CargoBeamer has launched a new intermodal rail service between Stuttgart and Milan, expanding capacity on one of Europe’s key transalpine freight corridors.
The new connection links the Kornwestheim terminal near Stuttgart with the Malpensa Intermodale terminal in the Greater Milan area. Operations began this week with four weekly roundtrips, with plans to increase frequency to five.
From a market perspective, the service responds to growing demand for rail-based transport between south-west Germany and northern Italy, particularly for flows traditionally handled by road.
A key feature of the CargoBeamer model is its ability to transport non-craneable semi-trailers, including refrigerated units and other specialised equipment, broadening the scope of intermodal rail beyond standard containers.
The new route also forms part of a wider shift following the discontinuation of the Rolling Highway services, with CargoBeamer positioning its network as a successor solution for cross-Alpine trailer transport.
Trains will once again be operated in cooperation with SBB Cargo International, underlining the importance of cross-border partnerships on major European corridors.
In environmental terms, the service offers significant CO₂ savings compared to road transport, reinforcing the role of rail in decarbonising freight flows across the Alps.
With the addition of Stuttgart–Milan, CargoBeamer continues to expand its network linking Germany, Benelux and Italy, targeting higher capacity and greater flexibility for intermodal logistics.
