A major investment programme totalling 4 billion euros to develop rail freight in France is due to be finalised later this year. Two of France’s leading rail freight executives tell Railfreight.com what they think of this funding package, which runs to 2032 and is seen as a key element in doubling the sector’s modal share…
Category: DB Cargo France
Another French union voices concerns over discontinuation of Fret SNCF
The decision of the French government to restructure the national rail freight operator Fret SNCF to avoid European sanctions keeps sparking contrary reactions. The National Union of Autonomous Trade Unions (UNSA) recently highlighted how this initiative will have “nefarious effects” on France as a whole. The UNSA, which claims to have over 200,000 members, is…
DB Cargo France: ‘traffic decline balanced out by SNCF’s routes pickup’
In an interview with Railfreight.com, Alexandre Gallo, President and CEO of DB Cargo France and President of the Association Française du Rail (AFRA), comments on market trends and the outlook for the remainder of the year and beyond while responding to shippers’ current perception of the industry. How did rail freight markets play out in…
France’s rail freight sector voices strong opposition to ‘mega’ trucks
France’s rail freight sector has voiced strong opposition to the European Union’s move to introduce ‘mega’ lorries of more than 25 metres in length and weighing up to 60 tonnes. Trucks in France currently have a maximum length and weight of 19 metres and 40 tonnes, respectively. Speaking on French TV, Alexandre Gallo, President and […]
DB Cargo main beneficiary of Fret SNCF ‘discontinuity’
Labour unions at Fret SNCF have highlighted that the ‘discontinuity’ of the French state railways’ biggest rail freight subsidiary has played directly into the hands of its biggest rival – DB Cargo France. Under the terms of an agreement between France and the European Commission, in response to suspected illegal state aid to Fret SNCF, […]
Stagnant to stable outlook for French rail freight in 2024
After a difficult 2023, French rail freight is unlikely to fare much better this year, the head of a leading player in the sector has warned in an interview with RailFreight.com. “I think the market will be stagnant for three reasons. Firstly, there appears to be little sign that economic activity is picking up again, […]