Per Kristiansson, CEO of Vänerexpressen, explains that the company has been working with intermodal freight and tailored logistics solutions combining rail, truck and terminal services for 26 years. For the past 15 years, they’ve been operating the Insjön terminal on behalf of Bergkvist Siljan, which also happens to be their largest customer.

“At its core, our work is terminal operations, but what makes it unique is the size, it’s a relatively small terminal. Yet, despite being only 6,500 square metres, we handle 40,000 TEU per year, that’s as much as some East Coast ports,” says Per Kristiansson.

Success requires a strong team, and Per praises his multifunctional staff who operate forklifts, drive trucks, and perform train shunting services, a key time-saving offer.

Another standout factor is proximity to customers. The majority are within two kilometres, and 85% within ten. The largest customer, Bergkvist Siljan, is even located on-site. This enables container sequencing and a high level of flexibility. If anything changes, Vänerexpressen can respond instantly.

A daily priority is reusing import containers for exports, a sustainable practice that’s not without challenges - such as matching shipping lines and coordinating schedules. But the ambition is high to take full advantage of the connection with the Port of Gothenburg.

“The partnership continues to grow. Together, we’re marketing our combined service. We’re very committed to Railport Scandinavia and see strong demand for the service, both nationally and internationally.”

Vänerexpressen was ISO-certified early on, and with Swedish trains powered by renewable electricity, the environmental impact is minimal. The company also runs trucks, forklifts, and terminal tractors on HVO, with electrification as the next step.

With many customers located so close, the focus is not on the “last mile,” but rather the “last kilometre.” Here, driver-customer contact is key, which is why Vänerexpressen only works with local hauliers familiar with the area.

“We try to use the same drivers to ensure clear and consistent communication. It makes the product feel very high-quality,” says Per.

He estimates that around a thousand people are employed thanks to the terminal – which he sees as critical for Leksand and the Dalarna region.

“The terminal makes the Port of Gothenburg feel like it’s right here in Insjön. Trains arrive every day, and what you order today arrives tomorrow. Many of our customers experience it as if the port is just around the corner.”

Criticism of rail is often unfair, he argues. Freight trains are highly reliable and indispensable in moving large volumes.

“People talk about sustainability, but forget about energy efficiency. Trains are outstanding on that front – even compared to electric trucks.”

A new zoning plan will allow for future expansion of the terminal. Planned developments include container sorting and storage, customs handling, stuffing and stripping, and an enhanced capacity to manage timber and woodchips.

One of Per’s key wishes is for passing tracks along the Mora rail line. This would allow for longer and heavier 750-metre trains and boost capacity by 25–30% – a relatively low-cost investment. He also sees room for improvements in Gothenburg’s marshalling yards and calls for expanded charging infrastructure for electric vehicles to support greener last-mile transport.

It’s a long wish list, but much is already in place to make his day-to-day operations easier – and many customers are starting to realise the same:

“Choosing rail to and from the Port of Gothenburg is sustainable, allows for large volumes and is cost-effective,” concludes Per Kristiansson.

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