Overview

• DB Cargo CEO Sigrid Nikutta has stated that the company may discontinue its single wagonload freight service unless sufficient federal subsidies are secured.
• The single wagonload service, vital for industries like steel, chemicals, and construction, is currently operating at a loss and heavily reliant on government support.
• DB Cargo is under EU-mandated pressure to achieve profitability by 2026, with penalties or forced repayments possible if targets are not met.
• The company reported a €350 million loss in 2024 and a 10-15% drop in freight volumes in early 2025, exacerbating financial challenges.
• A restructuring plan includes cutting 5,000 jobs by 2029 as DB Cargo seeks to stabilize operations and meet EU regulations.