Logistical services - transport via railways

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Logistics – Logistics Services for Railway Transport

Freight railway transport plays a crucial role in Poland's logistics system, serving as an important element of domestic and international trade. Thanks to a well-developed railway network and Poland's strategic location in Europe, Polish logistics companies can offer a wide range of services on both domestic and international markets. Railway transport is characterized by its high efficiency for large-scale shipments, low environmental impact compared to road transport, and the ability to carry diverse types of cargo, from raw materials and construction supplies to goods requiring specialized transport conditions.

Railway logistics in Poland relies on infrastructure that includes one of the largest railway networks in Europe

A key component of this infrastructure is transshipment terminals, which enable the integration of rail transport with other sectors, such as road, sea, and air transport. In recent years, investments in the development of railway infrastructure, modernization of tracks and transshipment stations, and the implementation of advanced logistics management systems have made rail transport in Poland more competitive. Logistics companies such as PKP Cargo, as well as smaller enterprises, offer comprehensive solutions to ensure smooth handling of cargo, regardless of its type or destination.

On the domestic market, Polish logistics companies focus on bulk transport, such as coal, iron ore, wood, cement, and chemical products. Railway transport is especially popular in the industrial sector, where large quantities of raw materials need to be transported over long distances. In this context, railway logistics not only provides cost savings but also contributes to a reduction in CO2 emissions, aligning with the EU’s sustainable development goals. Shipments are carried out within the framework of regular connections between Poland's key industrial hubs, such as Silesia, Tricity, and the Warsaw metropolitan area. Companies also use intermodal services, which combine rail and road transport, enabling the direct delivery of goods to end customers.

On the international market, Polish logistics companies leverage the country's strategic location on the New Silk Road, which links Europe and Asia. Collaboration with partners in China and other Asian countries facilitates container transport on routes between Poland and China or Poland and Russia. Goods transported by rail on these routes include electronics, textiles, machinery, and industrial components. This makes railway transport a faster alternative to maritime transport and a more eco-friendly option than air transport. Transshipment terminals in Poland, such as those in Małaszewicze and Łódź, act as logistics hubs where goods are transferred to European trains or continue their journey by land.

One of the main challenges in international rail transport is adapting to differences in railway systems across countries

As a member of the European Union, Poland uses the standard European track gauge, while eastern countries such as Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan operate on a broad-gauge system. This requires cargo transshipment at borders or the replacement of wagon bogies, resulting in additional costs and delays. Polish logistics companies are investing in modern technologies to streamline this process and in the development of border infrastructure to increase capacity and minimize delays.

Railway logistics in international markets also includes intermodal transport, which enables the shipment of containers in a “door-to-door” system. This allows Polish companies to provide comprehensive services, covering cargo loading at the producer's site, rail transport, and delivery to the final recipient. This is especially important for long-distance transportation, where ensuring the continuity of the supply chain is essential. Logistics companies use advanced IT systems to monitor shipments in real time, enabling better process management and a quick response to potential disruptions.

In recent years, the importance of ecology in rail transport has been growing. Poland, as one of the largest railway freight carriers in Europe, is actively working to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and promote sustainable transport. The introduction of modern electric locomotives and investments in renewable energy sources make railway transport increasingly environmentally friendly. Logistics companies are increasingly choosing rail transport as a way to reduce their carbon footprint, which is important not only for compliance with legal regulations but also for the corporate image in the eyes of customers.

The development of railway logistics in Poland is also tied to infrastructure and technology investments

Programs for the modernization of tracks, transshipment stations, and the introduction of digital rail traffic management systems are helping to increase efficiency and capacity across the system. Polish companies also benefit from EU funds, which support the development of railway transport as a sustainable alternative to road transport. This enables the provision of top-level services that meet customer requirements in both domestic and international markets.

In summary, railway logistics in Poland plays a key role in freight transport, offering efficient solutions on the domestic market and opportunities for expansion into international markets. Thanks to investments in infrastructure, modern technologies, and its strategic location, Poland can compete effectively in the global market, promoting rail transport as a sustainable and reliable method of cargo transport. Polish state-owned logistics companies and private operators leverage their experience and potential to meet the challenges of modern logistics while expanding their services to meet the growing needs of customers.