Mattias Östergren, Site Manager at Nässjö Intermodal Terminal AB, is in a good mood. In 2024, 47,223 units were transported by rail to Nässjö — an 8 percent increase compared to the previous year. "One interesting number is that we handle 860 railcars per week," he says. The terminal offers intermodal services such as loading, unloading, and storage — including handling of special cargo like modular houses or items requiring wheel loaders. Everything is in place to ensure high service levels, but Mattias wants to highlight something else: "Our shunting services help keep things moving. Sometimes the locomotive driver needs a rest. We prep the train, perform brake tests, and make everything ready — so the driver can board and go."

Sustainability is central at Nässjö Intermodal Terminal AB. With rail’s minimal emissions as a starting point, the team works actively with CSRD, internal environmental goals, and adapts to growing demands from customers and suppliers. "All the new regulations are pushing sustainability, and that’s an advantage for us in rail. Especially when we complement it with electric and biogas trucks for the last mile," says Mattias. Much of the freight goes to and from the Port of Gothenburg, and he’s very pleased with how that collaboration is evolving. "The Port of Gothenburg is flexible and solution-oriented. Sometimes trains run late, and they’re quick to help find alternatives." Still, rail reliability is high, and the Nässjö team adapts to delays when needed. If a train expected at 1 a.m. arrives at 3 a.m., they’ll still unload it before the goods need to move on. "We dispatch 99.99 percent on time. And if we’re a bit late, it doesn’t affect the end customer — it’s already built into the plan."

A major competitive advantage is that the terminal can handle trains up to 730 meters long. Combined with shunting services, they can detach a few cars and let the rest of the train continue. Mattias’ biggest wish is improved westbound rail infrastructure. A more efficient route via Jönköping would strengthen east-west freight flows. Locally, he wants to streamline internal logistics — and hire more people: "My team is fantastic, but we need more hands. Despite minor infrastructure flaws, rail is the future. A single train driver can move 44 containers. If you used trucks, you’d need 44 drivers. Rail is so much more efficient."

Shipping to a terminal like Nässjö also brings the inventory closer to the customer, enabling faster and more flexible deliveries. From an environmental and road safety perspective, shifting heavy transport from road to rail is a massive win. And the direct trains to and from the Port of Gothenburg are essential: "Without them, this wouldn’t work. Direct trains are what make us fast and efficient. Environmental benefits are great, but we also have to compete with the rest of the transport sector. We need to be just as fast, offer a good price, and be more sustainable." He continues: "We’ve got an efficient setup in Nässjö — just to Gothenburg alone, we send 460 railcars per week."

Customer feedback is overwhelmingly positive. They co-develop services and hit goals together. The challenge? Convincing new customers who still view rail as inflexible or complicated. "Those are just misconceptions. We welcome all customers — even those with just one or two containers. Most of the time, we can make it work. There’s often room on the train," Mattias concludes.

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