SBB Cargo cuts 50 freight points from December

An SBB Cargo freight train with covered wagons typical of single-wagon load operations in Switzerland — 50 service points exit single-wagon traffic from December 2026. Photo: Neel Bechtiger via bahnbilder.ch.

FREIGHT: SBB Cargo will stop serving around 50 freight points in single-wagon traffic and relocate around 200 staff as it moves to implement its single-wagon load (SWL) network restructuring, with changes taking effect in December 2026.

The Swiss freight operator confirmed 19 May that its SWL network will contract from around 280 to approximately 230 served points. The affected locations remain public rail infrastructure and may still be served by block-train traffic on request.

The operator says 98% of current freight volume will be retained under the revised structure.

Personnel changes across 11 locations

Around 200 locomotive and shunting staff at 11 locations will be transferred or reoriented. SBB Cargo said dismissals are the exception and that the process follows the collective labour agreement.

The decision to restructure the SWL network was taken in September 2025. The 19 May release is the first time the operator has specified the full scope: how many points exit single-wagon service, how many staff are affected, and when.

Transit implications

Switzerland sits at the centre of the European SWL system, and the restructuring has implications beyond the domestic network. Industrial customers using single-wagon services through Swiss transit corridors will need to reassess routing from December.

SBB Cargo said the restructured network will handle the same core freight flows with a smaller served footprint. Implementation follows the timetable change on 13 December 2026.