ÖBB Rail Cargo Group (RCG) has taken delivery of its third EURODUAL locomotive from its partner European Loc Pool (ELP). It was officially added to the fleet for the flexible TransFLEX services in Germany at the naming ceremony during the ‘transport logistic’ trade fair in Munich.

The six-axle dual-mode locomotives from Stadler combine the advantages of an environmentally friendly electric motor with the flexibility of a diesel drive. This enables fast, continuous transport on both electrified and non-electrified lines. This is an immense advantage, especially for company-owned sidings, which are usually not electrified, as no additional shunting locomotive is required. In this way, RCG guarantees a seamless logistics chain and delivers to the company’s doorstep with maximum flexibility in terms of quantity, route and planning.

“With the perfect equipment, we are bringing even more TransFLEX transports in Germany onto the rails. Together with our partner ELP, we were already able to convince numerous customers of our new flexible offering last year. The third EURODUAL locomotive now makes even more sustainable ad-hoc trains possible for our customers in all segments, from mineral oil to automotive,” said Clemens Först, CEO of the ÖBB Rail Cargo Group.

Willem Goosen, CEO of European Loc Pool, also drew a positive interim balance: “As ELP, we started exactly seven years ago to consciously and positively disrupt the leasing market in rail freight transport in Europe – under the motto ‘Passion for Traction’ “. Since 2022, RCG has proven with its flexible ‘TransFLEX’ product that positive disruption also works very well in the operational area of this segment. As partners, we therefore fit together perfectly and complement each other ideally – which leads to excellent results: 1 + 1 = 3!”

Created for flexible operations

Under the motto ‘Your Spot Transport on Rail’, customers from all sectors and industries in Germany can book TransFLEX transport services, i.e. flexible ad-hoc and spot solutions. Thanks to the high-performance hybrid locomotives, it is possible to fulfil even short-term customer orders with maximum flexibility and a rapid response to transport requirements. The personnel services and rail transport company MEV is a reliable cooperation partner for these highly flexible RCG transport operations. For customers, the customised TransFLEX solutions have become an important part of the RCG product portfolio in Germany.

Since mid-April 2025, customers have also benefited from an additional TransFLEX connection to and from Burghausen – a highly sought-after solution that strengthens the rail market and makes it easier for them to access a major industrial location. TransFLEX is now also available for services to and from Austria.

Successful milestone

In September 2022, RCG started the pilot project with two locomotives; the number of locomotives has since grown from two to 20 – a major success. The year 2024 was a milestone for TransFLEX. The number of transports and the geographical network were significantly expanded, enabling an even greater choice of routes and relations. With 1.87 million kilometres travelled and 2.25 million net tonnes transported, the service impressively demonstrated its strength.

In addition to its efficiency, TransFLEX particularly impressed the jury with its contribution to sustainability. Every transport by rail makes a tangible contribution to reducing CO₂ emissions and helps companies to achieve their climate targets. This combination of speed, reliability and environmental friendliness makes TransFLEX a strong alternative in the logistics market and emphasises the importance of rail as a sustainable mode of transport.

With the continuous further development of the service, the ÖBB Rail Cargo Group is setting a new standard for short-term and efficient freight transport – both within Germany and beyond its borders.

Press Release: About ÖBB Rail Cargo Group: The Freight Transport Division of the ÖBB

As a leading rail logistics provider in Europe, we are shaping the industry. 365 days a year – 24 hours a day. Across Europe and beyond into Asia. With our presence in 18 countries – and our own traction in 13 of them – we connect people, businesses and markets from the first to the last mile. It’s thanks to our 6,014 logistics professionals that 418,114 trains a year, respectively 1,150 a day, reach their destinations safe and sound. With our efficient end-to-end logistics services, we transport 79.9 million net tonnes of freight each year.