Holzlogistik Und Guterbahn Gmbh (hlg)

What Holzlogistik Und Guterbahn Gmbh (hlg) does

Holzlogistik und Güterbahn GmbH (HLG) is a medium-sized, family-owned rail freight operator (Eisenbahnverkehrsunternehmen) headquartered in Bebra, Germany. Founded in December 2007 by Gerhard Pfaff out of the wood-trading firm Holzhof Breitenbach, the company plans, operates and coordinates whole-train (Ganzzug) freight services concentrated in three verticals: round- and sawn-timber for the paper, cellulose and sawmill industries (predominantly into Austria); fertilizers, dangerous goods and salt-water transports (including Werra potash district flows between Gerstungen and Sigmundshall); and intermodal traffic. HLG owns its own marshalling yard at Bebra (FBU) and holds co-use rights at more than 20 loading points across Germany, reactivated in cooperation with DB InfraGo. Fleet capacity exceeds 20 locomotives — pure electric (Bombardier BR185), dual-mode Last-Mile (BR187), Stadler BR159 Eurodual, Siemens BR248 Vectron Dual Mode, plus Vossloh/MaK diesel units — and approximately 140 wagons, including the INNOFREIGHT Smart GigaWood high-capacity timber wagons that HLG was first in Germany to lease in January 2020.

Revenue is generated primarily through negotiated, contract-based rail freight traction services sold directly to industrial shippers (paper mills, fertilizer producers, chemical companies, logistics operators) on multi-year terms, supplemented by per-shipment spot traffic coordinated through a 24/7 dispatch centre. A dedicated Vertrieb team (sales) drives an enterprise field-sales go-to-market, structured as a six-step concept development process from initial contact through post-performance review. An affiliated ECM/VPI-certified maintenance company, ULA Bebra Fahrzeuginstandsetzung GmbH & Co. KG (founded 2019, ~15 employees), provides third-party rail vehicle maintenance services and supports HLG's fleet availability. The company holds a Single Safety Certificate (Einheitliche Sicherheitsbescheinigung) for freight transport including dangerous goods, valid across Germany and Austria for five years, issued by the European Railway Agency following extensive review. Headcount stands at approximately 35 employees, with FY2022 revenue of €37 million and 1.9 million track-kilometres operated in 2021.

Name

Holzlogistik Und Guterbahn Gmbh (hlg)

Legal name

Holzlogistik und Güterbahn GmbH (HLG)

Website

https://hlg-bebra.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

2007

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Holzlogistik und Güterbahn GmbH (HLG) is a family-owned German rail freight operator based in Bebra, providing whole-train block transport services to industrial shippers in timber, fertilizer and chemical sectors across Germany and Austria.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Bebra

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Rail Freight Transport Services (Ganzzug-Verkehre): HLG generates revenue primarily through the provision of contracted rail freight traction services. Customers commission HLG to haul whole trains (Ganzzüge) of freight (wood, fertilizers, chemicals/dangerous goods, intermodal cargo) over rail networks. Revenue is derived from transport fees charged per shipment or per ton-kilometre, reflecting the volume, distance, and complexity of the transport. Services include first- and last-mile coordination, route planning, and infrastructure management as part of the offering.
2. Holistic Transport Concept Development: HLG develops bespoke traffic/transport concepts (Verkehrskonzepte) for customers in a structured six-step process: contact, requirement analysis, concept design, approval, execution, and post-performance review. This is delivered as an integrated service attached to transport execution, representing an added-value revenue stream within the core freight contract.
3. Vehicle Maintenance Services (via affiliated ULA Bebra): ULA Bebra Fahrzeuginstandsetzung GmbH & Co. KG, founded in 2019 and ECM/VPI-certified, provides rail vehicle maintenance services. This affiliated company generates revenue from maintenance and repair of rail vehicles, both for HLG's own fleet and for external rail operators.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

HLG is a privately held, family-owned German rail freight operator that plans and executes whole-train (Ganzzug) block train transports for industrial shippers. Its core service covers the calculation, planning, and execution of freight traffic with a focus on wood (roundwood and sawn timber), fertilizers, and intermodal cargo, supported by a mixed fleet of more than 20 electric, diesel, and dual-mode Last-Mile locomotives and roughly 140 wagons, plus the company's own marshalling yard in Bebra and more than 20 active loading points across Germany.

Product overview

HLG is a medium-sized, privately owned rail freight transport company (Eisenbahnverkehrsunternehmen) founded in 2007 and headquartered in Bebra, Germany. Its core offering is the planning, execution, and coordination of block train freight transports, primarily in the market segments of timber (Rund- and Schnittholz), fertilizers, and intermodal traffic, covering both national and international routes. The product portfolio comprises a modern rolling stock fleet including pure electric locomotives (BR185), dual-mode locomotives with last-mile diesel capability (BR187, BR248 Vectron Dual Mode, BR159 Eurodual), and classic diesel locomotives for shunting and non-electrified lines (G2000, G1000, MaK ME26). HLG complements its traction services with leased Smart GigaWood timber wagons (INNOFREIGHT), holistic transport concept design, loading infrastructure management, and vehicle maintenance through its affiliated company ULA Bebra. The company holds a Single Safety Certificate for Germany and Austria.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Ganzheitliche Verkehrskonzepte (Holistic Transport Concepts) Structured six-step transport concept service covering contact, requirements analysis, traffic concept design, approval, execution, and post-performance review. Supports customers with individual pre- and post-haulage and end-to-end freight logistics planning, including route and infrastructure considerations, rolling stock selection, and transport execution.
• Ganzzug-Verkehre (Block Train Services) Whole-train rail freight transport service specialized in handling large tonnages of goods such as timber, fertilizers, and salt-containing water (lye) in block trains. Includes first- and last-mile coordination and is supported by HLG's reactivation of unused loading infrastructure in cooperation with DB InfraGo and private operators.
• Last-Mile Lokomotiven Service (Dual-Mode / Zweikraft) Dual-mode freight traction service using locomotives equipped with a full electric drive supplemented by a diesel auxiliary motor for non-electrified sections. Enables seamless operation under existing catenary and at non-electrified loading facilities without separate shunting locomotives, saving time and cost on first/last-mile legs.
• Instandhaltung | ULA Bebra (Rail Vehicle Maintenance) Rail vehicle construction, maintenance, and repair services provided by ULA Bebra Fahrzeuginstandsetzung GmbH & Co. KG, an ECM/VPI-certified affiliated company founded in 2019 with approximately 15 employees. Services cover scheduled and ad-hoc maintenance, inspection, and repair of locomotives and wagons for HLG's fleet and external rail operators.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1.9 million track-kilometres operated in 2021
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and minor.

• Siemens Mobility GmbHmajorTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2022Siemens Mobility is the manufacturer of the Vectron Dual Mode (BR248) locomotive in HLG's fleet (248 052-3). The Vectron Dual Mode offers 2,400 kW in both electric and diesel modes, enabling flexible operations on partially electrified routes. Siemens provides technical support, software updates, and maintenance guidance for the platform.
• European Railway Agency (ERA)coreOthers · 1 January 2021The European Railway Agency issued and renewed HLG's Single Safety Certificate (einheitliche Sicherheitsbescheinigung) for Germany and Austria, including dangerous goods transport, valid for 5 years. This regulatory authorization is fundamental to HLG's operating licence in both countries.
• INNOFREIGHT Solutions GmbHcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2020INNOFREIGHT Solutions GmbH is the manufacturer of the Smart GigaWood wagon system. HLG became the first German rail freight company to rent Smart GigaWood wagons in January 2020, initially renting a consist of 18 wagons. These wagons provide significantly higher loading volume than conventional types and enable HLG to operate on length-restricted routes. The partnership gives HLG exclusive access to advanced wagon technology in the German wood transport market.
• ULA Bebra Fahrzeuginstandsetzung GmbH & Co. KGcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019ULA Bebra is a privately owned, ECM/VPI-certified rail vehicle maintenance company founded in 2019 and affiliated with HLG. With approximately 15 employees, it provides professional maintenance and repair services for rail vehicles at HLG's facility in Bebra. ULA handles both scheduled maintenance and ad-hoc repairs for HLG's locomotive and wagon fleet, enabling HLG to maintain high fleet availability and operational reliability. HLG directs damaged wagons to ULA's workshop tracks for inspection and repair.
• Stadler Rail AGcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2017Stadler Rail AG is the manufacturer of the Eurodual (BR159) locomotives in HLG's fleet — four units in total (159 215-3, 159 216-1, 159 446-4, 159 454-8). These dual-power (electric + diesel) locomotives are among the most powerful in HLG's fleet (7,100 kW under catenary, 2,800 kW diesel) and enable operations on non-electrified routes while maintaining high tractive effort. Stadler provides technical support and spare parts for this locomotive type.
• Bombardier Transportation (now Alstom) / DispolokmajorTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2017Bombardier Transportation (now Alstom) manufactures the BR185 electric locomotives (4 units) and BR187 Last-Mile locomotives (5 units) in HLG's fleet. The BR185 is described as 'the backbone of the fleet.' The BR187 is equipped with a Last-Mile diesel auxiliary module (230 kW). These locomotives were sourced through the Dispolok rental pool or direct procurement from Bombardier/Alstom.
• Holzhof Breitenbach GmbH & Co. KGcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2007Holzhof Breitenbach is the sister company of HLG and its original founding anchor. The company's history begins with Holzhof Breitenbach, which focused on wood trading and began renting wagons and arranging rail transport in 2006. HLG emerged from this parent entity, and the two companies share common ownership (Gerhard Pfaff). Holzhof Breitenbach continues to serve as a key customer and logistics partner, particularly in the wood transport segment.
• DB InfraGo AG (formerly DB Netz AG)coreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2007DB InfraGo (formerly DB Netz AG) is Germany's largest rail infrastructure manager. HLG cooperates closely with DB InfraGo for track access (Trassen), slot booking, and the reactivation of disused or decommissioned loading infrastructure. This partnership is foundational to HLG's ability to operate its rail freight services on the German network and to develop new loading facilities in cooperation with the infrastructure operator.
• Vossloh Locomotives GmbH / MaK / Siemens Transportation SystemsmajorTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2007Vossloh (formerly MaK and Siemens Transportation Systems) manufactures the diesel-hydraulic locomotives G1000 (1 unit, 270 013-5) and G2000 (2 units, 273 003-4) in HLG's fleet. These are used for shunting and lighter line haul services. The MaK ME26 (DE2700) locomotives were originally built for Norwegian State Railways, later passed through Dispolok, and are now operated by HLG.
• DB Cargo AG (historical)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2007DB Cargo AG was the dominant rail freight operator from which HLG's predecessor (Holzhof Breitenbach) originally purchased transport services before founding HLG. The MORA C restructuring programme by DB Cargo in 2001–2004 created the market opportunity for HLG's founding by withdrawing from unprofitable infrastructure, which HLG then stepped in to serve. DB Cargo is now a competitor as well as a potential infrastructure partner.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• TX Logistik GmbH: TX Logistik is a mid-sized private rail freight operator with cross-border DE/AT/IT corridors and block-train specialisation in industrial bulk traffic. It is highly comparable to HLG in scale, customer profile (industrial shippers, traction services), and European corridor focus, and competes for similar wood, automotive, and intermodal contracts.
• Captrain Deutschland GmbH: Captrain is the niche cargo rail arm of DB Cargo and operates single-wagon, block-train, and industrial freight services across Germany and neighbouring countries. It is directly comparable as a German rail freight operator focused on industrial shippers, competing for similar Ganzzug and wagonload contracts.
• Ahaus Alstätter Eisenbahn AG (AAE): AAE is a privately owned Swiss-German rail freight operator with a long history of specialised wagon and block-train services across DE/CH. It is comparable to HLG as a mid-sized private rail freight company with cross-border operations, wagon expertise, and industrial bulk traffic focus.
• ITL Eisenbahngesellschaft mbH: ITL is a smaller private German rail freight operator providing traction and freight services for industrial customers. It is directly comparable to HLG in business model (private operator with own locomotives, contract Ganzzug traffic) and frequently competes for similar DE industrial bulk contracts.
• WRS Widmer Rail Service GmbH: WRS Widmer Rail Service is a privately owned Swiss-German rail freight operator focused on block-train services for industrial customers. It is comparable to HLG in scale, ownership structure (family/investor-owned), and bulk industrial freight focus, and competes for similar DE/CH corridor contracts.
• RBH Logistics GmbH: RBH Logistics is a privately held German rail freight operator with comparable mid-size fleet and block-train services for industrial customers. It mirrors HLG's business model of operating own locomotives on industrial bulk corridors, often overlapping in DE rail freight tenders.
• HSL Logistik GmbH: HSL Logistik is a German private rail freight operator providing traction and transport services for industrial customers across Northern and Central Europe. Comparable to HLG in fleet scale, customer profile, and reliance on DB InfraGo infrastructure, with similar exposure to DE bulk freight markets.

Broad incumbents

• DB Cargo AG: DB Cargo is Germany's largest rail freight operator and the dominant incumbent in the DE/AT market, operating single-wagon, block-train, and intermodal services nationally and cross-border. It is comparable to HLG as the broader industry incumbent against which HLG competes for industrial and bulk contracts, but at vastly greater scale.
• Rail Cargo Austria (ÖBB RCG): Rail Cargo Austria is the freight arm of Austrian Federal Railways and a leading Central European rail freight operator with broad industrial, intermodal, and bulk services. It is a broad incumbent peer — overlapping with HLG on Austrian paper/cellulose and sawmill customers but operating at materially larger scale across CEE.

Regional players

• Lineas Group: Lineas is the largest private rail freight operator in Belgium and Western Europe, offering traction, block-train, and intermodal services to industrial customers. Comparable to HLG as a privately held, traction-focused European rail freight operator with industrial bulk exposure, but operating primarily in a different geography (BENELUX/FR).

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookde-de.facebook.com/HLGBebra
• LinkedInde.linkedin.com/company/holzlogistik-und-g%C3%BCterbahn-gmbh-hlg-

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Holzlogistik Und Guterbahn Gmbh (hlg)