Initiative “Save Combined Transport” Launched

With a joint initiative titled “Save Combined Transport,” leading companies and associations are sounding the alarm: The current developments in rail freight transport threaten the backbone of climate-friendly and efficient logistics – with far-reaching consequences for the economy, transport, and the environment.

(Frankfurt/Chiasso) Combined Transport – the connection of rail and road – keeps Europe’s supply chains running. In Germany alone, it replaces around 6 million truck trips annually. The initiative was triggered by an open letter to Federal Minister of Transport Patrick Schnieder and DB CEO Evelyn Palla. The broad response shows: The industry needs a strong, visible voice.

The system is under massive pressure:

• declining punctuality and train cancellations
• increasing costs
• months-long complete closures due to the comprehensive renovation of the rail network in Germany
• lack of marketable diversion routes

The consequence: Transport is shifting back to the road – often permanently. This means more traffic jams, more CO₂, endangered production chains, and a weakening of the economic location. A shift back to the road of 30% would already cause over 1 million additional truck trips and 1.3 million tons of CO₂.

New website with facts, assessments, and background information

The website www.rettet-den-kombinierten-verkehr.de provides comprehensive information on the significance and risk situation of Combined Transport. It particularly documents the collateral damage of ongoing and planned corridor renovations in Germany for industry, freight forwarders, and the environment.

The initiative “Save Combined Transport” gives the industry a common voice. We highlight the consequences of the current developments – and what politics and infrastructure operators must do now.

The demands are:

• stable and predictable framework conditions
• reliable transport capacities during construction phases
• functioning, marketable diversion routes
• fair and competitive track prices
• infrastructure development that does not hinder logistics and industry

The industry is ready for constructive dialogue – together, openly, and solution-oriented.

Everyone can participate – Petition launched

To strengthen the discussion in politics and the public, the initiative has launched a petition. Every support counts: www.openpetition.de/!kvretten

Why every voice is important:

– because the rail network is no longer reliable in many places
– because line closures and train cancellations force companies to shift back
– because rising track prices make climate-friendly transport uneconomical
– because a massive setback for climate, transport, and competitiveness is looming
– because the perspective of freight transport users must be heard.

The initiative is an open platform – companies, organizations, and citizens can participate.

About the initiative

“Save Combined Transport” is coordinated by the combined operators Kombiverkehr and Hupac – in the interest of the entire logistics industry. The goal is to secure and strengthen Combined Transport as an indispensable pillar of supply and climate policy.