Swedish cargo owners turn to rail ahead of Black Friday

As Black Friday approaches, rail import volumes through APM Terminals Gothenburg are increasing. With large volumes moving from the port to warehouses and retailers across Sweden, more cargo owners are choosing rail as part of their transport solution.

In September, rail import volumes increased by 14% compared with the same month last year. So far this year, import volumes are 12.5% higher than during the corresponding period in 2025.

“We are seeing a clear increase in imports this year, with volumes reaching a peak ahead of Black Friday. Large quantities of consumer goods need to reach warehouses and distribution centres across Sweden quickly, and rail is an attractive option for this,” says Emil Seferaj, Sales Executive Rail at APM Terminals Gothenburg.

The trend can be seen, for example, in Vaggeryd at Båramo intermodal terminal, operated by PGF Terminal, where additional trains have been introduced to handle the increased volumes.

“We are seeing continued positive growth in import flows to the region, particularly from Asia. Demand for flexible logistics solutions has increased, with the ability to temporarily store goods before onward distribution being an important part of customers’ supply chains. The growth is mainly driven by retail and consumer electronics, but manufacturing is also contributing,” says Daniel Karlsson, Terminal Manager at PGF Terminal.

“Our offering is based on integrating transport, terminal handling, storage and distribution into one connected logistics chain. Together with Protrain and APM Terminals, we can add capacity at short notice. This gives customers greater flexibility, shorter transit times and the opportunity to optimise their cargo flows,” he continues.

Timber exports picking up

At the same time, exports of sawn timber are showing signs of recovery. Following a weaker year for exports, volumes are now roughly back at the same level as during the corresponding period last year.

“Sawn timber is making a comeback in export volumes. A clear example is Fiskarheden, which has now resumed transporting its cargo by rail from Malungsfors to APM Terminals in Gothenburg,” says Emil Seferaj.

“I would like to give a big credit to our rail team. In September, the team handled 16 trains in a single weekday, which is the highest figure recorded so far. Through good planning and close dialogue with customers, we are able to handle large and varied cargo flows by rail,” he concludes.