Conventional freight wagons were given a "lifelong" purpose when they were approved. With the newly developed m² wagons, this restriction no longer applies. They are adaptable to different goods. This is made possible by their modular design. Removable containers and superstructures can vary, as can the length. For example, a trolley for coarse tree trunks can also transport moisture-sensitive cellulose and paper rolls if required thanks to the modular system.

The wagon for brand-new steel coils from the steelworks can also be used for scrap and enables climate-friendly and very economical circular transports. Depending on the application scenario, the changeover takes a maximum of one day, sometimes even just minutes. Some time ago, the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) gave the green light for the project and granted DB Cargo approval for the single-wagon wagon. Since then, DB Cargo has been pushing ahead with the market launch and will rely on the innovative freight wagon system for new and replacement purchases. This could also save resources in the wagon fleet in the long term: DB Cargo currently has around 63,000 freight wagons in Germany alone.

The multifunctional and modular freight wagon was developed in a research partnership between DB Cargo and the wagon hire and rail logistics company VTG.

"The approval of a freight wagon as a complete and flexible system is a real milestone. Above all, it benefits our customers - and ultimately the climate. Because we can put more goods on the rails more quickly and make better use of our trains. The first wagons are being used by customers on a trial basis - and we are delighted with the overwhelmingly positive response," says Pierre Timmermans, Member of the Management Board for Sales at DB Cargo.

Sven Wellbrock, Chief Operating Officer Europe & Chief Safety Officer at VTG AG, says: "The m² modular system precisely addresses the individual needs of the shipping industry. Together with digitalization, modularization opens up new worlds in rail freight transport and increases the availability of the fleet for customers. This makes rail much more attractive."

Depending on the intended use, the wagons can be configured with a loading length of between around 10 and over 22 meters. The selection of components such as bogies, wheelsets or brakes (block or disc brakes) is also variable. This allows the wagons to be customized according to customer requirements, such as weight, mileage or cost