GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Aug 27, 2026
Rolling Stock
A railway company improves its half-year result partly by selling freight wagons it no longer needs – what it sells is rolling stock.
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Source: Frachtportal-Artikel "SBB Cargo erreicht schwarze Null" (26.08.2026)
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Logistics Concept
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Definition & Explanation
A railway company improves its half-year result partly by selling freight wagons it no longer needs – what it sells is rolling stock. Rolling stock is the entirety of rail-bound vehicles operated by a railway: locomotives, multiple units and driving trailers, freight wagons, container flat wagons, tank wagons as well as maintenance and works vehicles. In rail freight, rolling stock is the third major cost block alongside track access and staff; procurement, overhaul, authorisation and availability directly determine which services can actually be run. Wagons are frequently leased from wagon-hire companies rather than bought. Keep rolling stock distinct from rail infrastructure (track, points, signalling, overhead line), which in Europe normally belongs to a legally separated infrastructure manager.
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