The origins of Wiener Lokalbahnen Cargo GmbH date back to 1886, when its parent company was established. Even then, rail freight transport played an important role.
It was not until 2007, however, that Wiener Lokalbahnen Cargo became a company in its own right. The year 2011 proved another milestone of development, when the Viennese subsidiary received the safety approval for Germany.
Wiener Lokalbahnen Cargo now holds full authorization for freight traffic on the German public railway network and has its own office in Berlin.
“Austria is a beautiful country, yet limited in size,” comments Operative Managing Director Gerald Retscher. “The German market offers a great deal of potential. We address the volume market, serve many different branches of industry and provide high-grade services in terms of kilometers and tons.”
Hungary is another market the company is authorized for, so plans are to intensify local operations as the economy is recovering. “In addition to our activities in Germany and Hungary, we keep looking for further prospective markets to become involved in,” adds Mr. Retscher. “Our aim is to continue growing on an international level and develop new rail delivery routes in cooperation with our customers.”
A high level of customer orientation has been characteristic of Wiener Lokalbahnen Cargo all along. “We apply the highest standards in the framework of a certified, integrated management system, and we deal with alterations and problems at short notice,” points out Mr. Retscher. “Our last-mile offer, for example, includes the separation of trains, loading and unloading, crane operations, and other services that clearly set us apart from competitors.”
The company’s turnover has actually doubled since 2007 to reach the current level of 60 million EUR, proof of its exceptional service standards. The focus is on combined transport across Europe, complemented by the transnational transport of conventional wagonloads in full-train mode.
The wagonload business, which accounts for about 25% of all service operations, involves products as diverse as passenger cars, chemical and petrochemical products, grain, and coal. Strategically located in Vienna with its trimodal port on the River Danube, Wiener Lokalbahnen Cargo also plays an important role in combined container transport.
Its move to the port grounds in December 2014 has even strengthened its position in a network that extends to international freight terminals from the North Sea to the Black Sea.
All in all, Wiener Lokalbahnen Cargo has every reason to view the future with confidence. “The transport market is changing, especially as the focus of the vehicle industry is shifting towards Southeastern Europe,” emphasizes Mag. Christian Hann, Commercial Manager. “Our responsibility is to respond to these changes, both in terms of technology and manpower. We command the most modern fleet of train engines and invest substantially in staff training, education and motivation.”
Environmental benefits being inherent to rail transport, sustainability is another important issue for the Austrian enterprise. “We have reduced our environmental footprint by using eco-power,” says Mag. Hann. “Sustainability also involves long-standing customer relations and low levels of staff fluctuation. Our 100 employees enjoy many advantages that encourage them to stay and contribute to our company’s extraordinary potential.”
Wiener Lokalbahnen Cargo was able to demonstrate this potential at the Transport und Logistik fair in Munich – an opportunity to present its comprehensive service program, introduce technical innovations and attract the attention of an international clientele.