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New route targets Germany–Italy freight flows
CargoBeamer has launched a new intermodal rail service connecting Stuttgart and the Greater Milan area, with operations starting earlier this week. The route links the DUSS terminal in Kornwestheim near Stuttgart with the Malpensa Intermodale terminal in north west Milan, replacing the previous Stuttgart to Domodossola connection.
The service will begin with four weekly roundtrips, with plans to increase to five in the medium term. For logistics planners moving semi trailers across the Alps, this adds another predictable rail option in a corridor often constrained by road congestion and environmental restrictions.
The operator continues its partnership with SBB Cargo International for traction, maintaining continuity on the transalpine rail network.
Shift from road to rail gains traction
The new connection reflects a broader shift in European freight transport. Each semi trailer moved on the service can reduce CO2 emissions by around 88 percent compared to diesel road transport, according to the company.
For shippers, this raises a practical question. When road capacity tightens or emissions targets come into play, how quickly can modal shift become a default rather than an alternative?
CargoBeamer’s system is designed to address one of the long standing barriers to rail adoption. It enables the transport of non craneable semi trailers, including refrigerated units, box trailers, and waste transport equipment, alongside containers and swap bodies.
Successor to Rolling Highway services
The Stuttgart to Milan route is the second service introduced to replace capacity lost after the discontinuation of the Rolling Highway between Freiburg and Novara. Earlier this year, the company launched a Liège to Domodossola connection, signalling a broader network realignment.
According to Boris Timm, COO of CargoBeamer, demand has been building steadily.
“We are seeing strong momentum and clear demand for additional capacity in intermodal transport between south west Germany and the Greater Milan area,” he said. “Our new service addresses this need directly.”
The addition of the Milan Sacconago terminal also positions the operator closer to road and air freight hubs, potentially improving first and last mile connectivity.
Expanding European intermodal footprint
CargoBeamer currently operates across Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Romania, focusing on high frequency rail connections between dedicated terminals.
Its model combines patented wagons, automated transshipment systems, and integrated logistics software. The aim is simple in theory but complex in execution. Move more semi trailers onto rail without requiring cranes or major changes in trailer design.
For project cargo and breakbulk professionals, the implications are indirect but relevant. As more standard freight shifts to rail, road capacity may ease in key corridors, potentially improving flexibility for oversized and heavy lift movements.
