DHL and DB Cargo expand Parcel InterCity rail network in Germany
- May 18
- 2 min read
DB Cargo and DHL are expanding their long-standing cooperation in rail freight transport through the further development of the Parcel InterCity (PIC) network in Germany. The upgraded network, which came into effect in May 2026, introduces twelve additional train services per week to strengthen north-south transport connections between Hamburg, Nuremberg, and Kornwestheim.
The expansion is based on revised customer requirements and a reorganisation of existing routes aimed at improving reliability and efficiency. A key change is the introduction of a direct overnight Hamburg–Nuremberg rail connection, replacing the previous operational structure centred on the Hamburg–Kornwestheim corridor. The service operates as an E+1 solution, meaning shipments are delivered on the next working day after dispatch, with trains running at speeds of up to 140 km/h.
The Hamburg–Kornwestheim route remains part of the network through a supplementary service launched on 4 May 2026. Initially operating five times per week in each direction, the service will expand to six weekly departures from June 2026, including weekend operations. The route will function as an E+2 service to ensure stable and predictable transit times while also offering advantages over road transport by avoiding weekend truck traffic restrictions.
Parcel InterCity is one of Germany’s fastest rail freight systems, specifically designed for parcel and express logistics. The service connects major parcel hubs overnight, enabling DHL to move shipments efficiently while reducing dependence on road transport.
The expanded cooperation reflects both companies’ broader sustainability goals by shifting more freight from road to rail, which produces significantly lower carbon emissions. The additional rail capacity is also expected to improve resilience and reliability across Germany’s logistics network amid growing demand for sustainable transport solutions.
Image source: dbcargo.com
