As the climate imperative and logistical pressures intensify across Europe, intermodal transport (combining different transport modes, such as rail and road) has emerged as a central strategy in the push toward more sustainable, efficient freight systems. Heiko Krebs (Managing Director, Kombiverkehr) and Michail Stahlhut (CEO, Hupac), two industry leaders, shared with EPCA their perspectives on the current landscape, infrastructure resilience, regulatory needs, and the future competitiveness of Combined Transport (CT) in Europe.
Heiko Krebs: Intermodal transport has become a cornerstone of sustainable logistics in Europe. In Germany alone, it accounts for around 45% of all rail freight, and across Europe, the share is growing steadily, particularly in road-rail combinations, which have more than doubled in volume since the early 2000s. This growth has been supported by substantial investments in terminal infrastructure, digitalisation, and standardisation. I’d like to highlight the CT4.0 standard as a digital milestone that enhances efficiency and transparency across the intermodal chain. I see intermodal transport not just as a climate-friendly option - reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 80% compared to road-only freight - but also as a practical solution to pressing challenges such as driver shortages and rising toll and carbon costs. Importantly, intermodal transport increases resilience during crises and supply disruptions, offering forwarders greater flexibility and reach.
Michail Stahlhut: I view intermodal transport as the future of logistics, enabling a seamless combination of rail’s long-distance efficiency with the flexibility of road for last-mile delivery. I describe Europe's rail corridors as vital “arteries” and intermodal trains as the “blood” that keeps the industrial and urban regions of Europe connected.
The strength of intermodal transport lies in its ability to integrate modes in a way that supports both economic and environmental goals. For me, the ongoing expansion and optimisation of these intermodal networks are critical to maintaining Europe’s connectivity and competitiveness.
Intermodal transport is the future- it feeds Europe’s economic heart.
Heiko: The Rhine Valley corridor, particularly the left bank between Cologne and Mainz, is undergoing major upgrades, including full line closures in 2028 for general refurbishment. These projects, ranging from new signalling systems to tunnel renovations, won’t necessarily lead to faster trains but will significantly improve reliability, predictability, and capacity. I acknowledge the operational strain these works impose, especially for intermodal services, but emphasize that Kombiverkehr actively adapts through strategic rerouting. For example, services have been shifted from and to Rotterdam via Duisburg or alternate lines like the Gäubahn or through France with SBB Cargo International. Our company sees these adjustments as proof of the sector’s flexibility and resilience. Past projects like the Riedbahn refurbishment have already shown benefits, reducing disruptions by up to 30% and boosting future capacity. While not without challenges, the upgrades mark a crucial step toward a more robust and efficient freight rail network.
Michail: The Rhine-Alpine Corridor (RALP COR) is a symbol of European connectivity, linking major industrial regions on both ends, which have a combined GDP impact of each €500 billion.
With over 70% of Italy-to-North Europe rail traffic being intermodal, the corridor is vital. I’d like to stress that resilience during infrastructure works is non-negotiable. This means having robust contingency plans and alternative routes - including via France - ready to deploy. The RALP COR isn’t just a German issue but a shared European challenge and opportunity, requiring multinational cooperation and solutions.
Heiko: Kombiverkehr maintains service continuity through tight coordination and proactive communication with all partners. Our extensive, flexible network with multiple route options and a gateway terminal strategy, allows us to reroute freight efficiently. For instance, if one corridor like the Gotthard is blocked, alternatives like the Brenner or Tauern are activated. A core strength lies in early warning systems and transparency: Kombiverkehr shares ETA updates and construction schedules through APIs and our web platform, myKOMBIVERKEHR, helping customers plan and adjust in real time. While not immune to train cancellations, our structured approach reduces disruption and builds trust with freight forwarders and clients.
In short, service continuity depends on strong coordination and digital transparency - from train schedule updates to real-time ETA tracking.
Michail: At Hupac, we manage infrastructure instability by focusing on major hubs where we can create capacity buffers. With up to 1,000 micro-disruptions annually on the Rhine-Alpine Corridor, we build flexibility into the system to minimize the impact on logistics. This includes surplus capacity at key locations to ensure goods continue to move smoothly. In addition to operational measures, we use AI to estimate arrival times by factoring in terminal workload. Our customers can access real-time train data via the DXI data hub, enabling transparent and timely pick-up coordination, even during disruptions.
Heiko: I remain optimistic about the future of intermodal, despite the economic headwinds. I see strong long-term potential, particularly due to EU climate goals and ongoing infrastructure investment. However, for intermodal to remain competitive with road transport, several systemic improvements are needed: fair pricing structures, including lower track access charges, harmonised regulatory conditions across Europe, and the ability to operate longer and heavier trains on more routes. I’d like to highlight the importance of flexibility and network resilience, noting that every intermodal link should be capable of serving as a substitute for another, giving freight forwarders more routing options. Our internal efforts strengthen operations through a major shift in traction partners, now involving 18 rail companies. This diversification enhances service stability and competitive edge.
Only a well-balanced and economically viable system can deliver both resilience and cost-efficiency in the long run.
Michail: From my experience in sports, I know you can always improve, as there's always someone faster or stronger. In intermodal transport, we're strong but have room for growth by utilizing all European bypasses. By adopting a seamless approach, we can boost productivity and efficiency. Over the last 20 years, we've invested in integrating seamless EU-locomotives, cross-border locomotive drivers, and paperless transport management. However, we can still learn from road transport to further enhance our capabilities. For distances over 300 kilometers, intermodal transport offers significant advantages.
Heiko: I urge policymakers to move from declarations to concrete, actionable support for Combined Transport (CT). While political will exists at both national and EU levels to shift freight to rail, we need clear targets and timelines. In Germany, one critical ask is the exemption of pre- and onward carriage legs from motorway tolls, which would significantly improve the cost-effectiveness of CT. At the European level, we need modernisation of the outdated Combined Transport Directive, unchanged since 1992, and the harmonisation of weight and dimension regulations across member states to reduce operational complexity.
We need more than political goodwill - we need updated regulations, cost parity, and harmonised rules to make intermodal competitive.
Michail: I echo what Heiko said, to me intermodal corridors are the lifeblood of European logistics, likening them to arteries in the human body. I warn against full corridor closures as it will break down the system without operational bypasses or alternative routes. To ensure uninterrupted flows, capacity preservation across key corridors must be a regulatory priority.
Closing a corridor without a bypass is like shutting down an artery without a stent. We must protect intermodal pipelines to keep Europe connected.
Intermodal transport in Europe is not just a logistics option - it’s a strategic necessity. With the right infrastructure, smart policy, and continued innovation, it offers a pathway to a resilient, cost-effective, and climate-friendly future. Key takeaways from this interview include:
This conversation makes one thing clear: Intermodal isn’t just an alternative - it’s the future.
