SBB Cargo achieved a result of 2 million Swiss francs in the first half of 2026. In the previous year, the result was 49 million Swiss francs lower. For the first time in many years, the division is now breaking even.
However, SBB Cargo is not yet fully recovered. The result was supported by federal subsidies, higher and cost-covering transport rates, internal cost savings, and revenues from the sale of rolling stock. Such sales do not occur every year. At the same time, transport volumes domestically have continued to decline.
As of December 13, 2026, SBB Cargo is therefore restructuring its less-than-carload (LTL) freight service. Individual freight cars are picked up from various customers and consolidated into trains. In the future, only shipments with sufficient volume and appropriate pricing will be transported. Underutilized service points will be eliminated. According to SBB, approximately 98 percent of current freight cars can still be transported.
Since the beginning of 2026, SBB Cargo has been testing the CombiLink between Dietikon and Stabio. The service offers additional daytime and overnight connections for containers and semi-trailers. An additional capacity of 15,000 loading units per year is planned.
As of January 1, 2027, SBB Cargo will be financially integrated into SBB AG. Together with SBB Cargo International and ChemOil, the Freight Transport division will be formed. However, employees will not transfer to SBB AG until June 1, 2027.
The integration can streamline operations. However, it does not solve the fundamental problem: Freight transport must cover its costs in the long term, even as volumes decline.
