Wagonload traffic

Wagonload traffic on the Lötschberg-axis beside the lake of Thun

Development of wagonload traffic

A short explanation of wagonload traffic

Conventional wagonload traffic is the oldest form of rail freight transport. It is particularly suitable for industrial firms with large volumes of heavy goods to transport, such as cars, clay, steel, timber and paper. As most big industrial centres are located in the countries surrounding Switzerland, the demand for international wagonload transport services across the Alps is particularly high. BLS Cargo therefore serves successfully as a bridge between north and south, carrying industrial goods reliably across the Alps.

Traffic trends

Despite the decreasing size of the market for wagonload traffic, BLS Cargo has seen a considerable growth in volumes, year on year. BLS Cargo wants to continue to grow its wagonload traffic business in future, and attract new customers. The successful development of transport services, especially to France and on the east-west route generally, shows that there is still great potential.

Block trains as an alternative to single wagon freight traffic

Block trains are often a faster alternative to single wagon traffic systems. BLS Cargo treats even small groups of wagons as a block train, proving that even short trains can be economically viable.

Facts

BLS Cargo hauls the heaviest train that is in regular use in Switzerland, with a weight of 3200 tonnes. It is used to move clay from the Westerwald region (Germany) to the tile factories of Italy.