SBB Cargo has initiated a new logistics partnership with Debrunner Acifer, integrating combined rail and road transport to handle steel and metal products across Switzerland.
The system leverages 48 new swap bodies for the transport of steel and metal products. Goods are transported overnight by rail from a central warehouse in Birsfelden to regional transfer stations in eastern and western Switzerland. From these locations, newly procured trucks equipped with loading cranes take over the swap bodies for final delivery to customers. The trucks can handle rod materials, profiles, pipes, and sheets up to a length of 7.2 meters, while larger materials continue to be transported by existing trucks.
The combined transport approach replaces approximately 1,000 truck kilometers daily with rail operations, which contributes to a reduction in CO2 emissions. The implementation supports both companies' stated sustainability goals. Additionally, this system employs night-time rail transport to avoid road congestion, with goods reaching transfer stations by early morning for onward delivery.
Customer service remains unchanged, with deliveries to all Swiss regions completed within 24 to 48 hours. The investment in additional trucks, cranes, and the integration of rail into the supply chain aligns with SBB Cargo’s network capabilities to meet these timelines.
The logistical adjustment involves significant financial investment and operational changes. The transition to the combined system is expected to conclude by February 2025. The initiative represents a logistical evolution in the companies' transport operations, aligning with ecological and operational priorities in the Swiss freight sector.
