INTERMODAL operates globally, but its strength lies in its solid local foundations.
Author: Łukasz Kuś | Original article in Polish
2025/08/12 | We're taking a closer look at one of the companies in the intermodal industry. According to reports from the Office of Rail Transport (UTK), PCC Intermodal is the undisputed leader in intermodal container transport in Poland in terms of weight transported and transport work performed.
PCC is the largest combined transport operator in Poland, boasting the densest network of regular intermodal connections. Currently, the company employs over 500 people and is part of the PCC Capital Group. Initially established in 2004, its operations focused on handling containerized cargo at the PCC Rokita chemical plant in Brzeg Dolny, near Wrocław. In 2015, an expanded intermodal terminal was opened on the former plant grounds, now boasting 90,000 square meters of operational space and handling regular containerized cargo flows on both domestic and international transport corridors.
Below we present fragments of a conversation with the Director of the PCC Terminal in Brzeg Dolny – Jarosław Bednarz, based on an interview conducted during a visit to the facility.
– "We consider Brzeg Dolny the cradle of intermodal, not only within the PCC Group, but also more broadly, considering our company's current position in the container transport market and the resources we have at our disposal. Intermodal in its purest form began right here – in Lower Silesia – with one train a week organized by a team of several people..."
– “Intermodal cargo handling initially took place next to the caustic soda warehouse, and was then moved to the northern part of the plant complex, where a universal transshipment terminal was created with an independent access road leading to the bypass connecting Brzeg Dolny with the DK 94 and the area of the Legnica Special Economic Zone.”
– "The location within a large chemical plant complex influenced how we organized the facility's rail operations and logistics. At every stage of the investment, we ensured that it was not only functional but also safe."
"For the last two decades, every day, we've been convincing our customers that intermodal is a competitive alternative to conventional means of transport. Initially, we did it locally, but today we operate broadly, internationally, if not globally. I remember the time when we had to explain how combined transport works. Based on our experience handling containerized cargo for PCC Rokita plants, we showed that this solution was worth choosing, even though the travel time wasn't always as fast as by car. We relentlessly presented the advantages of intermodal, such as the ability to store goods in our yard, lower costs associated with stacking and packaging, greater safety of goods because they didn't have to be repacked from a container to a trailer, etc. Truly, we explained everything from the very beginning, step by step. Today, almost everyone uses the word 'intermodal,' but that wasn't the case back then..." explained Jarosław Bednarz.
Modern technologies
The Brzeg Dolny terminal is now one of the most modern facilities of its kind in Poland and Europe. From Brzeg Dolny, daily connections are available to the ports of Gdańsk, Gdynia, Hamburg, Rotterdam, and Antwerp. In 2023, some of the first remotely controlled RMG cranes with electric drives were commissioned here. Operators work from stations in the office building and monitor the cranes' operation via cameras.
"There are few places in Europe and around the world where such equipment operates. Choosing this innovative solution carried a certain risk, which we now see was worth taking. Operators who previously worked on reachstackers were informed that we were purchasing overhead cranes without cabins, which was quite a surprise to them. …We faced many questions about what the work would be like. We trained our people at other terminals and using simulators. This year will mark two years since the overhead cranes were launched. I am very pleased that – despite concerns about how the new, unfamiliar system would perform – everything is working so well. Our employees also appreciate the improved work comfort, which makes us extremely happy and optimistic for the future," said Jarosław Bednarz.
Varied loads
Many manufacturing companies in the Brzeg Dolny area use PCC Intermodal's logistics services.among othersSuppliers of plant protection products and other chemical products, FMCG manufacturers, companies located in the Legnica SEZ in Środa Śląska, and plants around Rawicz and Leszno. Logistics centers and companies around Wrocław and Wałbrzych, which have recently been handling mainly imports, are a major source of container volume. Containers are transported from the terminal in Brzeg to logistics facilities, from where the cargo is then distributed to retail and wholesale chains.
"Our intermodal transport covers first- and last-mile transport, which, given Brzeg Dolny's location on the European transport map, can be carried out over distances of up to 200 km – although both we and the drivers prefer destinations 70-80 km from the terminal. We prefer to travel further distances by train."
Chemical transportation
Logistical cooperation with companies in the chemical industry means that the Brzeg Dolny terminal also handles cargo in tank containers, including hazardous goods. These types of units are typically delivered to the terminal on or at most one day before the scheduled shipment.
"We are prepared to handle hazardous cargo. The terminal has a safety tank, an efficient fire protection system, and the PCC Group plant is staffed by professional chemical rescue services. We regularly conduct training and practice safety procedures, simulating various emergency situations to ensure employees maintain maximum concentration and attention during their daily work. During these exercises, we carefully monitor crew reactions to ensure they know how to react in difficult and unexpected situations. We are very rigorous in adhering to occupational health and safety regulations."
Trains transport containers from all major global shipping companies to Brzeg Dolny, which arrive in Poland via the seaports of Gdynia, Gdańsk, Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Rotterdam, and Antwerp. PCC also transports cargo using 45-foot HC PW containers, which are an alternative to semi-trailers, particularly on intra-European routes. The company offers transport in dry, bulk, hardtop, and curtain-sided containers. The operator's fleet includes wagons of various dimensions, enabling optimal train configurations, regardless of container size. Owners of reefer containers also use PCC facilities, which are equipped with electricity connections.
Local entrepreneurship
The establishment of the PCC Intermodal terminal in Brzeg Dolny and its operations have influenced the development of local road carriers, logistics companies, customs brokers, and warehousing services. All of these entities undoubtedly create space for entrepreneurship and added value for the region's economy.
"When we started our business, we worked with several transport companies. Today, first- and last-mile transport is handled by 11 PCC Intermodal trucks and 80 vehicles from our subcontractors. The businesses we work with are headquartered in the area and pay taxes here, as well as using the services of local companies that service their vehicles, etc. These companies employ workers from the area. All of this supports the development of the local economy. The terminal is a regional hub; some call it a "window," others a "gateway" to the world. Thanks to it, businesses can ship their goods anywhere in the world," noted Jarosław Bednarz.
Intermodal terminals across Poland are becoming a significant driver of regional economic development. Many companies currently prioritize access to sustainable rail transport when choosing investment locations.
"We cooperate with the Brzeg Dolny commune, the Wołów commune and district, as well as neighboring municipalities. We support local initiatives. We welcome many international guests to our facilities. We see that larger companies, in particular, are paying attention to efficient and sustainable logistics. The fact that Brzeg Dolny has an intermodal terminal is a significant advantage when choosing the area as an investment location," said Terminal Director Jarosław Bednarz.