At the recent annual rail freight event hosted by the European Rail Freight Association (ERFA), Kristian Schmidt, representing the European Commission's Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE), delivered a key address. Schmidt underscored the critical role that block trains play in the European rail freight network. He advocated strongly for sustained commitment to this transport method, emphasizing its inherent efficiencies and positive environmental impact.
Schmidt's remarks come at a time when the rail freight sector faces various operational and economic pressures. Despite these hurdles, DG MOVE believes that block trains remain a fundamental component for achieving the European Union's ambitious goals for sustainable and efficient logistics.
For freight forwarders and logistics professionals, DG MOVE's stance suggests a continued policy focus on supporting rail freight, particularly direct block train services. This could imply potential future investments in rail infrastructure, regulatory frameworks favoring rail, or incentives for modal shift. Forwarders should monitor these developments as they may influence routing options, transit times, and cost-effectiveness for overland cargo within Europe. A strong commitment to block trains could stabilize or improve rail capacity and reliability, making it a more attractive option for certain types of shipments.
