Heavy Flooding Affects RCG’s 2024 Performance

Falling demand, a recession now entering into its third year and a tense market environment characterised 2024, exacerbated by the still low diesel and comparatively high electricity prices. Nevertheless, RCG managed to stay on track in terms of earnings until the middle of the year. But then came the floods.

Entire Supply Chains Under Water

Heavy rain and flooding paralysed entire transport corridors in Europe in the autumn. In Austria, key transport arteries such as the Western Line and numerous industrial sidings were affected. Important corridors in Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania and Hungary were also at a standstill, in some cases for weeks. The result: massive operational restrictions, diversions over hundreds of kilometres – and a clearly noticeable financial impact.

Result Negatively Impacted – Performance Maintained

The effects can now be seen in the balance sheet. Although turnover by around 3 % to EUR 1.97 billion (2023: EUR 1.91 billion), earnings before taxes (EBT) were negative for the first time since 2011 at EUR -24.5 million (2023: EUR +13 million). Nevertheless, RCG lived up to its vision of being the sustainable logistical backbone of the economy – especially during the flood of the century: 420,000 trains – around 1,150 every day – brought 78.5 million net tonnes safely to their destination. In total, over 27.3 billion net tonne-kilometres were covered with the company’s own locomotives and personnel.

Success and Growth Despite the Crisis

Despite the economic headwinds, there were also many successes to celebrate:

• RCG now operates in 14 countries with its own traction– the Netherlands was added in 2024.
• In Serbia, a new forwarding company was also founded together with Transfera d.o.o..
• One digital highlight was the seamless integration of rail transport into Europe’s leading transport management platform Transporeon. Shifting from road to sustainable rail transport is now easier than ever before with just a few clicks. This innovation won the Austrian Logistics Award and the Supply Chain Excellence Award in 2024.

Looking Ahead

More freight onto the railways – that remains the clear goal for 2025. Because the past year has shown one thing above all else: what is at stake if the climate crisis is not curbed. Economic researchers expect 2025 to be the third year of recession in a row – unprecedented in the Second Republic. RCG nevertheless sees growth potential in the medium to long term – particularly in the expansion of its product portfolio and attractive railway logistics concepts for transport operations that are currently carried out by road. Crucial to success are continued investment in digitalisation and innovative rolling stock on the one hand and, on the other, a clear commitment to an economically optimal transport mix and thus single wagonload and intermodal transport – despite tight public finances.

11.04.2025