Laude Smart Intermodal is increasing its transport activities in Slovakia and Hungary, redirecting part of Ukraine's export flows beyond its primary routes through Poland.
As Polish media partner of Railmarket, Sektor Kolejowy informs, the expansion towards Central and Eastern Europe follows growing demand for rail-based transport solutions in the region. While Laude has primarily focused on connections between Poland, Germany, and Ukraine, the addition of Slovakia and Hungary strengthens its network in the region. The company has stated that its strategy includes handling non-standard cargo and cross-border logistics operations, with further growth planned towards the Adriatic corridor.
Changes in Ukraine’s railway infrastructure in recent years have supported intermodal connectivity. Several investments have been made to extend standard-gauge railway links, enabling direct operations without bogie exchanges at border crossings. These include connections such as Izov–Kovel and Chyrów leading to Poland, Rakhiv–Berlebash towards Romania, and Berezyne–Basarabeasca linking Moldova. The Czop railway junction in Zakarpattia has also been identified as a potential hub for rail freight towards Slovakia and Hungary.
Intermodal transport remains a growing segment in European rail freight, although with varying levels of market penetration. In Western and Southern Europe, such as Spain, Italy, and Switzerland, intermodal operations represent a major share of rail freight. However, in Finland, the Baltic states, Poland, Slovakia, and Romania, traditional bulk cargo continues to dominate, with intermodal transport accounting for less than 15% of rail freight volumes.
According to data from the International Union of Railways (UIC) and the International Union for Road-Rail Combined Transport (UIRR), intermodal rail transport increased by 8.7% in tonne-kilometres between 2018 and 2023. Projections indicate a 3% annual growth rate until 2040, which would result in the market expanding by two-thirds compared to 2023 levels.
Despite general declines in rail freight volumes across Europe, certain countries have recorded growth. Data from the Office of Rail Transport (UTK) shows that in the first half of 2024, total freight transport across 30 monitored European countries reached 206.3 billion tonne-kilometres, marking a 0.7% decline compared to the same period in 2023. However, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia registered increases of 4.6%, 2.5%, and 0.4%, respectively, reflecting shifts in infrastructure use and logistics strategies.
Laude has stated that its current operations include transport routes from Poland and Ukraine to the Netherlands and Germany, with ongoing developments in Slovakia and Hungary. Further expansion towards the Adriatic region is being considered as the company explores new intermodal corridors.
