# rail freight transport

*Last updated: 2026-06-13*

> Rail freight transport is the carriage of goods by train on fixed rail networks.

Rail freight transport is the carriage of goods by train on fixed rail networks. It employs dedicated freight cars, containers, and swap bodies—distinct from passenger operations. In logistics practice, rail freight is routinely combined with other modes (combined transport) to serve hinterland connections and reduce overall transport costs, especially for standardized high-volume flows between ports, distribution centres, and manufacturing facilities.

**Source:** [https://ec.europa.eu/transport/themes/rail/freight_en](https://ec.europa.eu/transport/themes/rail/freight_en)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | rail freight transport |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 60 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-13 |
| Source | https://ec.europa.eu/transport/themes/rail/freight_en |

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*Logistics Glossary — Freight Academy: [https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/rail-freight-transport-2](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/rail-freight-transport-2)*

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