What it’s all about:
- UIP Keepers’ Summit in Nice
- Customer focus and transformation for rail freight in Europe
- David Zindo new President of the UIP
The International Union of Wagon Keepers (UIP) in collaboration with its French member association AFWP welcomed 120 freight rail stakeholders from across Europe to its annual flagship conference, the Keepers’ Summit, in Nice, France on 15 June 2023. Discussions focused on how environmentally friendly features of rail freight can be used to address climate change while appealing to customers and attracting young talent. The panelists and the audience agreed: rail freight has an important role to play in the future of our society. However, this can only be achieved if rail freight operations transform away from state monopolies towards private sector competition.
In search of change, former UIP President Dr Heiko Fischer challenged the audience to look to the past to better prepare for the future. As the driving force behind the creation of the General Contract of Use (GCU), Mr Fischer pointed to the important role of private wagon keepers in developing rail freight solutions. As a convinced and visionary man, he always placed great emphasis on the need to innovate and transform rail freight to meet the future challenges and expectations of customers and society. The audience acknowledged with standing applause the commitment and achievements of Dr Fischer, who had guided the destiny of UIP as President for 11 years.
Mr Joris D’Inca, Global Head of Logistics at the international management consulting firm Oliver Wyman, confirmed in his keynote speech the need for rail freight to adapt to evolving customer requirements: «Customers expect complete transparency along the transport chain. They place the greatest value on the availability of real-time information and effective corridor management, among other things. Only by adapting to these and other requirements will rail freight be able to gain market share from road freight and play a greater role in combating climate change.» Presentation Joris D’Incà
The expert panel, moderated by Ms Emilie Soulez and composed of Mr Charles Puech d’Alissac (VIIA/Naviland), Mr Paul Mazataud (SNCF Réseau) and Mr Stéphane Gavard (Streem), dove deep into the elements at the heart of the transformation needed to meet the new expectations. Mr Mazataud confirmed SNCF Réseau’s needs and intentions to offer more transparency in maintenance operations, but also RNE’s plans to increase flexibility by adapting the timetabling process. Mr Puech D’Alissac highlighted the elements and benefits of combined transport and the business model behind the activities of Naviland and VIIA. He pointed out the progress made in digitising the interface with customers and encouraged all stakeholders to redouble their efforts in digitising the interfaces between rail freight actors. Mr Gavard provided insights into wagon innovation both in terms of concept and industrial manufacturing, but also explained Streem’s project to develop skills and knowledge in the industry.
Finally, Mr David Zindo, CEO of Streem Group and newly elected UIP President, concluded with a promise: to support the transformation with clear priorities while allowing freight wagon keepers and associations to benefit from the success of the past in order to increase the attractiveness and competitiveness of rail freight. He stressed the importance of the work of UIP and the national federations, which act as consolidated voices and link to local and European political institutions.
«Our societies need to understand the unique selling proposition of rail freight as a crucial means to decarbonise the transport sector. We as a system need to improve our offer to meet the needs of customers, but also to attract and train young talent.» – David Zindo
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David Zindo becomes new UIP President: A vision for the future of rail freight transport David Zindo will be the new President of UIP, succeeding Dr Heiko Fischer, who led UIP as President for 11 years. Zindo was elected during UIP’s General Assembly on 15 June 2023 in Nice, France. He is supported by Vice Presidents Per-Anders Benthin (CEO of Transwaggon) and Johann Feindert (CEO of GATX Rail Europe). Mr Zindo brings extensive experience to the position, being CEO of Streem Group (formerly Ermewa Group) and a member of the UIP Executive Board since 2015. He previously held senior finance positions at SNCF, Geodis and Veolia Environmental Services. As the new UIP President, David Zindo’s vision is to further strengthen UIP by setting clear priorities, strengthening the team and building alliances with other associations. He wants to strengthen the role of freight wagon keepers in the supply chain and explain the complex EU regulatory landscape. With his long experience and commitment to rail freight, Mr Zindo aims to transform the sector to meet future challenges and the expectations of customers and society. Read more about the newly elected President’s vision in UIP’s interview with David Zindo. |
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The International Union of Wagon Keepers (UIP) was founded in 1950 and has its headquarters in Brussels. It is the umbrella organisation of national associations from 14 European countries, representing more than 250 wagon keepers and Entities in Charge of Maintenance (ECMs). The fourteen member countries are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. As the voice for more than 234,000 freight wagons, UIP represents half of the total European freight wagon fleet and is one of the most important resources for the freight rail sector in Europe. Research, lobbying and constant exchange with all stakeholders and organisations interested in the rail freight sector play an important role for the association to direct all efforts towards increasing efficiency in the rail freight service. Through participation in many working groups and committees at European and international level, UIP brings the perspective and interests of freight wagon keepers and works in cooperation with all interested parties to secure the long-term future of rail freight. UIP is recognised by the European Commission as a representative body in the rail sector.
