Rail freight duopoly would be bad news for industry
Higher rates could impact European services
If DB Schenker and Captrain continue to expand their networks, transporting freight by rail could become increasingly expensive, leading to lower volumes, according to the Rail Freight Group (RFG).
Tony Berkeley, RFG chairman, said DB Schenker and Captrain owner SNCF Geodis were creating increasingly strong networks across Europe.
He pointed out the newly formed Captrain comprised 10 European freight companies, while DB Schenker had stakes in, or close links with, operators in 10 countries.
“Freight customers all say they want to reduce their carbon footprint and would use rail if the price and service quality was competitive,” said Berkeley.
“With a European duopoly, customers might get a few months of low, and possibly predatory, prices, but in the long term the outlook will be grim. Experience shows customers do not like monopolies in their suppliers.”
Berkeley urged customers to “stand up and be counted at this critical time” by complaining to governments and the European Commission.
For more, read the RFG’s weekly IFW Opinion column
Tony Berkeley, RFG chairman, said DB Schenker and Captrain owner SNCF Geodis were creating increasingly strong networks across Europe.
He pointed out the newly formed Captrain comprised 10 European freight companies, while DB Schenker had stakes in, or close links with, operators in 10 countries.
“Freight customers all say they want to reduce their carbon footprint and would use rail if the price and service quality was competitive,” said Berkeley.
“With a European duopoly, customers might get a few months of low, and possibly predatory, prices, but in the long term the outlook will be grim. Experience shows customers do not like monopolies in their suppliers.”
Berkeley urged customers to “stand up and be counted at this critical time” by complaining to governments and the European Commission.
For more, read the RFG’s weekly IFW Opinion column
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