DB Cargo

Rail Freight Logisticsdbcargo.com

DB Cargo AG is Europe's largest rail freight operator and a Deutsche Bahn subsidiary, transporting goods across 14+ countries using ~2,510 locomotives and ~80,000 wagons. It serves enterprise customers in automotive, chemicals, steel, and intermodal logistics through dedicated industry teams and its link2rail digital platform.

Company typePrivate
Founded2009
HeadquartersMainz, Germany
Headcount5,001–10,000
GTM typeB2B
OfferingServices

What DB Cargo does

DB Cargo AG is Europe's largest rail freight operator and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn AG, headquartered in Mainz, Germany. The company operates approximately 2,510 locomotives and roughly 80,000 freight wagons across more than 14 European countries (Germany, Italy, the UK, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Hungary, France, Austria, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Slovenia, Slovakia and Denmark) with around 29,483 employees. Its service portfolio spans single wagonload transport, block train (Ganzzug) services, and combined transport for both maritime and continental flows, organized into six independent business units — Steel, Liquids & Bulk, Automotive, Full Load Solutions, Combined Transport Continental, and Combined Transport Maritime.

The core transport offering is built on diesel and electric locomotive infrastructure, with a growing fleet of hybrid locomotives (up to 250 ordered from Vossloh). The commercial offering is layered with Climate+ (a verified CO2e-neutral transport product combining renewable power, HVO biofuel and Gold Standard offsets), the link2rail digital platform (web/mobile/API with Network, Planner, Wagon Catalogue, Order, Empty Wagon, and Track&Trace services), and proprietary technologies including LEADER driver assistance (13% energy savings), ECCI car-loading planning tool (400+ vehicle model database), ASaG AI-based wagon inspection, ETA arrival prediction, automatic train operation pilots, and a fully automated shunting locomotive (VAL).

Revenue is generated primarily through transaction-fee rail freight transport (per load, distance and type), supplemented by managed door-to-door intermodal services, ECM-certified maintenance and technical services, professional rail-qualification training, and subscription-style climate-neutral Climate+ services. The customer base is exclusively enterprise, spanning automotive OEMs and tier suppliers, chemicals (BASF, Covestro), steel, mineral oil, bulk goods, energy, wood, paper, consumer goods, and intermodal/maritime operators, with named partnerships including BASF (~270,000 tonnes/year Ludwigshafen–Schwarzheide shuttle), Coca-Cola, Network Rail, British Steel, Maritime Intermodal and Drax. Distribution runs through dedicated industry sales teams, the link2rail self-service platform, and partner networks such as DB Intermodal Services and Kombiverkehr.

DB Cargo firmographics

Firmographics

Name: DB Cargo
Legal name: DB Cargo AG
Website: https://dbcargo.com
Company type: Private
Founded year: 2009
Operating status: Operating
Headcount range: 5,001–10,000 employees
Short description: DB Cargo AG is Europe's largest rail freight operator and a Deutsche Bahn subsidiary, transporting goods across 14+ countries using ~2,510 locomotives and ~80,000 wagons. It serves enterprise customers in automotive, chemicals, steel, and intermodal logistics through dedicated industry teams and its link2rail digital platform.
Ownership category
akta.pro rank

DB Cargo industry classification

Industry

Product category: Rail Freight Logistics
NAICS: Line-Haul Railroads (482111), Rail Transportation (4821)
SIC: Railroads, Line-Haul Operating (4011), Railroad Switching & Terminal Establishments (4013)
akta.pro primary industry: Rail Freight Yard Operations (Classification, Hump & Flat Yards) (TLAJAFAB)
akta.pro secondary industries: Project Cargo Logistics & Transport Management (TLADAGAB), Intermodal Terminal Value-Added Services (Cross-Dock, Transload, Stuffing/Stripping) (TLAJAFAL)

Keywords

Rail freight transport
Freight logistics services
Cargo rail networks
Intermodal freight
Rail freight forwarding

Where DB Cargo is headquartered

Location

Headquarters

HQ city: Mainz
HQ country: Germany
HQ region: Europe

Offices16 records

Markets served

DB Cargo business model

Business model

GTM type: B2B
Offering type: Services
Cost components: Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

Rail Freight Transport Services: Core rail freight transport services including single wagonload transport, block train (Ganzzugverkehr), and combined transport (maritime and continental). Customers pay for freight transportation based on volume, distance, and transport type.
Door-to-Door Solutions: End-to-end logistics solutions including multimodal transport combining rail with road (first/last mile using HVO-powered trucks), storage, distribution, and technical vehicle services.
Maintenance and Technical Services: Maintenance services for freight wagons, locomotives, and rail equipment through certified ECM (Entity in Charge of Maintenance) facilities.
Railway Profession Qualification: Training and qualification services for rail professions (train drivers, wagon inspectors, shunting assistants, shunting locomotive drivers) for external companies, employment agencies, and job centers.
Climate+ CO2e-Neutral Transport: Premium CO2e-neutral transport chain services using renewable power and HVO, with optional carbon offset through Gold Standard projects. Offered as an eco-solution for sustainability-conscious customers.
DB Intermodal Services / Container Trading: Container trading and intermodal services for maritime combined transport through DB Intermodal Services.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

DB Cargo product offering

Product offering

Core offering

DB Cargo operates Europe's largest rail freight transport network, providing end-to-end rail-based freight services including block trains, single wagonload transport, and intermodal solutions across the continent. The company leverages a fleet of approximately 2,510 locomotives and around 80,000 freight wagons to move bulk goods and industrial cargo for business customers throughout Europe.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

Climate+: CO2e-neutral transport concept using renewable power, HVO biofuel, and climate compensation projects
link2rail
Automotive RailNet
DB CargoLab
DB Cargo BTT
DB*chem hub express

Products and services

Rail Freight Transport
Block Train Services
Single Wagonload Transport
Intermodal Transport Solutions
Logistics and Terminal Services

Quantifiable outcome

Over 80% less CO₂e emissions compared to road transport
+10 more outcomes

Companies that use DB Cargo

Customer profile

Named customers9 records

Segments15 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

DB Cargo technology and API

Technology

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API: Yes
API docs
API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability7 records

Feature19 records

DB Cargo partnerships and signals

Strategic signal

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

NestecoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2023HVO biofuel producer supplying Neste's HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) to DB Cargo Italia operations near Cervignano and Brescia. The partnership enabled DB Cargo Italia locomotives to run almost entirely on HVO, marking a successful implementation of sustainable fuel.
FirminminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2023HVO dealer in Italy working with DB Cargo Italia for fuel supply to locomotives operating near Cervignano and Brescia.
KombiverkehrcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Partnership for the 'Alter Schwede' intermodal block train product connecting Germany and Sweden, operating since 2015. Kombiverkehr is a key partner in the rail shuttle between Lübeck and Stockholm (via Hallsberg to Rosersberg).
DB Energie GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Partnership for Climate+ sustainability solutions including Ökostrom (green electricity) and comprehensive CO₂e offset options through selected Gold Standard sustainability projects. DB Energie also operates HVO filling stations across Germany (over 20 locations) supporting DB Cargo's transition to biofuel.
Spedition BodecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Logistics company and founding partner of the 'Alter Schwede' block train service between Germany (Lübeck) and Sweden (Stockpool/Hallsberg/Rosersberg). Contributed to the establishment of this stable, sustainable, and economical intermodal rail alternative.
DB Cargo KONTImodalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSubsidiary/partnership within DB Cargo group for combined transport services, operating the 'Alter Schwede' service and managing Christmas train logistics (e.g., Coca-Cola Christmas train 2025).
BASFcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership for chemical logistics: rail shuttle between Ludwigshafen and Schwarzheide transporting ~270,000 tonnes of chemical goods annually. Contract extended for two additional years from 2024. BASF is one of DB Cargo's largest chemical logistics customers.
CovestrocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSustainable chemical logistics partnership: DB Cargo BTT manages transport, storage and distribution for Covestro in Poland using rail combined with HVO-powered trucks for first/last mile, achieving up to 70% CO₂ reduction. Distribution center certified by Covestro achieving 100% delivery reliability.
Network RailminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDB Cargo UK partnership transporting long-welded steel rails from British Steel's Scunthorpe factory to Network Rail's Eastleigh depot using HVO-fueled locomotives.
British SteelminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSteel manufacturer whose long-welded rails are transported by DB Cargo UK to Network Rail depots as part of the HVO partnership.
Maritime IntermodalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDB Cargo UK partnership: 19 intermodal trains operated entirely on HVO between Port of Felixstowe and Maritime's East Midlands Gateway facility, reducing CO₂e emissions.
DraxminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDB Cargo UK partnership with Drax (biomass power plant operator) supplying climate-friendly rail transport using HVO-fueled diesel locomotives, replacing approximately 2.7 million liters of diesel with HVO.
Rolls-Royce (MTU)coreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership with Rolls-Royce for MTU rail engine approval for sustainable HVO fuel use. Rolls-Royce released MTU class 4000 engines for HVO use following successful joint testing with DB Cargo and RDC Autozug Sylt, validating HVO compatibility without performance or reliability compromises.
DB SystelcoreTechnology or IntegrationJoint implementation partner for the ASaG (Automated Damage Detection on Freight Cars) project combining underfloor cameras, microphones, and AI for automated wagon inspection at Munich North marshalling yard.
CoDiVecoreTechnology or IntegrationJoint implementation partner for the ASaG AI wagon inspection project at Munich North marshalling yard.
DB InfraGOcoreTechnology or IntegrationJoint implementation partner for the ASaG AI wagon inspection project, contributing rail infrastructure expertise.
University of WuppertalcoreTechnology or IntegrationAcademic partner in the ASaG automated damage detection project, providing research expertise in AI and wagon inspection technology.
Vossloh Rolling StockcoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership for up to 250 hybrid locomotives ordered for climate-friendly shunting and greater efficiency on Europe's railways, representing a major investment in sustainable rail freight technology.

Scale indicators18 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

DB Cargo competitors and assessment

Company assessment

Emerging players

TX Logistik: German-owned (Trenitalia) intermodal and rail freight operator focused on European cross-border block trains. Comparable as a more specialized, agile competitor in the intermodal segment where DB Cargo's Combined Transport division competes.

Direct peers

Renfe Mercancías: Spanish national rail freight subsidiary of Renfe operating single wagonload, intermodal and automotive logistics. Comparable as a European national rail freight operator with similar vertical coverage.
ÖBB Rail Cargo Group: Austrian state-owned rail freight operator with pan-European services and comparable business model (single wagonload, block train, intermodal). Directly comparable as another major European national rail freight incumbent competing for cross-border volumes.
SBB Cargo: Swiss federal railway's freight division operating across Europe with single wagonload, block train, and combined transport. Directly comparable in business model, vertical specialization and state-owned parent structure.
Mercitalia: Italian rail freight operator (part of FS Italiane group) providing block train, single wagonload and intermodal services. Comparable as a southern European rail freight peer competing in Italy where DB Cargo also operates.
CFL multimodal: Luxembourg-based rail freight and intermodal operator with European reach. Comparable as a mid-sized European rail freight peer with similar combined transport and cross-border offering.
PKP Cargo: Poland's largest rail freight operator with significant cross-border volumes and intermodal services. Directly comparable in business model and operates in one of DB Cargo's key markets (Poland).
Fret SNCF: French national rail freight operator providing single wagonload, block train and combined transport. Comparable as a major European state-owned rail freight competitor with similar operational and political ownership dynamics.

Others

Vossloh Rolling Stock: German rail technology and rolling stock supplier; DB Cargo ordered up to 250 hybrid locomotives from Vossloh. Comparable as a critical supplier/partner in DB Cargo's decarbonization roadmap rather than a direct competitor.
Kombiverkehr: German intermodal operator coordinating combined road-rail transport across Europe. Comparable as a long-standing partner of DB Cargo on 'Alter Schwede' and a competitor/advisor in the intermodal ecosystem.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat7 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

DB Cargo financial estimates

Financial estimate

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

DB Cargo leadership team

Management profile

Number of profiles

DB Cargo subsidiaries and ownership

Company hierarchy

Subsidiaries9 records

DB Cargo funding detail

Funding detail

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

DB Cargo M&A and investment

M&A and investment

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about DB Cargo

What does DB Cargo do?

Is DB Cargo a public or private company?

DB Cargo is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.

When was DB Cargo founded?

DB Cargo was founded in 2009. It employs 5,001 to 10,000 people.

Where is DB Cargo based?

DB Cargo is headquartered in Mainz, Germany, in the Europe region.

How does DB Cargo make money?

Six revenue lines are on record. Rail Freight Transport Services are the primary driver. The others are door-to-Door Solutions, maintenance and Technical Services, railway Profession Qualification, climate+ CO2e-Neutral Transport and DB Intermodal Services / Container Trading.

Who are DB Cargo's main competitors?

TX Logistik is listed as an emerging player. Direct peers are Renfe Mercancías, ÖBB Rail Cargo Group, SBB Cargo, Mercitalia, CFL multimodal, PKP Cargo and Fret SNCF. Others are Vossloh Rolling Stock and Kombiverkehr.

Does DB Cargo have an API?

Yes. link2rail provides eServices for managing rail freight transports via a portal, app, or direct system interface (API) to customers' own systems for streamlined transport processing.

What industry is DB Cargo in?

DB Cargo's product category is Rail Freight Logistics. Its primary akta.pro industry code is TLAJAFAB, Rail Freight Yard Operations (Classification, Hump & Flat Yards), with a secondary code of TLADAGAB, Project Cargo Logistics & Transport Management. Its NAICS code is 482111 and its SIC code is 4011.