During the last 25 years, the share of rail in freight transport in Europe has continually been decreasing. This situation is mainly due to the improved competitiveness of road freight, even in long-distance transportation, due to reduced costs and improved quality. The successful restructuring of the American railroads and some European experiences show that the potential of rail freight transport can be improved, provided a long-term, market-oriented, technically strong and financially achievable strategy is defined and applied.