A worsening wage dispute between German state rail group Deutsche Bahn and its engine drivers may result in severe disruption of intermodal container distribution nationwide in the next few days.
The drivers' union GDL has called its members out on strike from today in an effort to specifically disrupt Deutsche Bahn's freight operations.
Intermodal operations in and out of Germany's major container ports, including Hamburg and Bremerhaven, are expected to be severely affected.
Although passenger services will temporarily be excluded from the strike, German logistics trade association BGL is warning of a complete breakdown in container distribution systems nationwide.
Port officials in Hamburg have set up a task force with terminal operators, private rail companies and Deutsche Bahn to co-ordinate emergency measures.
“Already the terminals are currently facing a massive build up of containers due to high capacity utilization,” said BGL.
“There are just not enough trucks and chassis to clear any backlog caused by the rail strike,” added BGL.
The drivers' union GDL has called its members out on strike from today in an effort to specifically disrupt Deutsche Bahn's freight operations.
Intermodal operations in and out of Germany's major container ports, including Hamburg and Bremerhaven, are expected to be severely affected.
Although passenger services will temporarily be excluded from the strike, German logistics trade association BGL is warning of a complete breakdown in container distribution systems nationwide.
Port officials in Hamburg have set up a task force with terminal operators, private rail companies and Deutsche Bahn to co-ordinate emergency measures.
“Already the terminals are currently facing a massive build up of containers due to high capacity utilization,” said BGL.
“There are just not enough trucks and chassis to clear any backlog caused by the rail strike,” added BGL.