DB Cargo has officially confirmed 6,200 layoffs in Germany by 2030, which is almost half of its total workforce. “Affected employees will receive support and new perspectives within the DB labour market”, the company specified.
This initiative is part of DB Cargo’s restructuring after years of massive financial losses and an investigation by the European Commission started in 2022. Between the German branch and the international subsidiaries, the DB Cargo group will maintain a workforce of 19,000 across Europe.
The company’s intention of cutting 6,200 jobs is not something new, but it has now been confirmed after agreements were reached with the works council (Betriebsraten). This comes after around 2,300 employees were let go at the end of 2024, also in the context of the restructuring.
‘DB Cargo will become a new company’
The main loss-making segment with DB Cargo is single wagonload (SWL). The company dominates this traditionally unprofitable market in Germany, with a share nearing 90%. After years of losses, the operator found itself forced to enter restructuring. The company has now been split into six business units. They will be Steel, Automotive, Liquids & Bulk, Full Load Solutions Combined Transport (maritime and continental) and SWL.