Rail logistics – Cross-border transportation with reliable transit times

Rail transportation is a proven method of transporting goods of almost any kind over long distances. Many years of experience enable us to offer you the most suitable logistics solution for rail logistics.

Aerial view of a long freight train winding along a forested coastline
Aerial view of a long freight train winding along a forested coastline

Transport on own account, maintenance and more

For centuries, rail logistics has been an established means of transporting a variety of goods over long distances. Rail freight services stand out thanks to their punctuality, environmental friendliness and the large number of different services that rail transport offers. These include not only the pure execution of rail logistics, but also the assumption of transports on a company’s own account, rail forwarding and the maintenance of rail vehicles.

There are hardly any restrictions on the goods that can be transported by rail. For example, the Rhenus Group transports agricultural products, vehicles, building materials and raw materials as well as coal and mining products such as iron, steel, coal, coke and ores. For the transport of chemical and mineral oil products, Rhenus has the necessary certificates to prove the safe handling of hazardous goods. With more than 250 intermodal trains per week, the Rhenus Group ensures the smooth transportation of containers in Europe. The safety of your goods is ensured by containers and special containers, transport safety equipment and loading equipment as well as train/load monitoring, which is not only carried out technically but also by safety personnel. Thanks to IT solutions such as track & trace, you know where your goods are at all times.

More than 20 years of experience have taught us what international customers want, what challenges have to be overcome on trans-European routes – what role the weather plays and how important it is to be able to respond quickly at any time with the 24/7 helpdesk – as well as what individual details have to be taken into account at the customer’s end points or on the customer’s premises.

The Rhenus Group operates its own repair shops in Europe and offers rail vehicle maintenance as a service. Our experienced employees have a high level of technical expertise.

Low-angle view of train tracks at sunset with sunlight reflecting off the rails

Advantages of rail logistics

Rail freight is particularly cost-efficient due to its high transport volume. We consolidate individual orders into large volumes – so you benefit from our competitive purchasing prices.

Thanks to fixed timetables and reliable routes, rail freight forwarding is one of the most dependable modes of transportation over short and long distances. Optimized processes and reduced handling times also minimize downtime.

Compared to other transportation modes, rail freight services are significantly more environmentally friendly without sacrificing speed.

The Rhenus Group’s rail freight services

  • Innovative and individual logistic concepts
  • 24/7 helpdesk and transport monitoring
  • Personal contact
  • Servicing of private sidings, ports, factories and CT terminals
  • Procurement of wagons and equipment
  • Pre-carriage and onward carriage by road
  • Highest quality and safety standards
  • Organization of your customs clearance
  • Local contacts in ten European countries
  • First mile and last mile services using our own resources or cooperation partners
  • Train formation by our own shunting staff and wagon masters

Our value-added services

Worker in an orange safety vest writing on a clipboard surrounded by stacked boxes in a warehouse

Customs clearance

For transportation across EU borders, we fully organize the necessary customs clearance for your rail logistics. Both technical experts and regional representatives are on hand to ensure efficient processing. In addition to full compliance, our goal is to avoid any delays in the transport process.

Close-up of intersecting railway tracks forming a complex switch point

Interface management

We take care of the entire door-to-door transportation chain. On request, we operate all interfaces and integrate the customer’s own capacities. We offer the organization or execution of transshipment at terminals as well as suitable storage capacities. We take care of all aspects of your goods transportation from start to finish, including pre- and onward carriage by road. You have a single point of contact for the entire transport route.

Two female workers in safety vests and helmets reviewing information on a tablet while standing on train tracks

Security services

If required, we can secure your goods against theft and other dangers – both by means of technical protection and by providing security personnel.

Top-down view of a blue crane loading containers onto a train at a rail terminal

Infrastructure

We take care of your rail infrastructure to maintain safety and availability. We offer you maintenance and repair services as well as infrastructure operations – up to and including the management of rail operations.

Friendly call center agent who is talking to a customer

Are you looking for a logistics solution for your rail transportation?

With our expertise and a strong global network, we can create your logistics solution for rail freight services. Contact us today!

Frequently asked questions about rail logistics

Almost any type of freight can be transported by rail freight. It is also possible to transport freight with special requirements such as agricultural products, chemical and mineral products, construction and raw materials, vehicles and mining products.