Combined transport plays a central role in logistics in Germany and Europe. This is because it combines the strengths of road and rail: goods are transported in containers, swap bodies or semi-trailers without having to be reloaded when changing modes. This means that the loading units are transported between German and European economic centres in an extremely environmentally friendly manner for the longest part of the journey. A freight train can replace around 40 lorries, and rail transport generates around 80 per cent (!) less CO₂ per tonne-kilometre than lorries. In challenging times for climate policy, the road-rail transport alternative is therefore a guarantee for the necessary transport transition.

Automotive, textiles, chemicals, food and many other freight forwarders and logistics companies benefit from increased road safety, higher payloads and exemptions from taxes and driving bans. Today, all major industries use intermodal transport: automotive, chemical, mechanical engineering, textiles and food, as well as household appliances and consumer electronics. Trains carry car parts and medicines, lettuce and ham, steel and polystyrene, glass and even dangerous goods across national borders, where they are safely stored on the rails.

Due to its geographical location, Germany is the heart of European combined transport: over 200 terminals connect road and rail transport and ensure a smooth logistics chain. Combined transport is also becoming increasingly important across borders – along corridors to Benelux, Italy and Eastern Europe.