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ÖBB Rail Cargo Group launches groundbreaking operation in Belgium!
ÖBB Rail Cargo Group will start its first freight train service in Belgium on October 14, 2025, expanding its rail network and offering local jobs.
ÖBB Rail Cargo Group launches groundbreaking operation in Belgium!
The ÖBB Rail Cargo Group (RCG) took a significant step in its international expansion on October 14, 2025. How Transportation Online reported that RCG's first freight train set off on its own traction over the rails in Belgium. The train started from Roosendaal in the Netherlands and reached the port of Zeebrugge on the same day. This route is now part of RCG's production network, increasing the flexibility and efficiency of services in Western Europe.
The expansion to Belgium was made official by obtaining a safety certificate from the European Railway Agency (ERA). This certifies that RCG meets all legal and operational safety requirements for freight transport. This means that RCG can also offer cross-border transport solutions from a single source and present its customers with new TransFER connections and sustainable transport solutions in the Benelux region, such as Rail Cargo added.
Local recruitment and labor market
RCG is actively looking for local specialists to operate in Belgium. Train drivers who can communicate in the three languages French, Dutch and German are particularly in demand. There are also plans to recruit a team leader for the operations office in Antwerp. The appointments are made under Belgian labor law through the company's Dutch carrier subsidiary. The aim is to build a strong, competent team on site in order to successfully serve the new market.
Growth strategy and international perspectives
RCG has already established its own carrier company in the Netherlands since 2024. The company is currently active in 18 countries and operates around 1,150 trains daily. Last year, RCG transported an impressive 79.9 million net tons of goods. The integration of Belgium into the production network represents a further step in strengthening RCG's international strategy.
The Austrian government supports companies in rail freight transport through the “SGV-Plus” funding program, which runs from 2023 to 2027. This program promotes rail freight transport services in specific production forms. The subsidies for manipulated freight transport services that pay infrastructure fees to ÖBB-Infrastructure AG or Raaberbahn AG are also part of the program, which could give the RCG additional tailwind DB Cargo explained.
The RCG not only ensures better connectivity in Europe, but also focuses on sustainability and local employment, which ultimately enhances the transport market in the entire region.