SBB Cargo is significantly restructuring the single wagon load transport in Switzerland. Starting from the timetable change on December 13, 2026, a new production model will be in effect. The goal of SBB is to increase utilization, reduce costs, and make freight transport economically viable in the long term.Specifically, around 50 out of the current approximately 280 service points in single wagon load transport will no longer be serviced. This represents nearly 18 percent of the existing network. However, the affected locations will not be completely cut off from the railway. Upon customer request, they can still be served with entire trains. Regular service for individual wagon loads will, however, be eliminated.For around 200 employees, the restructuring brings changes. According to SBB, approximately 130 individuals in German-speaking Switzerland, 40 in Ticino, and 30 in Western Switzerland will be affected. Most changes involve relocation of workplaces. The company states that redundancies should remain the exception. Among those affected are locomotive personnel in Brig, Buchs SG, and Chiasso, as well as shunting personnel at several locations.The background is clear: Rail freight transport is under significant financial pressure. In 2025, SBB's freight operations recorded a loss of 126 million francs. SBB Cargo Switzerland was already in deficit in the single wagon load transport in 2024. The federal government is temporarily supporting the single wagon load transport system. For the years 2026 to 2029, 260 million francs are available.SBB Cargo refers to this as a strengthening of single wagon load transport. Critics, however, see it differently. SRF quotes freight transport expert Richard Seebacher, who states that while the reduction of service points may decrease costs in the short term, it could simultaneously lead to a loss of customer revenue. He suggests that the offering will deteriorate for customers.This exactly is the crux of the matter. Single wagon load transport is complex. Individual wagons are collected from customers, consolidated, sorted, dispatched, and delivered to the destination. This process is labor-intensive and costly. However, for many shippers, it serves as an important access point to the railway, particularly when they cannot fill an entire train.If fewer service points are directly accessed, it could mean that rail transport becomes more complicated or less attractive for certain companies. Possible consequences include increased lead and follow-up times via truck, longer planning periods, or in the worst-case scenario, a complete shift to road transport.This is a sensitive issue for Swiss transport policy. On one hand, more freight transport is to be shifted to rail. On the other hand, the comprehensive service in single wagon load transport is being reduced. SBB argues that without restructuring, the entire single wagon load transport system would be at risk in the long term. Critics warn that this very restructuring could push customers away from rail.For shippers and freight forwarders, it is now important to assess their rail relations early. Those who currently send individual wagons via SBB Cargo should clarify whether their service point will continue to be serviced from December 2026, if transit times will change, and whether additional truck routes will be necessary.