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Tag: road transport

Thermo King launches new UT-R portfolio

Posted on by David Priestman

Thermo King has announced its new UT-R undermount refrigeration systems, which will be a feature of its presence at the IAA Transportation 2022 show in Hannover, Germany.

The new UT-R portfolio includes single- and multi-temperature refrigeration units for undermount applications on rigid trucks, drawbar trailers and highloaders. New design and applied technologies deliver increased efficiency, better reliability and durability, and significantly lower noise than the legacy range, meeting the needs of customers operating in inner-city, city-to-to-city, pharmaceutical and airport catering distributions.

Thermo King UT-R units are available as NRMM Stage V compliant diesel-powered systems, or in Hybrid version. The UT-R Hybrid can seamlessly switch between diesel and electric mode to reduce emissions and fuel consumption and increase flexibility of operations allowing the trucks to enter cities’ low and ultra-low emission zones.

“Multi-drop operations in city distribution, long distance transport of goods and raising ambient temperatures are driving the customer need for reliable, high cooling capacity refrigeration units to ensure the safety of their cargo,” said Davide Previsdomini, product manager Truck at Thermo King. “We designed the brand-new UT-R units with these factors in mind and added more features that not only offer the highest cooling capacity in the segment but do so with reduced noise and lower cost of ownership for transporters.”

The new UT-R platform is based on a new compressor from Thermo King T-Series units contributing to highest cooling capacity in this market segment according to ATP standards (Accord Transport Perrisable), and lower TCO for customers. Featuring an Electronic Throttling Valve (ETV) as standard. The UT-R units operate with reduced engine speeds for optimised performance and lower noise.

“The new UT-R units are 3dB(A) quieter than the incumbent range,” said Previsdomini. “In real life, this difference means that the noise perception of two new UT-R units operating side-by-side equals the noise generated by a single predecessor unit.”

The new design also facilitates better access to serviceable components and contributes to extended maintenance intervals. Combined with the increased reliability, this translates into up to 40% lower service costs for the transporters when compared to the legacy units.

For ease of installation and optimized chassis space, the new UT-R units are also smaller when compared to the predecessor range, with width reduced by 200mm. The weight of the unit is also even 40kg lower allowing customers to carry more cargo payload during every delivery journey.

 

AI technology: the solution to the driver shortage

Posted on by David Priestman

There are signs that the pressure caused by the lack of HGV drivers may be starting to ease after the recent publication of data by the Department of Transport, writes Philip van der Wilt (pictured), VP EMEA, at Samsara. Figures just released show there has been a significant jump in the number of HGV driving tests carried out between January and March 2022 compared to pre-pandemic levels.

News of the 74% rise, as reported by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), will undoubtedly go some way to unblock the damaging bottleneck that was acting as a brake on driver recruitment.

That said, the issue of driver shortages are not new – and attracting new people to the professionhttps://www.logisticsbusiness.com/transport-distribution/haulage-freight-forwarding/

and retaining that talent won’t be fixed simply by enabling more drivers to become qualified.

In response, industry leaders are looking at a range of solutions to tackle the ongoing problem, and that includes the adoption of smart technologies like artificial intelligence (AI).

By artificial intelligence, I do not mean automated HGVs or a lack of human involvement in day-to-day roles. Instead, it’s about the introduction of everyday devices – powered by AI technology – that can assist drivers in their daily tasks, creating a more rewarding working experience.

Automating monotonous tasks

Many industries have already taken strides to automate their workplaces by switching paperwork for digital processes, making monotonous tasks sleeker and less time-consuming. And the same level of digitisation is now starting to be rolled out across fleet-related industries, eliminating time spent on tasks such as filling out paperwork, recording fuel receipts, and performing paper-based vehicle checks.

Vehicle walkarounds can be carried out using an easy-to-use mobile app and automatic alerts sent if any issues are identified, so they are logged immediately and can be fixed more quickly and efficiently. And instead of reporting to an office or phoning in, drivers can check their day-to-day tasks on a simple app to ensure that they’re fully up to date on schedule changes or re-routes.

This type of automation – increasingly common across all business sectors – helps to streamline communication between drivers and fleet managers. In fact, one of the findings from our recent report found that that AI and automation was a key driver in increasing employee retention.

Keeping drivers safe

With the ongoing advancements in dashcam technology, fleet managers are becoming increasingly well placed to protect drivers with real-time, high-definition videos while they’re out on the road.

Dashcams have become an essential tool, allowing fleet managers to access a driver’s-eye view of any incidents or accidents that occur, providing much needed back-up and support. Dashcam technology – which is increasingly being fitted with smart AI technology – can also be used as a driving aid helping to improve driver safety.

In fact, our Connected Operations report [LP1] showed that 56% of operation leaders found the improvement of workplace safety was the most influential factor for recruiting and retaining employees.

Technology helps the recruitment process

Starting a new job is never easy. Which is why anything that can be done to make the onboarding process as efficient and easy as possible is critical. Learning the ropes is far simpler when workplace systems have the look and feel of everyday apps. Easy to use and requiring less training, drivers can get on with the job at hand without having to learn and use out-dated paper-based processes.

With less training required, drivers can sign on quickly and get started on the job sooner. In fact, 43% of operations leaders have seen a greater upskilling for employees as a result of introducing tech to the workplace.

Role of smart technology in driver retention

When it comes to attracting more drivers to the industry, no one solution will undo decades of under investment. While improved pay and conditions, plus investment in roadside facilities, will help, more can be done to change perceptions of the industry, create more appealing working experiences and secure a new pipeline of drivers.

Technology can remove some of the time-consuming and more tedious tasks associated with fleet jobs, g and, above all, making the job safer. By removing the hassle of every-day tasks, drivers can get on with the job they signed up for and want to do – drive.

 

ContainerPort Group expends despite challenges

Posted on by Keith McKinley

ContainerPort Group, a top-10 drayage provider in the United States, announced its owner operator network grew by nearly 20% during the second quarter of 2022, pushing the burgeoning CPG fleet to more than 1,300 strong.

While much of the industry continues to face trucking capacity challenges, CPG’s driver-facing teams continue to build its network with a focus on comprehensive compensation plans that include four-figure sign-on bonuses, 24/7 support services, and state-of-the-art technology.

“Our Driver Resources and Driver Recruiting & Onboarding teams are committed to understanding what owner operators need from a trucking company partnership, and consistently work to make driving for CPG a best-in-class experience on and off the road,” said Joey Palmer, President of CPG, who oversees company-wide growth with a focus on team building and employee engagement.

Applications from owner operators seeking to join the CPG fleet surged in April 2022 and continued to swell into May and June, with the overall driver count climbing each week. Nearly a third of these applicants joined the CPG team.

VP of Driver Experience Jason Schmelmer shared some background on the surge in applications: “One of the first things we did was conduct a comprehensive audit of our driver compensation. Based on those findings, we adjusted our compensation approach to help us stand out,” he said. “We now offer a top-of-the-market compensation package for drivers. Combined with our Discount Marketplace and access to DrayPal, our custom mobile app for drivers, we have compelling reasons for owner operators to apply here.”

The Driver Services team has implemented numerous programmes to help boost retention and bring CPG drivers to the terminal for support. During the first and second quarter, the team conducted in-person driver Town Halls at multiple terminals to gather feedback and understand what else drivers needed to be successful on the road. They have also reintroduced Pit Stops – a semi-monthly event where drivers are invited to stop by the terminal for a free lunch, a gift item, and a moment to reconnect with the team on the ground.

Drivers are also periodically surveyed electronically, and their feedback shows that CPG’s focus on safety is one of the factors that contributes to their decision to drive with the company.

“We’re proud to know that our drivers value safety and want to stay with a carrier that prioritises safe driving habits,” said Schmelmer. “Our number one core value as an organisation is ‘safety first’ and our fleet takes this to heart. They want to get home safe every single night, and we are offering the education and tools to help them do so.”

The results of these collective efforts are resonating across the organisation, as noted by Palmer: “Being a people-first organisation, CPG prioritises a respectful, safety-focused, and rewarding workplace where our owner operators have access to competitive compensation and exceptional benefits options. Our focus on fair treatment of drivers, 24/7 safety, and operational excellence attracts owner operators who want a reputable partner.”

“We know that external market forces had an impact on our numbers, but it was heartening for us to see that referrals count as the primary source of new drivers. The fact that our existing network is encouraging their connections to join the CPG family tells us that we are focusing on the right things– a top-notch compensation package, productivity-focused technology tools and 24/7 support services,” added Schmelmer.

As CPG continues to grow its trucker community and improve relationships with existing operators across their network, current and incoming data depicts a strong outlook for growth in Q3 as well.

 

European road transport prices break new records

Posted on by David Priestman

Inflation, weakening demand, social instability and the war in Ukraine are leading to tumultuous developments in road freight prices, reveals the Ti / Upply / IRU Road Freight Rate Benchmark for Q2 2022. For the first time, this edition offers a separate analysis of the evolution of spot and contract rates.

  • The European contract road freight rate index reaches an all-time high of 121 points in Q2 2022, up 6.1 points quarter-on-quarter and 13.1 points year-on-year.
  • The European spot road freight rate index also reached a record high of 134 points, up 11.8 points from Q1 2022 and 20.1 points from Q2 2021.
  • Inflation is rising in all European countries and reached a record high of 8.6% in the Eurozone in June, weighing on costs and demand.
  • While diesel prices have varied by country since prices have remained elevated in July and are 69% above the January level.

The European Road Freight Rates Benchmark, produced by Transport Intelligence, Upply and IRU, analyses European road freight rates and market outlooks on a quarterly basis, to inform the decisions of shippers, transport providers and hauliers.

For the first time since the beginning of the report, Ti, Upply and IRU are able to offer a differentiated analysis of spot and contract rates in this edition covering Q2 2022.

  • War in Ukraine: Following the invasion of Ukraine, in March, the EU-27 pre-tax diesel price jumped 69% from its January level.
  • Demand weakening: Multiple indicators point to a weakening demand for European road freight, with declining activity in all major economies and inflation rates weighing on consumer and business confidence.
  • Rising inflation: Inflation is rising in all European countries and reached a record high of 8.6% in the Eurozone in June. According to the latest data, Spain is experiencing the highest increase with a price rise of +10.2%, higher than the other major European economies of Germany (7.9%), France (5.8%), Italy (8%) and the UK (9.1%).
  • Driver shortage: The shortage affects the entire European continent. Germany is in a particularly critical situation with an estimated shortage of 50,000 to 80,000 truck drivers. Migrant workers account for 24% of the German driver workforce and the loss of Ukrainian citizens returning to defend their country has further restricted the supply of drivers in Germany.
  • France/Spain: This corridor has seen very significant increases in spot rates. In particular, the increase reached 21.2% quarter-on-quarter in the Paris-Madrid direction. This is almost twice the average increase in European spot rates and is also the second highest increase of all European spot rates.
  • Germany/Poland: All rates, with the exception of spot rates from Duisburg to Warsaw, have reached new historical highs on this route after having followed an upward trend since the beginning of the pandemic. Contrary to the relationship observed on most European routes, spot rates on this route increased more slowly than contract rates. Demand has been affected in particular by the weakening of the industry in Germany and Poland. The instability created by the conflict in Ukraine is particularly noticeable in this part of Europe and also affects the development of industrial prospects.
  • France / Great Britain: Following the Brexit, transport operations between France and Great Britain have become more expensive and longer. Researchers at the London School of Economics (LSE) have found that while exports have largely recovered, British imports from the EU have fallen by 25% compared to other destinations. In addition, the variety of goods traded fell by 30%. Low value goods were the most affected by the increase in administrative costs.

Thomas Larrieu, Chief Executive Officer at Upply, comments: “The lull in European demand should slow the upward pressure on road freight rates. On the other hand, hauliers are still facing significant cost increases (fuel, labour, etc.), so rates are likely to remain at high levels in the coming months.”

Nathaniel Donaldson, Economic Analyst at Ti said: “The effect of rising costs in 2022 is now very evident with road freight rates across the European continent reaching new all-time highs. Initial fuel price rises following the invasion of Ukraine have held and produced a much more costly environment for European road carriers whilst industrial action and a worsening driver shortage keep capacity tight. A range of indicators are pointing towards a drastic slowdown in consumption and production which will ease further increases while high costs keep rates elevated.”

CLICK HERE to download a copy of the full benchmark report.

White paper: is hydrogen the future for cargo?

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The H2Accelerate collaboration has published a new whitepaper in support of the use of hydrogen in long-haul trucking, based on focus group discussions with truck end-users and logistics providers. The paper sets out the conclusions of a series of focus groups with companies such as Amazon, Nestle Waters, DB Schenker, and Kuehne-Nagel, who have the potential to drive significant market demand for hydrogen trucks and the growth of the sector.

In the paper, the H2Accelerate collaboration sets out the needs and expectations of trucking end users and logistics providers as these organisations look to decarbonise their operations. They also outline how hydrogen can enable end users to achieve their decarbonisation targets while maintaining operations, especially amidst mounting regulatory pressure.

The whitepaper follows two others published last year setting out the need for hydrogen trucking and expectations for the growth of the fuel cell truck market. The group also published a policy position paper stating the requirements from the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation in February 2022. Further whitepapers are expected this year to inform end users, policymakers, and regulators of the benefits of hydrogen trucking and policy needs to enable the roll-out of trucks and infrastructure.

Understanding customer requirements for fuel cell trucks

The H2Accelerate collaboration has been formed by truck manufacturers Daimler Truck, IVECO, and Volvo Group, and hydrogen infrastructure providers Linde, OMV, Shell, and TotalEnergies. The central objective of the collaboration is to enable a commercially viable, pan-European hydrogen trucking system in the post-2030 period. As fleet operators and drivers are a crucial component of a successful rollout of hydrogen trucking, their needs and expectations ought to be well-understood and met as the system is being deployed. This will be achieved through consistent communication between hardware suppliers (such as those within the H2Accelerate collaboration) and end user groups.

“The findings of this study confirm what we have been hearing from industry partners and customers for the past year or so: the heavy-duty transportation sector is on board with using hydrogen to effectively replace fossil fuels,” said David Burns, VP Clean Energy Development at Linde, a H2Accelerate member. “We know that the technology is there – we have delivered over 200 fuelling stations around the world and successfully fuelled more than 1.5 million vehicles. Together with the H2Accelerate members, we are now working on scaling up the technology and building a robust infrastructure to enable the heavy-duty transport sector to operate with zero emissions, reliably and at a competitive cost.”

The whitepaper found that the organisations, which have public-facing decarbonisation targets, understand that hydrogen freight will be a required complement to battery vehicles in order to achieve full decarbonisation of their operations. This is particularly true not only for long-haul applications, where

the advantage of fast refuelling over battery electric alternatives was stressed, but also for transport in grid-constrained areas or in applications where vehicles are double shifted.

With regards to the cost and operation of the vehicles, end users were willing to accept that in the early stages of roll out, vehicles are likely to be more expensive and infrastructure more limited that the incumbent diesel trucking system. Several end users stated that while they would be happy to pay more in the short term to trial a small number of fuel cell trucks, their business model requires that in the long term, scale improvements and supportive policy allow hydrogen trucks to achieve parity with diesel. Similarly, it is expected that in the long term, network design, station availability, and vehicle maintenance develop to allow end users to achieve similar operational convenience and flexibility to diesel.

CLICK HERE to download the full whitepaper.

 

UPS expands sustainable operations in Europe

Posted on by Keith McKinley

As the logistics industry looks to operate more sustainably amid increasing demand from e-commerce, UPS is electrifying its ground fleet, using cleaner fuels and powering facilities with renewable energy. A new development is the use of duo-trailers in Spain that operate between Madrid and Barcelona five days a week.

These duo-trailers, operated and owned by Grupo Carrasco, feature two full-sized trailers pulled by a single truck. This combination emits less carbon per kilometer than if two vehicles were travelling individually, lowering the carbon intensity per package. Current records show it can reduce CO2 emissions by more than 30% per road journey.

“We are committed to delivering more while reducing the carbon intensity of our operations,” said Daniel Carrera, UPS Europe president. “These duo trailers demonstrate how we are relentlessly innovating and collaborating to create efficiencies in our network and build a sustainable future for our customers and the communities where we live and work.”

UPS has already deployed EcoCombi of a similar design in six countries within its European network. “EcoCombis” are currently permitted in 18 countries worldwide, yet they are a vital part of UPS’s goal to shrink its carbon footprint while increasing efficiency. Eco-trucks carry larger loads and reduce CO2 emissions by consuming less fuel. The new duo trailer design represents the next step in this evolution by connecting two full-sized trailers.

Delivering more with less environmental impact: With a global footprint and customers in more than 220 countries and territories, UPS sees how climate change, air quality and other socioeconomic challenges intersect, and has set a clear roadmap to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. This includes:

40% alternative fuel in ground operations by 2025

25% renewable electricity in facilities by 2025

As part of its rolling laboratory approach UPS has deployed more than 13,000 low-emission and alternative-fuel vehicles around the world and is always exploring ways to reduce carbon in its ground fleet.

 

GBA Services orders IVECO fleet

Posted on by Keith McKinley

UK and European logistics provider GBA Services is spearheading its ambitious growth plans by taking delivery of 10 new 480-horsepower diesel IVECO S-WAY (AS440S48TX/P) 6×2 with mid-lift axles.

This is the first time the IVECO brand has joined the 200-strong fleet with the S-WAYs part of a fleet refresh involving 50 new trucks being put on the road and 40 trucks being de-fleeted in the last few months.

GBA Services places the driver at the heart of every vehicle added to the fleet so the specification of each S-WAY is very high. Drivers benefit from a large fridge with cool box, sunroof, leather steering wheel, leather heated and air-conditioned driver’s seat, a leather heated, air conditioned, swivelling passenger seat, external sun visor, air horns, automatic climate control, night heater and night time safety lock plus a 7’’ Infotainment system with Tom Tom Sat Nav.

Externally Alcoa Diamant alloy wheels have been specified alongside LED Headlamps with cornering and bending fog lights, LED rear lights, an electric cab tilt and additional under cab storage. The bigger high roof AS sleeper cab accommodates two large bunks while a cab air kit with corner fins helps maximise the IVECO S-WAY’s impressive aerodynamics.

“We are currently expanding and renewing the fleet as the business grows and when the IVECO S-WAYs became available they fitted in perfectly with what we needed. The IVECO brand is a new addition to our fleet and the drivers were really keen to get behind the wheel of the new S-WAY.  Feedback from them has been extremely positive. Opting for the bigger AS cab has also meant more living space for the driver when they are away from home,” explained Mike Brown, GBA’s head of fleet and compliance.

The IVECO S-WAYs have been put to work on a contract with a national retailer which involves trunking double deck trailers between distribution centres in Amesbury, Wiltshire, and Sheffield. Typically, the trucks are running at between 40-44 tonnes and so far, the 480hp Cursor 11 diesel engine mated to the 12-speed automatic HI-TRONIX gearbox is returning 10mpg.

The trucks were purchased outright from IVECO dealer Walton Summit in Preston with a two-year warranty and are set to cover around 160,000km annually. Walton Summit completed the S-WAY’s high spec by fitting a full-size catwalk, rear of cab ‘A’ Frame, wheel nut markers, Anderson connectors, Haz Chem plates, an anti-syphon device, an additional rear work light and Direct Vision camera kits.

Like many logistics providers GBA is looking to improve its environmental credentials and Mike and his fleet team have signed up to reducing emissions by 50% by 2024.

“We are very mindful of reducing our carbon footprint and are looking at a number of different options including the IVECO CNG proposition. We are doing the numbers on gas versus diesel and as the fuel network improves it is becoming more of a viable option,” said Brown.

“It is very pleasing when a new operator onboards IVECO product for the first time and even more satisfying when the fleet manager receives positive praise from drivers. The IVECO S-WAY continues to set new standards of driver comfort and we are pleased that it has seamlessly fitted into GBA’s fast-growing fleet,” said Gareth Lumsdaine, IVECO’s Medium & Heavy Business Line Director.

 

Road freight prices break records as fuel costs soar

Posted on by David Priestman

The latest TEG price index data reveals road transport businesses passing soaring operating costs onto customers – as June’s average price-per-mile for haulage and courier vehicles reaches 18% more than three years ago, and its highest level so far in 2022.

road-freight-prices-break-records-fuel-costs-soarThe average price-per-mile for haulage and courier vehicles has jumped from 103.1 points in June 2019 to 122.0 points in June 2022, according to the TEG Price Index – a rise of 18% over the three-year period.

In the last year alone, the TEG index shows a year-on-year price-per-mile increase of 4.3 points.

This surge in what hauliers and couriers are charging comes against a backdrop of record-high fuel prices in the UK: 167p for petrol and 180p for diesel.

With fuel prices and inflation continuing to soar, road freight businesses are facing an ever-tightening squeeze on their profit margins, leaving them with little choice but to increase the price of their services.

The year-on-year index figure has climbed consistently every month since the start of 2021. This reflects the cost pressures building in the road freight industry over the last 18 months, including the driver shortage, rising salaries and a hike in companies’ national insurance payments. In the face of these issues, the sector will have to show more of its customary resilience.

Freight profit squeeze means higher consumer prices

According to the Road Haulage Association, fuel represents over a third of a truck’s operating costs, and profit margins are between 1% and 2%. So every penny counts, with increases in fuel prices having a massive impact on businesses’ bottom lines.

The industry has called for an essential user rebate, which would cut fuel costs for hauliers and, ultimately, help reduce costs for the end consumer.

The need for relief from runaway inflation is becoming increasingly urgent. For 60% of the UK public, total bills are higher than income, according to researchers at the National Institute of Economic and Social Research.

Lyall Cresswell, CEO at Transport Exchange Group and new platform Integra, says: “From operational costs to ongoing driver shortages, we hear about industry issues every day from our members. However, they’re coping admirably with the pressures and the constantly shifting landscape.

“With consumer confidence at a record low, we may well see a slowdown in demand for road freight, as fewer people shop online. But this might actually give the industry a little breathing room, softening the impact of driver shortages and supply chain bottlenecks.

“Nobody really knows what the future has in store, but we’re obviously very keen to see an essential user rebate. There’s no question that hauliers and couriers are essential users and such a move would provide some respite for the industry – and consumers.”

Kirsten Tisdale, Director of Logistics Consultants Aricia Limited and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport, says: “The TEG Road Transport Price Index continues to give insight into the UK freight market. The ever-tightening squeeze on the profits of the road transport sector and the impact on customers can also be seen in the latest Business Insights survey by the Office for National Statistics, where 1 in 8 of the responses for Transport & Storage companies indicated that they were having to seek financial support (up from zero in the previous survey where this question was asked), aggravated by the trend for increased stockpiling.”

 

Rising fuel prices accelerate switch to EVs

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Half (50%) of UK businesses reliant on fleets to operate have accelerated their transition to electric vehicles (EVs) as spikes in fuel prices continue to hammer diesel-powered vehicle users, according to new research from Samsara, the pioneer of the Connected Operations Cloud.

The research, which sought the views of 1,500 operational leaders including 200 in the UK, also reveals 84% of those in the UK’s industrial, manufacturing, and logistics industries see increasing the sustainability of their operations as a “high” or “critical” priority — and 61% will up their investment in sustainability measures in 2022.

The full study, presented in a new 2022 State of Connected Operation Report, reveals an eagerness among UK leaders to make a measurable impact on decarbonisation. Around four in 10 (38%) have already implemented a formal sustainability programme, with a further 59% planning to do this in 2022 to curb emissions.

The figures for the UK echo industry-wide moves across the globe to embrace a shift towards sustainability within industrial, manufacturing, retail, and service supply chains. Key priorities for sustainability programmes over the next five years include:

  • 81% plan to hire leadership personnel to drive forward sustainability initiatives
  • 86% plan to invest more in technology to support more sustainable operations
  • 89% will develop KPIs and quantitative performance targets for sustainability initiatives
  • 87% intend to market their sustainability efforts to customers

“These findings are unequivocal. The logistics and road haulage industry is committed to embracing environmental sustainability, which has been brought into sharp focus with skyrocketing fuel prices and customer pressures. We’re seeing a strong appetite to move to mixed fuel, combining compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric or complete EV adoption,” said Philip van der Wilt, VP & General Manager, Samsara, EMEA.

“Business leaders are turning words into action, putting investment in EVs and environmental sustainability as priorities for 2022. Organisations are setting concrete goals and investing in technology to deliver more sustainable operations,” added Philip van der Wilt.

To find out more, CLICK HERE to read the State of Connected Operations Report.

DB Schenker orders first fuel-cell powered trucks

Posted on by Keith McKinley

DB Schenker has revealed its ambitions to gradually build up a fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) fleet powered by hydrogen in cooperation with hylane, a rental start-up that is part of DEVK and which specialises in providing comprehensive hydrogen solutions in the logistics sector.

In June, DB Schenker paid a visit to view its first fuel cell truck in Groningen, Netherlands on the premises of Hyzon, a manufacturer of hydrogen-powered trucks. The vehicle will be handed over by hylane to DB Schenker by the end of 2022.

“I´m grateful to see the progress we are now making towards testing a hydrogen powered vehicle for linehaul transportation, which will be an important step on our journey towards carbon-neutral road transportation,” says Helmut Schweighofer, CEO of DB Schenker Europe.

“We are proud to support DB Schenker’s pioneering work with our trucks,” says Sara Schiffer, Managing Director of hylane. “The partnership with DB Schenker demonstrates that hylane meets the high standards leading companies require for sustainable transport. Together, we will continue to work on advancing the use of hydrogen trucks in Europe.”

DEVK/hylane and DB Schenker started their collaboration almost two years ago. Both companies understand the importance of hydrogen for the transformation of the transport sector and therefore combined their strengths in order to move forward in this regard.

“In addition to a 360° rental concept, the aim of the collaboration is to develop a swap-body truck-trailer combination to carry our standard swap-body type with a length of 7,820mm,” says Wolfgang Janda, Executive Vice President, Head of Network & Linehaul Management at DB Schenker. “This is new in the market and will allow us to decarbonise without any loss of efficiency in our land transport network.”

Fuel-cell powered trucks offer several advantages in long-distance transport as compared to battery-electric vehicles: The maximum payload is higher, the range is greater, and the refuelling process comparable to diesel.

DB Schenker plans to start field tests on a few lanes with selected customers in the beginning of 2023. It also intends to upscale and commercialise operations beginning in Q3 2023, whereby the progress made here will depend on factors such as hydrogen infrastructure and market acceptance. DB Schenker, together with its carriers, aims to be carbon-neutral by 2040. The use of green hydrogen (hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources) is an essential element of the company’s decarbonisation strategy.

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