In early 2000s, after split of PKP and before being transferred to PKP Intercity, those locomotives were owned by PKP Cargo, hence this livery. They were still used to pull passenger trains, however, there are also some rare photos of them with cargo trains.

It stands, so in regular service they are not hauling freight trains. However often, after repairs they can be seen in a one time freight service with intentions to test them. 09's are good with getting to the speed, but not good with long trains. Compare it yourself, take a short , 4 carriages set first, then try it with 12 carriages.