The Big RCG Year in Review
A challenging year is coming to an end. Not only for rail freight, but also for the economy and Europe as a whole.
Before we put it behind us, let's take another look back: what worked? What didn't? And what still gives us confidence despite everything?
As the sustainable logistical backbone of the European economy, we bear responsibility for shaping 2026 the way we want it to be. It won't be easy. But we have everything we need to make it happen.
Let's talk about trust ...
Our most important customer, voestalpine, has been a partner for decades. In 2025, we deepened this cooperation even further. The following three examples illustrate our joint activities and send a strong signal for Austria as an industrial location.
... and what makes us successful
This year more than ever, we have realised that our customers' success is always a prerequisite for our own. We succeed by providing customised logistics solutions that turn every “can’t be done” into “we’ll make it happen”.
The wood we are made of
Papierholz Austria and RCG have shared a sustainable partnership for over 20 years. For one of Europe’s leading wood procurement organisations, we transport wood chips and round timber to receiving plants across Austria. Each year, 1.4 million tonnes of wood are transported by rail in a climate-friendly way to the Heinzel Pöls plant alone.
Our contribution to world-class logistics
On the one hand, the longest underground railway connection in the world. On the other, one of the largest paper manufacturers on the planet. Two superlatives that we are privileged to be a part of. That is something to be proud of. At least a little bit.
At the trade fair of trade fairs
Every two years, transport logistic in Munich brings together thousands of decision-makers from leading companies around the world. With the RCG Freight Forest, we once again created a retreat amid the hustle and bustle of the world's leading trade fair for logistics, mobility and IT.
Austria at heart, Europe in sight
In 2025, we became even more international: new TransFER connections, RCG trains operating in Belgium for the first time and more than 6,000 employees keeping Europe's freight flows moving 365 days a year.
Landing her dream job
ÖBB train driver Klaudia Malej drives freight trains that can be up to 600 metres long and weigh over 2,000 tonnes. For her commitment, she was honoured with the ‘Train Driver of the Year’ award at the Transporeon Summit in Amsterdam.
Now operating locomotives in Belgium
When we say that we offer transport from a single source, this now also applies to Belgium and connections to the ports of Antwerp and Zeebrugge. This means that we are now active in 14 European countries with our own locomotives and personnel.
Network update
Our comprehensive TransNET gained a few new TransFER connections in 2025. This means more branches and even greater choice, including for existing connections.
Freight trains also appreciate good design
For its striking red wagon branding, RCG received the German Brand Award 2025. According to the jury, an ‘impressive example of strategic brand management’ and ‘a powerful statement that positions the brand on the rails and beyond.’ We are delighted.
Today. Tomorrow. Together.
Looking ahead, it is clear that even in 2026 and beyond, challenges remain significant. However, many of them also present opportunities to establish the rail system more firmly within tomorrow’s Europe. Let us seize the opportunities.
The thing about construction sites
The rail infrastructure, particularly in Germany, has been neglected for decades and urgently needs renovation. This is a laborious, lengthy and costly for us due to expensive detours. Ultimately, however, there is no alternative if we are to establish a strong and reliable European rail network.
The beginning of something big
Open to freight traffic since November, the Koralm Railway is sending an important signal to Austria's economy with 30% more capacity on the southern route. Its full impact will unfold from 2030 with the completion of the Semmering Base Tunnel – bringing Europe's economic regions even closer together with the Baltic-Adriatic Corridor.
The DAC demo train is ready to roll
The Digital Automatic Coupling is the most significant future project in European rail freight. In 2026, the DAC demo train will gain further momentum and undergo a series of challenging tests in Austria.
-kern-1200.jpg "© RCG/Kern")
That was our Year in Review 2025
On behalf of the entire #TeamRCG, we thank you once again for the excellent cooperation and wish you a happy holiday season with your loved ones. Stay #Railcore!