To the relief of the rail freight sector, the Hungarian government has decided to allocate 6,4 billion forints (16 million euros) to incentivise single wagonload services in 2025. Industry association Hungrail welcomed the news, saying it will work for an additional extension after 2025.
The scheme has been running in Hungary since 2021 and contributed to move 2,9 million tonnes of cargo via single wagonload services just in the first half of 2025. “With this subsidy, the railway companies participating in the program have already received more than 20 billion forints (51 million euros) in state contributions”, Hungrail said.
The beneficiaries of this initiative for this year will be 11 companies more than twice compared to four years ago. The 11 companies are Rail Cargo Hungaria, GYSEV CARGO, CER Hungary, MMV, CD Cargo Hungary, Rail Transport Hungary, Eurogate Rail Hungary, Train Hungary, Kárpát Vasút, Train Europe and LTE Hungária.
The fragility of single wagonload
As Hungrail pointed out, the single wagonload market is not a profitable one, but is vital to guarantee a modal shift. This transport option is vital for companies that cannot fill a full train but still want to opt for rail freight services rather than trucks. Thus, financial aid is indispensable and not only in Hungary.
In Germany, for example, DB Cargo is considering cancelling its single wagonload services. This could have catastrophic consequences on both road traffic, as most of the cargo would be moved by trucks, and on the workforce. DB Cargo giving up on single wagonload might lead to thousands of jobs being lost.
In France, on the other hand, institutions seem more keen on lending a helping hand. An unprecedented investment of 156 million euros will be made to modernise four marshalling yards.