Tri-modal freight operator Contargo will increase its infrastructure surcharges on rail shipments, effective 19 August and until further notice, citing “significant restrictions on rail corridors in Germany”. “The large number of construction projects across the German rail network has now reached a level that is having a lasting negative impact on the efficiency of intermodal rail transport chains”, the company added.
Planned round trips can no longer be operated at the intended frequency, meaning that available resources are able to perform fewer transport services than originally scheduled. In addition, the increasing number of “cut-and-run” measures at seaports are resulting in cargo units being left behind reducing the overall utilisation of trains, Contargo explained.
“The resulting loss of productivity and additional costs make a temporary adjustment of the currently applicable infrastructure surcharge necessary.” From 19 August, Contargo’s surcharge on around 15 routes, across Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, France and the Netherlands, will rise to between €9.00/TEU to €46.00/TEU.
Energy and congestion levies
In addition, Contargo charges an Energy Rail Floater on a number routes which it said serves to offset fluctuating energy costs in rail freight transport. These range from €5.00/TEU to €9.16/TEU. These values apply for the period from 1 July 2026 to 30 September 2026.
Contargo also applies a congestion surcharge when there is persistent congestion and restrictions at certain hubs, ports, terminals or on sections of the route, which cause additional expenditure in the transport process. This is currently levied on two routes, Basel-Weil am Rhein-Hamburg-Bremerhaven-Wilhelmshaven and Rotterdam-Strasbourg, the surcharges ranging from €20.00/TEU to €24.00/TEU.