box2rail - The digital booking solution for container transport

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17. April 2025, 11:19 o'Clock

Article: box2rail - The digital booking solution for container transport

Efficient planning and control of rail-based transportation

The demands on freight transportation are constantly increasing. Companies need reliable and sustainable transport solutions that are flexible and efficient. With box2rail, the digital booking platform from TFG Transfracht, a subsidiary of DB Cargo, a user-friendly solution is available with which companies can handle their container transport by rail in just a few clicks.

box2rail offers a direct connection to the German seaports of Hamburg, Bremerhaven and Wilhelmshaven. Connections to over 15,000 locations in Germany, Austria and Switzerland ensure predictable, transparent and resource-conserving transportation.

Capacity display for optimized planning: The platform provides a real-time overview of available transport capacities on rail and road. This allows companies to plan early and react flexibly to changes in the logistics chain.

Capacity displays for road pre-carriage and post-carriage in Box2Rail, the digital booking platform
Capacity displays for road pre-carriage and post-carriage in Box2Rail, the digital booking platform
Copyright: DB Cargo AG /TFG Transfracht

Capacity displays for road pre-carriage and post-carriage in Box2Rail, the digital booking platform

Expert view : The future of rail freight transport with box2rail

For many companies, intermodal transport solutions are a key factor in their sustainable logistics strategy. They enable the efficient linking of different modes of transport and offer a high degree of flexibility. But what developments can we expect in the future? And what role does box2rail play in optimizing transport processes? 

Christopher Reimers, the box2rail project manager at TFG Transfracht
Christopher Reimers, the box2rail project manager at TFG Transfracht
Copyright: DB Cargo AG /TFG Transfracht

Christopher Reimers, project manager box2rail

We spoke to Christopher Reimers, the box2rail project manager at TFG Transfracht, about this. He is an expert in intermodal transport solutions and is very familiar with the challenges and potential of seaport hinterland services by rail.

What are the current challenges in seaport hinterland services by rail?A key challenge is the increasing utilization of the infrastructure. The constant growth in container traffic means that the demands on the transport network are increasing considerably. Investments in the expansion and modernization of the infrastructure (routes, terminals, technology, etc.) are essential in order to reliably handle these volumes. Only in this way can rail freight transport secure its central role as a sustainable and efficient transport solution in seaport hinterland services in the long term.

How does digital booking via box2rail differ from conventional booking methods? Compared to conventional methods, box2rail offers a real-time capacity overview (road & rail) and full cost transparency throughout the entire booking process. In other words, companies immediately see available transport options as well as all relevant prices and charges, which enables more precise planning and efficient booking. In addition, transportation is possible from just a single container.

What feedback has been received from companies that have worked with box2rail for the first time? The user-friendliness of the platform (booking in just a few clicks) and the intuitive operation are particularly praised. Our customer service also impresses with fast response times and personal availability. We actively take on board further suggestions and customer requests and integrate them into the further development process, allowing us to continuously optimize the solution. This close cooperation at eye level strengthens trust and ensures that transportation is handled efficiently.

How is intermodal transport developing and what innovations are planned?  Intermodal transport is constantly evolving through digitalization and automation. Modern interfaces, which we offer our customers, enable real-time data during transport, making processes more transparent and efficient.A look into the future reveals further innovations: Electric trucks could make the last mile even more sustainable, while autonomous trains - as already used in heavy goods transport in Australia - could also play a role in European freight transport in the long term. Such technologies help to make transport chains even more efficient and climate-friendly. 

Reliable transport solutions thanks to a strong network

box2rail benefits from the densest train network in seaport hinterland services in Europe - TFG Transfracht's AlbatrosExpress.  The comprehensive network connects over 15,000 locations in Germany, Austria, Italy and Switzerland with the northern, southern and western ports - 260 times a week.   With fixed transit times and high frequencies, it ensures short transit times - an essential prerequisite for stable transport chains.

Overview of the AlbatrosExpress network of TFG Transfracht
Overview of the AlbatrosExpress network of TFG Transfracht
Copyright: DB Cargo AG /TFG Transfracht

AlbatrosExpress network

Focus on sustainability: environmentally friendly transport with box2rail

Transport with box2rail offers considerable environmental benefits, as the main leg of the journey is by rail. As a result, CO₂ emissions can be reduced by up to 80% compared to pure road transport. This not only relieves the burden on the roads, but also actively contributes to achieving climate targets. The use of renewable energy and innovative technologies in rail freight transport further increases sustainability. Companies benefit from climate-friendly and efficient logistics solutions that make both ecological and economic sense.

box2rail – advantages at a glance
  • Simple digital booking - transparent processes, fast processing
  • Direct connection to the German seaports
  • Around 15,000 accessible locations in Germany, Austria and Switzerland
  • Sustainable transport solution by rail from one container
  • Fixed timetables and high frequencies for more planning security
  • Comprehensive terminal network with 19 locations
  • Capacity display for road and rail

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