Rail Freight in Europe Stalls Under Summer Pressure

By Maria Kalamatas | July 16, 2025

Vienna, July 16 — Freight trains across Europe are struggling to keep pace as summer traffic creates widespread delays and disruption on key continental rail lines. From Germany’s industrial heartland to Poland’s eastern corridors, logistics providers are sounding the alarm.

“We’re rerouting shipments more often than we’re delivering on time,” said Lars Weidmann, head of logistics at a Bavarian distribution firm. “Passenger trains are taking priority, and freight is left waiting on the sidelines.”

Seasonal Traffic Puts Freight on Hold

Every summer, Europe sees a spike in passenger rail activity — tourists, commuters, and regional travelers flood the system. This year, with record bookings and infrastructure already strained, freight operations are paying the price.

On routes like Paris–Lyon and Hamburg–Warsaw, freight trains are being held back or rerouted, causing missed connections and costly delays for exporters.

Cross-Border Congestion Worsens

At international choke points — especially the Brenner Pass linking Austria to Italy — delays have tripled over the past 10 days. Logistics companies say inspections at border stations in Hungary and Slovakia have also slowed movement due to tightened security checks.

“A cargo trip that took 18 hours last month now takes over 30,” explained a Czech freight planner who asked not to be named. “And we’re still missing delivery slots.”

Rail Firms Seek Temporary Fixes

Rail freight companies are proposing short-term solutions, including cargo-only slots during overnight hours and flexible scheduling windows on weekends. Others are switching to intermodal strategies, combining short-distance trucking with long-haul rail to bypass congestion zones.

Some firms are even considering using maritime routes for inland shipments — an option once seen as inefficient — just to ensure delivery reliability.

EU’s Infrastructure Promise Tested

These delays are renewing criticism of the EU’s investment pace in rail freight infrastructure. While green logistics remains a pillar of the European Green Deal, operators say the system remains tilted in favor of passenger movement.

“Without structural upgrades, rail freight won’t be able to meet demand during peak months,” warned Nathalie Dufour, transport analyst at a Brussels think tank.

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