessible via the train WiFi, meals and beverages that can be purchased on the train can now be viewed directly from your seat via a mobile end device. Passengers in first class can also place their orders on here. The products are brought to your seat and the service staff then process the payment as usual.

Service
DB Lounges redesigned

As part of the plan to modernize all DB Lounges by 2024, the DB Lounge at Hamburg central station was overhauled and has been showing off its latest look since December 2021. The redesign of the former comfort and premium areas focused on the needs of passengers: there are now comfortable seating arrangements, practical work areas and relaxing recliners. WiFi, magazines and newspapers are all available free of charge. The heart of the premium area is the new bar, which serves various meals and beverages for guests.

Infrastructure
Coburg Future station

Since summer 2021, the Coburg future station has been shining in new splendor. DB Group has renewed all of the flooring in the underpass and arrivals hall. The real highlight, however, can be found in the middle of the hall: new, modern seating islands and light trees, which have been placed on flooring made up of a historical checkerboard pattern and tactile paving, create a more pleasant atmosphere. The arches around the edge of the hall give an insight into the history of the station. As with all future stations, Coburg is run using only eco-power. Over € 5 million was invested in total.

Infrastructure
The DB traction current mix is becoming even greener

DB Group is consistently transforming its traction power mix to be sustainable with even more wind power. A further 190 GWh of North Sea wind power per year from the Amrumbank West offshore wind farm off Helgoland will be added from 2025. This corresponds to the demand of almost six days of electric railway operation in the whole of Germany. With the conclusion of this renewable energy agreement, DB Group currently has about one-third of the market share of eco-power contracts in Germany without subsidies under the Renewable Energy Sources Act (Erneuerbare-Energien-Gesetz; EEG). At the same time, in comparison with the supply of coal power, up to 153,000 tons of CO₂ will be saved annually.

Infrastructure
85 m high: The bridge across the Filstal

An impressive milestone was achieved in July 2021 with the construction of the new Wendlingen—Ulm high-speed line: the Filstal bridge, which stretches across the Filstal and is almost 500 m long, closed the last remaining gap on the line. At 85 m, it is the third-highest railway bridge in Germany and con-nects the Boßler and Steinbühl tunnels. The first test drives were conducted at the start of 2022. The line will enter operation in December 2022.

Infrastructure
Green hydrogen for rail

DB Group is building up the infrastructure required for alternative drives. The first DB hydrogen fueling station for rail was designed at the beginning of 2021 and is scheduled to go into operation in 2022. The first facility of this kind is a technical challenge, as it is intended to enable the rapid refueling of closely timed trains in local transport within 15 minutes. The refueling station will be part of an overall system together with a new commuter train designed by Siemens Mobility and a maintenance facility made fit for hydrogen trains.

Infrastructure
Launch of Halle (Saale) rail hub

After six-and-a-half years under construction, the Halle (Saale) rail hub, which has been completely modernized, has entered into operation. As one of the most important mainstays in German rail transport, it provides significantly improved connections for rail passengers, thus contributing substantially to the mobility transition. The central station was rebuilt in its entirety while trains were in operation: 50 km of tracks and 200 switches were renewed and two electronic interlockings were installed. In addition, a more modern marshaling yard for efficient freight transport was developed.

Infrastructure
Southern Railway has power

More than 170 years after its opening, trains are now running on electricity on Württemberg’s oldest railway line. With a ceremony in Friedrichshafen, we celebrated the commissioning of the electrified southern line from Ulm via Friedrichshafen to Lindau in Bavaria at the schedule change on December 12, 2021. Passengers will experience an improved service as a result of this: the climate-friendly and transfer-free connection as well as the dense frequency ensure better connections to the national and cross-border rail network.

DB Arriva

Facts and figures
Did you know ...
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... that DB Arriva subsidiary Chiltern Railways put its first hybrid train to the test in June 2021?

The revamped train has been equipped with an innovative system that allows it to run on battery power when entering or leaving stations before switching to diesel engines. In this way, the technology can contribute to decarbonization, noise abatement and better air quality, especially in and around stations, and also lead to shorter journey times for customers. The hybrid train is scheduled to enter passenger service at the beginning of 2022 and will be the fastest train of its kind to be used in passenger transport across the UK rail network.

813
multiple units
DB Arriva continuously invests in new vehicles, improves passenger information systems and develops new mobility solutions to complement traditional services.
3
lines of business
The activities of DB Arriva are divided into three lines of business: UK Bus, UK Trains and Mainland Europe.
1.3 billion
passengers annually (bus and rail)
DB Arriva is focused on growth in the European passenger transport market. DB Arriva’s vision is to be the first choice among European mobility providers.
15,676
buses (including external buses)
DB Arriva offers a wide range of transport services with buses, trains, coaches, trams, water buses, car- and bike-sharing systems, and on-demand services.
813
multiple units
DB Arriva continuously invests in new vehicles, improves passenger information systems and develops new mobility solutions to complement traditional services.
3
lines of business
The activities of DB Arriva are divided into three lines of business: UK Bus, UK Trains and Mainland Europe.
15,676
buses (including external buses)
DB Arriva offers a wide range of transport services with buses, trains, coaches, trams, water buses, car- and bike-sharing systems, and on-demand services.
1.3 billion
passengers annually (bus and rail)
DB Arriva is focused on growth in the European passenger transport market. DB Arriva’s vision is to be the first choice among European mobility providers.
DB Arriva
Highlights 2021
With buses, coaches, trains, trams, water buses, car- and bike-sharing systems, and on-demand services, DB Arriva is active in the European passenger transport market, offering a wide range of transport services.
Fleet
New bus contract launched in Bratislava

In November 2021, DB Arriva launched a ten-year bus contract in Bratislava/Slovakia, which comprises a fleet of 220 new buses. Of these, 120 were delivered at the start of the contract and the remaining 100 will follow by the end of May 2022. The buses are equipped with free WiFi, USB chargers, air-conditioning and accessibility features, such as low floors for wheelchair users and spoken information for the visually impaired. Digital displays with improved information for passengers are also available both inside and outside the bus.

Fleet
First hydrogen-powered buses in the Netherlands

In 2021, the first order for hydrogen-powered buses was placed with the manufacturer Solaris. One bus was delivered to DB Arriva in the Netherlands in December, while the remaining nine buses will arrive over the course of 2022. Their use should replace journeys carried out with diesel vehicles in Achterhoek, Gelderland. The buses are powered using hydrogen, which is stored in on-board tanks with a capacity of 1,500 l. Each vehicle is 12 m long, has 37 seats and can carry up to 85 passengers. The buses are equipped with USB charging points, air-conditioning and modern passenger information systems, as well as video surveillance and ramps for wheelchair users.

Fleet
18 new innovative WINK trains

In April 2021, DB Arriva put 18 new WINK (convertible, innovative short train for local transport) trains into service in the Netherlands. The articulated multiple-unit (GTW) trains are equipped with batteries that can store the brake energy of the trains. As a result, they cause less noise pollution at stations. Following partial electrification of the line in the long-term, the diesel engines powered by hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) will be replaced with further batteries.

Digitalization and innovation
Multimodal mobility app launched

DB Arriva has expanded its offer in Europe to include the new “glimble by arriva” brand. The intelligent travel platform is DB Arriva’s first MaaS (mobility as a service) solution in Europe. MaaS offers a passenger-centered approach to mobility and enhances the passenger experience by making it easier to combine different modes of transport when planning, booking and paying for a trip. DB Arriva developed the app in partnership with travel planning technology provider Moovit.

Networks
Opening of low-emissions multifunctional building

In November 2021, DB Arriva opened a new office building combined with a bus depot in Madrid/Spain. The building, which has been certified in accordance with energy performance-related standards, aims to reduce the carbon footprint of DB Arriva and contribute to the transition to zero-emissions mobility in the region. By introducing energy savings of 86% for heating and 90% for air-conditioning, the building will allow for a significant reduction in energy consumption. In addition, a vehicle charging infrastructure has been installed.

DB Schenker

Facts and figures
Did you know ...
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... that DB Schenker will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2022?

On July 1, 1872, Gottfried Schenker founded the freight-forwarding company Schenker&Co. in Vienna. In those days, his idea to group individual shipments together in the form of mass transport was a pioneering innovation. Based on this legacy, the logistics company has built up expertise around the globe and for all modes of transport. With its many years of experience in supply chain management, DB Schenker has become one of the world’s leading transport and logistics services providers.

> 1,850
locations worldwide
The dense network of global locations enables DB Schenker to offer tailor-made logistics solutions.
111 million
shipments in land transport
In land transport, the network connects the most important economic regions in Europe. Land transport in America is becoming an increasingly important area of activity. Aside from this, business in South America and in the growth market of Asia is also seeing continuous and profitable expansion.
> 130
countries worldwide
DB Schenker serves established markets and emerging national economies as an integrated transport and logistics services provider with a global network.
1.4 million tons
of air freight volume
In 2021, DB Schenker expanded its global network of full-charter connections to 2,333 full-charter flights.
2.0 million
TEU ocean freight volume
As one of the global leaders in air and ocean freight, DB Schenker offers the entire range of services in this segment.
> 8 million m²
warehouse space in contract logistics
In contract logistics, the services offered cover all stages of the value-added chain. The core area of expertise is the planning and handling of complex global supply chains, including sustainable logistics concepts.
> 1,850
locations worldwide
The dense network of global locations enables DB Schenker to offer tailor-made logistics solutions.
> 130
countries worldwide
DB Schenker serves established markets and emerging national economies as an integrated transport and logistics services provider with a global network.
2.0 million
TEU ocean freight volume
As one of the global leaders in air and ocean freight, DB Schenker offers the entire range of services in this segment.
111 million
shipments in land transport
In land transport, the network connects the most important economic regions in Europe. Land transport in America is becoming an increasingly important area of activity. Aside from this, business in South America and in the growth market of Asia is also seeing continuous and profitable expansion.
1.4 million tons
of air freight volume
In 2021, DB Schenker expanded its global network of full-charter connections to 2,333 full-charter flights.
> 8 million m²
warehouse space in contract logistics
In contract logistics, the services offered cover all stages of the value-added chain. The core area of expertise is the planning and handling of complex global supply chains, including sustainable logistics concepts.
DB Schenker
Highlights 2021
DB Schenker is an integrated transport and logistics services provider and one of the world’s leading providers of global logistics services, supporting industry and trade in global freight exchange through land transport, global air and ocean freight, contract logistics and supply chain management.
Fleet
Cargo e-bikes in service in Hamburg

DB Schenker is now also making emissions-free deliveries in Hamburg. The electrically powered eCanter delivers freight from the warehouse to Altona, where it is distributed and shipped using the two freight bikes. With a length of 7 m and a load capacity of 1.5 t, the cargo e-bike runs on five wheels. Although the area of the shipping space can fit three pallets, the e-bike has other noteworthy advantages compared to the conventional 7.5 t vehicle: its design allows the cargo e-bike to drive past traffic jams and take little shortcuts.

Digitalization and innovation
Support for founders of start-ups

DB Schenker has founded Schenker Ventures: a new unit that promotes innovations in logistics by cooperating with and supporting entrepreneurs and founders. Schenker Ventures bundles DB Schenker’s existing corporate venture activities and investments and develops them further. Founders and start-ups receive support in the form of capital, industry expertise and assets. Moreover, they will also work alongside venture builder MVP Factory to realize a venture studio.

Digitalization and innovation
Warehouse of the future

DB Schenker has invested in the robotics company Gideon Brothers. As a result, DB Schenker supports the development and marketing of artificial intelligence and 3D-view-based autonomous robots (AMR). AMRs increase the efficiency and productivity of processes and workflows. Less value-adding tasks, such as transporting, collecting or providing products, are taken on. This means that workers have higher availability for tasks that represent greater added value for the company. DB Schenker has already introduced autonomous robots from Gideon Brothers at its site in Leipzig and, as a result, is choosing to apply the flexible solution to existing warehouses.

Networks
Expansion of the logistics network in Finland

With the takeover of Vähälä Logistics Oy, DB Schenker is adding five terminals and 260 employees to its logistics network in Finland. The Finnish logistics group was established in 1937 and, as a partner of the DB Schenker network, provides land transport services nationally across central and northern Finland. It is also a pioneer in environmentally friendly transport thanks to its use of gas-powered trucks, electric vans, and long, high-capacity transport (HCT) trailers.

Networks
Expansion in Verona

DB Schenker has opened a new, state-of-the-art terminal at the Interporto logistics hub in Verona. It has more than 60 gates over a 40,000 m² area, and directly connects northern Italy with 20 locations throughout Europe. There are no pillars at all within the building, which means that employees and vehicles are able to move freely and without any obstructions.