This is the English translation of a podcast interview conducted in Italian by radio VENETO24 on Friday June 12, 2026
Introduction and Current Market State
Riccardo Sandre: Welcome to “The Logistics of the Future,” a podcast presented by Interporto Padova and Green Logistics Expo. I am Riccardo Sandre, and every week I guide you through the “invisible engine” of the economy: logistics. Today, we are discussing rail transport and intermodality, two essential pillars for a sustainable and efficient future.
Currently in Italy, road transport is overwhelmingly dominant, accounting for over 92% of freight volumes (roughly 1.1 billion tons), while rail transport handles less than 8% (about 94 million tons). Despite a 3.5% decrease in train-kilometers on the national network between 2024 and 2025, intermodal transport (containers, swap bodies, and semi-trailers) remains resilient. It represents nearly 60% of rail freight, with significant growth in terminal-to-terminal combined transport. The European Union aims to increase rail’s share by 50% by 2030, noting that one standard intermodal train can replace approximately 50 large trucks on the road.
Today’s guest is Giuseppe Rizzi, Director General of Fermerci, an association representing roughly 80 companies across the rail logistics chain, employing 12,000 people with a combined turnover of approximately 3 billion euros.
The State of the Sector and Infrastructure Challenges
Giuseppe Rizzi: Thank you for having me. Fermerci has just released its fourth annual report (the 2026 edition) regarding the health of the rail logistics sector. Unfortunately, we are seeing some consolidating critical issues: a 3% decrease in train-kilometers in 2025 compared to 2024, and an 8% decrease over the last three years. This decline is also reflected in the number of trains arriving and departing from ports and interports.
These negative trends are largely driven by the “grounding” of PNRR (National Recovery and Resilience Plan) infrastructure works. To modernize the network, there are currently 13 active construction sites that require stopping traffic for safety. This reached a peak in 2025 and 2026, causing a 50% reduction in network capacity. We expect to see a recovery by late 2027 or early 2028.
International Coordination and Mitigation
Riccardo Sandre: Is there a solution to mitigate the impact of these necessary upgrades on daily business operations?
Giuseppe Rizzi: While we cannot solve the problem entirely, we can mitigate it through maximum coordination among European infrastructure managers. Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI) is doing an excellent job—arguably the best in Europe—at utilizing every bit of residual network capacity. In contrast, Germany’s infrastructure works are just beginning to intensify and will last until 2032. These works on the Rhine Valley and Ruhr lines will significantly impact Italian logistics, as these areas are the origin and destination for much of our traffic. Success depends on increased dialogue and better management of residual capacity.
The Growth of Intermodal Semi-Trailers
Riccardo Sandre: We are seeing strong growth in the intermodal transport of road semi-trailers. Is this a turning point for long-distance freight?
Giuseppe Rizzi: Absolutely. Our report shows that between the end of COVID and 2023, there was a 13% increase in semi-trailer traffic on the Adriatic line. This double-digit growth proves the sector is ready and equipped. While “last mile” connections and terminals remain the weakest links, current works are addressing these issues. Intermodality leaves a much more positive economic, social, and environmental footprint on a territory compared to road-only transport.
Looking Ahead to Green Logistics Expo
Riccardo Sandre: What will Fermerci bring to the upcoming Green Logistics Expo in Padova?
Giuseppe Rizzi: We are very attached to this event, as it is where Fermerci was born in 2022. We have grown from nine founders to 80 members in just four years, filling a clear need for representation in the sector. At Padova, we will present:
- An update to the “Rail Last Mile Charter” (originally presented in 2022).
- New voluntary safety standards developed with UNI for industry professionals.
- A collective “Casa Fermerci” stand for our members.
- A high-level academic seminar in cooperation with the University of Naples Federico II.
Riccardo Sandre: Thank you to Giuseppe Rizzi of Fermerci. This is Riccardo Sandre for “The Logistics of the Future.” Until next time.
Click here to listen to this podcast in its original format
