Markets and strategy

DB Cargo’s strategic focus is on fulfilling the commitments made in the EU state aid proceeding. The transformation measures derived from this form the binding framework for the further development of DB Cargo. The central goal is long-term profitability including getting back in the black from 2026. This goal is decisive for the strategic orientation of DB Cargo as a whole and in the individual business segments. The aim is for economic independence to create the foundations for profitable growth in the future. On this basis, DB Cargo intends to continue to play a central role in the modal shift to rail and be a pioneer for climate-neutral logistics in Europe.

DB Cargo’s long-term orientation is based on four strategic areas of action:

• DB Cargo aims to establish itself as a leading player on European growth corridors. The aim is to shift more international goods flows to rail and offer cross-border logistics solutions from a single source.
• DB Cargo is positioning itself as an integrated logistics partner with deep vertical integration into the value chains of defined focus industries. Customers receive combined logistics solutions that combine rail services with other services such as pre-carriage and onward carriage by truck, warehouse logistics and individual services.
• The single wagon transport system is being further developed into a standardized and resilient network. The aim is to create an industry-specific, flexible single wagon transport network as the backbone for industrial logistics chains. Increased productivity in marshaling and personnel deployment as well as the modernization of shunting fleets with energy-efficient dual-mode locomotives contribute to economic efficiency. The operating cost grants that have been in place in Germany since 2024 are stabilizing the regional coverage of the service.
• Lean structures and optimized processes form the basis for quality leadership and sustainable profitability. Simplified organizational structures and processes increase efficiency and competitiveness, while clear sector responsibility strengthens customer focus and profit orientation.

Market development is consistently customer and sector-oriented. Services are geared towards customer demand for the simple and reliable organization of supply chains in Germany and Europe. The organization along sector and industry lines enables us to respond flexibly and precisely to market requirements.

The organizational basis is provided by the combined transport and rail logistics service provider segments:

• The combined transport segment with its maritime and continental areas represents a key future market due to its growth rates. The main carriage is performed by rail transport, supplemented by pre-carriage and/or onward carriage by road.
• The rail logistics service provider segment comprises the Automotive, Steel, Liquids & Bulk and Full Load solutions units as well as Europe’s largest single wagon network. It offers integrated logistics solutions with a rail-based core, supplemented by other logistics services. Foreign DB Cargo companies expand the service portfolio as needed.

In order to be able to act flexibly and react quickly on the market, DB Cargo continues to keep a significant proportion of its capacities and expertise in-house. At the same time, a growing share of services are being procured externally, as is typical for the industry. This applies in particular to traction services and the provision and maintenance of locomotives and freight wagons by third-party providers.

Competition in rail freight transport is driven by other railways as well as road freight transport. In addition to cost and quality aspects, industries predisposed to rail transport, such as steel, chemicals and automotive, are under structural pressure to adapt and are suffering from high energy costs. Additional challenges arise from the limited availability of train-paths as a result of extensive infrastructure measures. These affect all market participants equally. Further infrastructural improvements and political support for a transition towards greener modes of transport are required to ensure fair competitive conditions compared to road transport.

At the same time, customer demand for climate-friendly transport solutions is increasing, also driven by regulatory requirements such as the EU taxonomy. Growth opportunities arise in areas such as battery logistics, “green” steel, CO₂ transport and storage (carbon capture) and rail construction.

Further opportunities for the competitiveness of rail freight transport arise from efficiency increases in production and from addressing climate protection targets, both of which increase the benefits for customers in the long term. DB Cargo sees itself as an enabler for achieving customer-side climate targets. On electrified lines in Germany and other countries, rail transport with 100 % eco-power is possible.