In September 2002, RCG launched the pilot project in Germany with two locomotives. The aim was to establish a flexible, ad hoc solution in a volatile market, alongside the regular TransFER connections with a fixed timetable. Since then, the number of locomotives has grown from two to 15.
In 2023 alone, there will be around 2,300 TransFLEX connections, 2.45 million tonnes transported and 1.28 million kilometres travelled by rail. The block trains operate mainly within Germany, but also cross the border into Austria. TransFLEX is mainly used by customers in the chemical and oil industries - especially when speed is of the essence. However, the service may be extended to other industries in the future.
"Those who choose TransFLEX have even more flexibility in terms of timing, quantity and relationship. This enables uncomplicated ad-hoc or spot transports as well as multimodal solutions including first and last mile trucking and value-added services," says Christoph Grasl, member of the board of RCG.
The official launch of TransFLEX was celebrated together with partners MEV and Alpha Trains. A specially branded locomotive was christened at Cologne Central Station to mark the product launch.
