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BLS Cargo celebrates its 10th anniversary

2010 The decision in 2010 to continue operation of the rolling highway until 2018. 2009 The first new multisystem locomotive commences operations in 2009. 2008 DB and IMT increase their shareholding in BLS Cargo in 2008. 2007 BLS Cargo drives the first trains through the new Lötschberg base tunnel in 2007.

BLS Cargo was founded on 3 April 2001 by the former BLS Lötschbergbahn AG. The initial haulage operations of BLS Cargo followed in July with the first independently operated trains.

Prior to the establishment of BLS Cargo, the BLS Lötschbergbahn had already operated rail-based freight haulage. Though this was mainly restricted to the Lötschberg-Simplon axis and the Simmental. All of the employees who worked on the freight haulage operations of the BLS obtained new posts with BLS Cargo AG. The company commenced operations with a total of 16 employees and its new CEO, Dr. Dirk Stahl.

Still further important milestones in the history of BLS Cargo were laid in 2001. Firstly, BLS and SBB concluded a framework agreement which led to BLS Cargo withdrawing from single wagon freight transport in Switzerland and focusing on block trains making transit journeys through Switzerland. And secondly, 2001 also saw the start of negotiations with potential international shareholders in BLS Cargo. In 2002 the freight transport subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn (today DB Schenker Rail) was followed by the Italian Ambrogio Group in taking a holding in BLS Cargo.

The further development of BLS Cargo followed quickly, with two-digit growth rates as well as continual positive annual trading results. Transit haulage through the Gotthard in 2003 as well as a successful start to the operations of the rolling highway in 2001 were decisive for the success of
BLS Cargo.

BLS Cargo sees the key success factors for the
last 10 years as

--

its strategic positioning, established over many
years, in the liberalised market and the focus on
block train operations along key axes.
-- the solid partnerships with customers and foreign
railways, especially the cooperation agreements
with shareholders DB Schenker and IMT.
-- the cross-border production concepts which
we intend to further develop to Italy in 2011,
with the help of the new Re 486 multisystem
locomotives acquired in 2010 and the planned
cross-border deployment of locomotive drivers.
-- its lean organisational structure and high level
of flexibility in the volatile freight transportation
market.

2006

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of BLS Lötschbergbahn AG, a stamp is issued in 2006 featuring BLS Cargo.

2005 BLS Cargo strengthens its position on the Gotthard axis in 2005. 2004 In 2004 BLS Cargo puts together its own service team for the first time.
2003 BLS Cargo operating DB locomotives on the Gotthard axis in 2003. 2002 Purchase of modern Re 485 locos in 2002. 2001 Ambrogio has used BLS Cargo since 2001.