DB Cargo transformation

In order to become profitable by the end of 2026, DB Cargo took a key step in its transformation in the first half of 2025 and introduced a customer-oriented structure with entrepreneurial responsibility, among other things.

• Customer-oriented structure: Since January 2025, DB Cargo has been working in new units with individual profit responsibility that have replaced the former joint production structure.
  • The Rail Logistics division comprises the steel, automotive, liquids&bulk and full load solutions (FLS) sectors, and additionally the single wagon transport.
  • The Combined Transport division consists of the mari­time and continental combined transport sectors.

The core feature of the new structure is the encapsulated production. Each unit bears full entrepreneurial responsibility for quality and the economic results. They control their own locomotives, wagons and personnel. The op­eration of block train transport is to be fully integrated into the sectors by the end of October 2025.

• Transformation measures: In addition to the organizational realignment, DB Cargo has implemented targeted transformation measures across the board that are making a significant contribution to improving profitability. These include revised service schemes, the discontinuation of unprofitable transports, higher capacity utilization, targeted price adjustments, and the introduction of efficient direct train concepts.

Consistent cost management has already led to a noticeable reduction in expenses in the first half of 2025. DB Cargo has also implemented measures to make the use of locomotives and freight wagons more economical, including through sale-and-leaseback models.

• Single wagon transport: Production in the single wagon network is being restructured. The aim is for the new network to increase efficiency through standardized shuttle services and the more efficient use of facilities, e.g. by reducing the number of sorting sidings and downtimes, as well as through optimized, closed locomotive runs.

In addition to operational optimizations, however, a sustainable Government funding structure remains essential in order to maintain an economical nationwide single wagon transport network for the long term.

Continued weak volume development could lead to additional capacity adjustments.

• Personnel and new deployment models: With the help of more flexible deployment models for train drivers and the simplification of organizational structures for employees in the areas of wagon inspection, sales as well as production and administrative management functions, DB Cargo significantly increased its productivity in the first half of 2025.

Visible progress has been made in combined transport, in particular. Since January 2025, train drivers in combined transport have been driving longer distances with fewer personnel changes under the “strong long-haul driving” model. This reduces the need for coordination and the number of interfaces while increasing shift productivity. This flexibilization, accompanied by more efficient and simpler administrative processes, resulted in significant personnel reductions in the first half of 2025. The number of employees in combined transport fell by about 10% as of June 30, 2025, compared to the end of the previous year.

The measures are based on agreements with the General Works Council and are implemented as part of various reconciliations of interests and accompanying social compensation plans. In this way, DB Cargo is consistently pursuing its transformation course.