Ancotrans has one focus: moving containers from ocean vessels using a smart combination of rail and road. According to Country Manager Daniel Karlsson, this demands sustainability at every level, right down to each individual truck. "You can’t win the game by focusing on just one thing. You always have to consider which solution fits the distance. Rail is amazing for long hauls and frees up road capacity so we can use trucks more sustainably on the first and last mile," he explains.

Ancotrans has set ambitious targets. "We aim to be carbon-neutral by 2050. We work in three-year cycles, and our current goal is to reduce global emissions by 5%." In Sweden, that target has already been met — and now the team is aiming higher. "Before the economic downturn, interest in sustainability was booming. It dipped for a while but has come back strongly. There’s pressure from end customers, who in turn are pushed by consumers," he says.

Ancotrans isn’t waiting for others to move first. "If you wait until the last minute, you’ve already failed. The transition has to happen now. The final barrier is funding — but several customers are stepping up and helping make the investments happen." Each transport plan and customer discussion includes climate: "We always ask what we can do to secure a greener solution. We try to educate our customers, and they help spread the message. Hopefully the circle completes itself." Rail is the backbone, cutting emissions per container by 90–95%. But that’s not all. "It’s not just the environment. Every time a truck picks up a container, it queues. It takes time to get in and out, and that adds cost and emissions. You avoid all that with rail." He continues: "If you have 15–20 containers to move, that means 15–20 trucks entering the port. It’s far more efficient to load a train instead."

When it comes to reliability, Daniel shrugs off the idea that trains are always late. "People complain about delays when they go on holiday. But freight trains from the Port of Gothenburg are incredibly reliable — more so than trucks. Trains aren’t affected by traffic or weather." Trains run to Nässjö 5–6 days a week, year-round — even on public holidays. In December 2024, Ancotrans even added extra departures to meet demand over the Christmas period. "There’s great competence and people all along the chain. It makes rail easy to work with."

With over 25,000 TEUs transported annually on this route, smooth operations are essential. Rail’s future is bright, he believes — because neither roads nor the climate can handle the coming volume. "There’s also a practical factor. Driver and truck shortages are predicted. Long hauls need alternatives, and rail is it."

Direct trains from Gothenburg are a critical piece of a stable supply chain. "They lower costs for consumers. Transport makes up a big part of a product’s price — and trains aren’t impacted by diesel prices or road tolls." He’s very pleased with the collaboration with the Port of Gothenburg. "They’re efficient, well-structured, and proactive with suggestions. If I have an idea I’m working on, they’re quick to help and provide input. It’s a fantastic network."

Ancotrans complements trains with a mixed fleet of trucks. "Electric trucks are great for up to 20 km. Biogas works up to 50. After that, we use HVO." Sweden is the only country in Europe that subsidizes HVO, he points out.
"It cuts CO2 by 85%, and costs only 4–5% more. That’s a no-brainer."

He’s passionate about finding the perfect rail-road balance. "It’s all about capacity. If we plan it right, we can use each truck when and where it’s most effective." What’s still needed is long-term rail investment — and smarter incentives. "Today you can get funding to switch from diesel to electric trucks. Why not have the same to switch from road to rail?" Challenges are opportunities, he says — and all recent forecasts point in the right direction. "Tariffs are just speed bumps. They might slow us down, but they won’t change the direction. We’re on the right track."

Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on events and news about Railport Scandinavia.