On 22 and 23 April 2026, UIC had the privilege of hosting an in-person meeting of the Wagon Damage Settlement Group.

Founded in Lucerne in 2012, this study group was launched after the observation was made that many parties to the General Contract of Use for Wagons (GCU) interpret the agreement, assess liability issues, and, in particular, handle the settlement and processing of freight wagon damage claims in different ways. Representatives of the former German-speaking state railways therefore decided to meet regularly to share views and have clear discussions.

The Lucerne Group provides a forum for discussing current problem cases, clearing up misunderstandings, and finding common approaches to the interpretation of the GCU and the handling of freight wagons. In particular, personal contact with claims adjusters from the member companies facilitates the processing of claims.

To date, the group already has representatives from Luxembourg though CFL Cargo S.A., Germany through DB Cargo AG, Hexafret from France, Rail Cargo Austria AG, and Switzerland through SBB Cargo AG, with more joining soon!