Intermodal Rail Transport Training

SURCO isn’t theory. It’s where classroom meets container yard — where you test ideas on the tracks with real operators.

A practical, immersive training designed to help logistics professionals and students explore the opportunities of rail freight in intermodal operations. Whether in Barcelona, Madrid, or Aragon, the SURCO courses combine theory with real-life terminal experiences to prepare you for the shift toward sustainable transport.

Sample programme

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As Europe doubles down on its Green Deal ambitions, rail freight is no longer a niche – it’s a necessity. SURCO equips logistics professionals with the tools to lead this shift. Designed by industry experts and trusted by top-tier companies, the course blends insider access to rail hubs with simulation-based learning and real-world case studies.

Seats are limited, and each edition is tailored to the unique logistics ecosystem of its host region- Barcelona, Madrid, or Aragón– making your learning deeply relevant and immediately actionable.

Discover

The role of rail freight in Europe’s green logistics shift.

Learn

From rail experts, network managers, and logistics authorities.

Experience

Site visits to freight terminals, ports, and inland logistics hubs.

Apply

Case-based learning that simulates real intermodal operations.

Grow

Bring rail into your company’s logistics strategy with confidence.

What makes this course different?

Designed for real-world impact

Learn how rail freight is transforming supply chains and how to implement intermodal solutions in your organisation. SURCO equips you to lead this shift.

Built with industry leaders

Every edition is developed in collaboration with infrastructure managers, railway undertakings, and port authorities—giving you privileged access and insights.

On-site learning, not just theory

We don’t just talk about rail—we take you there. Visit freight terminals, intermodal hubs, and railway yards in Barcelona, Perpignan, Madrid, or Aragón.

Aimed at professionals like you

SURCO is built for decision-makers, operators, and managers seeking practical training to enhance their logistics strategies.

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Same Vision, Three Destinations

The SURCO courses adapt to regional realities while delivering national and international relevance.

Barcelona – Your gateway to Mediterranean intermodality

Location Advantage	Leverages the strategic Mediterranean corridor for sea-rail freight flows.
Terminals Visited	BEST (Hutchison Ports), Can Tunis Rail Terminal, ADIF Combined Transport Facilities
Collaborators	Port de Barcelona, ADIF, Renfe Mercancías, CIMALSA, Puertos del Estado, Transportes Portuarios, CSP Iberian Rail, Hutchison Ports BEST
Special Highlights	Customs and security workshop, PVL simulation of Mediterranean cargo flows
Perfect For	Professionals working on maritime-rail integration and EU interconnectivity

Madrid – Intermodality at Spain’s inland logistics hub

Location Advantage	Strategic inland hub supporting high-volume intermodal traffic
Terminals Visited	Puerto Seco Azuqueca, ADIF Madrid-Vicálvaro
Collaborators	ADIF, Renfe Mercancías, Puerto Seco Azuqueca, Puertos del Estado, Centro Español de Logística (CEL)
Special Highlights	Import/export flow case studies, hands-on logistics coordination simulations
Perfect For	Distribution, freight coordination, and intermodal managers working inland

Aragón – Rail freight in the heart of the Ebro Valley

Location Advantage	Connects central Spain with both Atlantic and Mediterranean corridors
Terminals Visited	Zaragoza PLAZA Platform, intermodal and dry port connections
Collaborators	ADIF, Renfe Mercancías, Zaragoza Logistics Center (ZLC), Port de Barcelona, CIMALSA, Fundación Transpirenaica
Special Highlights	Dry port performance analysis, CO₂ savings focus, long-distance corridor case studies
Perfect For	Professionals working on inland connectivity and long-haul freight efficiency

Course topics & benefits

Key Topics Covered

The role of rail transport in European and Spanish logistics corridors
Railway infrastructure, services, and terminology
Operational models in intermodal freight
Legal and regulatory frameworks for combined transport
Environmental impact and CO₂ savings through modal shift
Innovation in intermodal logistics (including digitalisation)

Workshops

Port Virtual Lab (PVL) simulation of rail-sea-road coordination
Customs & Security Procedures workshop for intermodal flows
Cargo Flow Analysis: Real cases covering import/export and national distribution
Operational Planning: Designing efficient logistics strategies using real terminal data
Live Coordination Exercises: Communication, sequencing, and decision-making in time-sensitive

What you’ll gain

A deep understanding of Spain’s intermodal landscape from coast to hinterland
Applied knowledge from hands-on visits to rail terminals, dry ports, and logistics platforms
Networking with experts from ADIF, Renfe Mercancías, ports, logistics clusters, and rail operators
Diploma issued by the Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport, with a digital credential
Access to a European network of alumni and continuous learning through Escola’s channels

Un curso muy importante y en el momento adecuado, donde el ferrocarril cobra un papel preponderante en el sector del transporte como alternativa sostenible al trasporte por carretera.

Pablo C RamosSURCO Galicia participant

Me ha gustado bastante ver como funcionan las terminales desde dentro.

Paul Guia CuberoGo Transport Servicios 2018, S.A. | SURCO Aragón participant

Hemos aprendido mucho ¡Muchísimas gracias!

Anon.SURCO Aragón participant

Ha sido un curso espectacular, completo y diverso y me ha encantado participar. Un placer.

Alina ScutelnicuSURCO Aragón participant

Curso muy completo y muy bien organizado.

Marta PalomarSURCO Galicia participant

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Taught by experts

Manuel Galán

Railway Operations Manager - ADIF

Orlando Reveco

International Product Manager - Escola Europea

Marta Miquel

Deputy Director General - Escola Europea

Eduard Rodés

Director - Escola Europea

Alexandre Ariza

Academic Manager - Escola Europea

FAQs

Who can apply to the SURCO courses?

The SURCO courses are designed for professionals working in logistics, rail freight, freight forwarding, and supply chain management. While academic observers or institutional guests may occasionally join, the course content is tailored for industry professionals.

Will I receive a certificate?

Yes. Upon successful completion, participants receive an official diploma issued by the Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport, as well as a digital badge that can be shared on LinkedIn and other professional platforms.ssful completion, participants receive an official diploma from Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport, along with a digital badge that can be displayed on LinkedIn or your CV.

Who can apply to the SURCO courses?

The SURCO courses are designed for professionals working in logistics, rail freight, freight forwarding, and supply chain management. While academic observers or institutional guests may occasionally join, the course content is tailored for industry professionals.

Is the course available in English?

Yes. Some editions of SURCO are offered in English, while others are in Spanish. The language of instruction is clearly stated on each edition’s page. Please select the one that best suits your preference.

What are the funding options?

The SURCO courses are eligible for FUNDAE subsidies for Spanish companies. Additionally, official documentation is available to support company reimbursement or internal training budgets. Some editions may also offer institutional scholarships.

Do I need to attend in person?

Yes. All SURCO editions include essential on-site visits to logistics hubs, dry ports, and intermodal terminals. These immersive field experiences are central to the course methodology and cannot be replaced by virtual alternatives.

How is SURCO different from other logistics trainings?

SURCO combines academic content with real-world application. You’ll take part in simulations, field visits, and workshops co-led by port authorities, rail operators, and terminal managers. It offers an unmatched perspective on Spain’s intermodal freight corridors.

How do I register?

Registration is easy via our website. Visit the SURCO course page, select your preferred edition, and complete the online registration form. You can also contact our training coordinator for group bookings or billing questions.