In a landmark achievement for European intermodal logistics, CargoBeamer and BLS Cargo AG have celebrated the successful operation of their 8,000th intermodal train on the Rhine–Alpine Corridor, marking a decade of uninterrupted collaboration that began in 2015. This milestone not only highlights the strength of their partnership but also underscores the growing momentum toward sustainable freight transport across the Alps.
A Decade of Innovation in Rail Logistics
The partnership between CargoBeamer, a pioneer in innovative intermodal technology, and BLS Cargo, a leading Swiss rail freight operator, has played a pivotal role in enhancing freight mobility between Northern and Southern Europe. The Rhine–Alpine Corridor, one of Europe’s busiest and most strategic freight routes, has greatly benefited from this collaboration, which focuses on shifting semi-trailers from road to rail—a core tenet of the EU’s Green Deal and Switzerland’s modal shift policy.
CargoBeamer’s Vision Turned Reality
Speaking at the commemorative event, Nicolas Albrecht, CEO of CargoBeamer, stated:
“At CargoBeamer, we are working on the highly needed mission of transforming intermodal transport into a 21st-century business by increasing its efficiency, speed, and reliability. The fact that we are celebrating the 8,000th train together with BLS Cargo today shows that this vision can be turned into reality with the right partner.”
CargoBeamer’s patented technology allows non-craneable semi-trailers to be loaded automatically onto trains, significantly reducing transfer times and labor requirements. This advancement makes rail transport more accessible and attractive to a broader range of freight operators.
A Model for Modal Shift Success
Dirk Stahl, CEO of BLS Cargo, highlighted the importance of their joint efforts:
“The close cooperation with CargoBeamer represents innovation and reliability in intermodal transport. Together, we enable new customers to use rail and can make a significant contribution to Switzerland’s modal shift policy.”
This strategic alliance has facilitated not only environmental benefits—through reduced CO₂ emissions and road congestion—but also economic growth, by enhancing the competitiveness and scalability of rail freight.
Looking Ahead: Green Freight Future
With climate goals becoming more urgent and transport emissions under scrutiny, the role of intermodal rail freight is more crucial than ever. The CargoBeamer-BLS Cargo partnership demonstrates how private-public collaboration, smart infrastructure, and forward-thinking logistics can bring sustainable freight solutions to life.
As the companies look forward to the next 8,000 trains, they reaffirm their commitment to expanding intermodal services, investing in infrastructure, and supporting a modal shift from road to rail—a win-win for the logistics industry and the planet.
About CargoBeamer
CargoBeamer is a European logistics company specializing in automated rail transport solutions for semi-trailers. With a network of terminals and a patented horizontal loading technology, the company aims to make rail freight more flexible, efficient, and sustainable.
About BLS Cargo AG
Based in Switzerland, BLS Cargo AG is one of the leading rail freight operators on the north-south axis between the North Sea and Italy. The company is known for its cross-border efficiency and commitment to sustainable rail logistics in the Alpine region.