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Tag: Volvo

Europe’s Largest Truck Deal of 2025

Posted on by David Priestman

Girteka has signed a major deal with Volvo Trucks to purchase 2,000 brand-new heavy-duty vehicles, marking Europe’s largest single truck order this year.

The purchase is part of the company’s ambition to keep its fleet modern, efficient, and ready to meet customer needs. The 2,000 trucks, delivered throughout 2025, will help Girteka renew its fleet – making it more reliable, flexible, and better equipped to serve future growing expectations. With newer trucks and better tools, Girteka is in a stronger position to meet time-critical needs – especially in sensitive cargo transport like temperature-controlled goods.

“Every delivery matters to our customers and us. It means every truck needs to perform. This renewal gives us the efficiency and reliability we need to keep our promises today and tomorrow, staying ahead in the market,” says Edvardas Liachovičius, CEO of Girteka Group.

In Q1 2025, new EU truck registrations dropped, with heavy trucks down 16.6%. Germany, France, Spain, and Italy all reported double-digit declines. This investment reflects Girteka’s continued focus on providing customers with stable, flexible road transports – backed by a reliable and modern fleet. The deal will come in a bundle of financing by Volvo Financial Services and with Volvo Blue service contracts tailored to keep trucks in peak condition for daily transport operations.

Improving safety, efficiency and drivers’ comfort

For professional drivers, the truck isn’t just a vehicle – it’s a workplace. That’s why the new Volvo FH and FH Aero models, purchased by Girteka, are designed with both performance and everyday comfort in mind.

These trucks include practical features like electric parking coolers for better drivers’ rest. Thanks to extended aerodynamic cab design, Volvo FH Aero is up to 5% more fuel efficient. Additionally, Volvo Trucks’ new Camera Monitor System contributes to road safety through an enhanced direct vision for the driver, while also reducing the risk of accidents and therefore delays. Each truck is connected to Girteka’s digital systems, allowing for better maintenance planning and quicker responses when something needs attention. It’s all part of creating a more stable, predictable experience on the road – so drivers can focus on doing their job well, with equipment they can rely on.

“These trucks represent the latest in performance, fuel efficiency and safety. We are excited to see them support one of Europe’s largest transport companies,” says Roger Alm, President Volvo Trucks.

Delivering better service for key sectors

Girteka runs one of the largest asset-based logistics networks in Europe, and this fleet renewal will help the company maintain and scale its service in key sectors, including food & beverage, FMCG / retail and high-value goods.

“Our customers rely on us to deliver on time, across borders, and in perfect condition,” added Liachovičius. “With this investment, we’re reinforcing that promise with the most modern and efficient fleet.”

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DHL Introduces Volvo Electric Tractor Units

 

Fully-Electric HGV Added to Fleet

Posted on by David Priestman

Kinaxia Logistics has added the first fully-electric Volvo HGV to its fleet as the company continues to invest in its environmental and emissions reduction strategy and help customers to decarbonise their supply chains. The new Volvo FM 4×2 tractor unit, which has a range of 200 miles and is powered by six batteries and three electric motors, was supplied by award-winning Volvo dealer Thomas Hardie Commercials.

It is being deployed to move stock for Vaillant, which manufactures heat pumps and high-efficiency boilers to help decarbonise home heating in the UK. The zero-emissions vehicle, which replaces a diesel truck, is being used to transport goods from Vaillant’s manufacturing plant in Belper, Derbyshire, to a national distribution centre seven miles away at Denby.

Kinaxia says the tractor unit will reduce delivery emissions for Vaillant by more than 21,600kg CO2e a year. The electric truck complements other eco-friendly vehicles in Kinaxia’s fleet which are powered by compressed natural gas and hydrotreated vegetable oil, as part of its mission to help customers remove carbon emissions from their supply chains and meet environmental targets.

Simon Nelson, managing director of Kinaxia’s contract logistics operations, said: “We announced at the start of the year that we would be investing further in sustainability measures, and this new electric vehicle sits alongside other recent initiatives, including our greater use of technology and our K-Link distribution network which reduces delivery miles and emissions for customers. This upgrade supports Vaillant’s goal to halve its carbon emissions by 2030 and there are great synergies between both businesses, as we drive decarbonisation of our customer supply chains and Vaillant supports the decarbonisation of home heating through the design and manufacture of low-carbon systems.”

Nick Bennett, supply chain director at Vaillant Group UK & Ireland, said: “We’re delighted to have invested in a more efficient fleet, launching our very first fully- electric lorry which supports us on our journey to net zero. At Vaillant, we are driving the transition to decarbonising home heating with our heat pump technology, so this new vehicle moves us forward in a positive way whilst we consider how we further decarbonise the whole supply chain. Partnering with Kinaxia and Volvo has allowed us all to work together with a shared sustainability vision. We see this as the first of many electric vehicles yet to be introduced into our fleet.”

Kinaxia, which has its headquarters in Cheshire, has 1,600 staff nationwide and operates a fleet of 1,000 vehicles transporting goods for the retail, leisure, food and drink and manufacturing sectors.
The company’s national network of hubs provides a full source-to-shelf logistics service. It has 2.7 million sq ft of strategic national warehousing facilities offering contract packing, e-fulfilment, returns management, storage services and a complete distribution service.

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Jungheinrich helps Vaillant switch to lithium-ion

 

eBook: Decarbonisation of Transport Operations

Posted on by David Priestman

In this eBook, entitled Decarbonisation of Transport Operations, Editor Peter MacLeod delves into the comprehensive efforts of Girteka, a Vilnius-based international logistics company, to tackle the environmental challenges facing the transport industry. As one of Europe’s largest logistics operators, Girteka is committed to achieving ambitious sustainability goals. This eBook explores the innovative strategies and cutting-edge technologies the company is employing to decarbonize its extensive European transport operations.

Click here to read it now for free.

Featuring interviews with Volvo Trucks, DPD and VIIA, we explore how to de-carbonise multimodal operations and road transport, using EVs and Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil.

Decarbonisation of Transport Operations

With everyone talking about sustainability these days, the term has become a bit of a buzzword. A company that wishes to describe itself as sustainable has to be a responsible business overall, not just taking in consideration its effect on the environment. With an extensive transportation network to operate, Girteka understands very clearly the challenge that lies ahead to be truly clean and green, and is taking proactive steps to decarbonise its transport operations and customers’ supply chains.

Discover how Girteka is leading the charge in reducing its carbon footprint while maintaining the efficiency of its logistics services across Europe.

Ambitious legislation such as the European Green Deal aims to drive businesses towards zero carbon by 2050, meaning businesses such as Girteka have to follow a sustainable route today, not
just by talking about it but actually taking steps, no matter how small.

Girteka, by the pure nature of its business, is part of an industry sector that is one of the most carbon-hungry of all – the business of moving goods from A to B as effectively, safely and fast as
commercially possible. Therefore it has to work extra hard in its quest to move towards zero carbon, the decarbonisation of transport operations.

Read our other recent eBooks here.

Legislation on its own will not work – the desire to operate a logistics business with little or no impact on the environment has to come from within, and Girteka has very strong credentials in this area. Its Head of Sustainability, Viktorija Terekė, is responsible for steering the company along its decarbonisation journey. “We are always seeking a deep understanding of how sustainability will affect us now and in the long term,” she says. “Of course, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Green Deal pushed us to have a more holistic approach, and we found that our goals were not always aligned internally between all of our activities. So what we are doing now, at this point, is evaluating our activities and investing in internal resources to push forward our strategy.”

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DKV Euro Service partners with Girteka Logistics

 

Biggest Electric Truck Purchase

Posted on by David Priestman

Global logistics company DSV has signed an agreement with Volvo Trucks to purchase 300 electric trucks, marking one of Volvo’s largest electric vehicle orders. This move is a significant step in DSV’s strategy to reduce emissions and align with industry trends toward greener transport solutions.

Expanding Sustainable Road Freight Solutions

With a focus on sustainability, DSV aims to transition more of its fleet to electric or renewable fuel-powered vehicles. The partnership with Volvo includes plans to deploy 300 zero-emission trucks across Europe, alongside 500 fuel-efficient diesel and gas models. This mirrors industry-wide efforts, with companies like DHL and Amazon also investing in electric fleets.

Why DSV Might Have Opted for Electric Trucks

DSV’s decision to invest in electric trucks is likely driven by three key factors:

  • Sustainability and Compliance: Electric trucks align with DSV’s environmental goals and help meet stricter emissions regulations being introduced globally.
  • Long-term Cost Efficiency: While electric trucks have higher upfront costs, they offer lower operating and maintenance expenses, providing long-term financial benefits.
  • Customer and Market Demand: There is growing demand from clients for greener logistics solutions, making electric trucks a strategic choice to attract environmentally conscious customers and enhance DSV’s competitive edge.

Industry Collaboration for Decarbonisation

Volvo Trucks President, Roger Alm, expressed pride in strengthening the collaboration with DSV, stating, “Collaboration and a strong commitment to making a difference are crucial to realizing sustainable transport and significant CO2 reductions. This order is a testament to DSV’s confidence in our solutions and demonstrates that zero-emission transport is achievable today.”

Søren Schmidt, CEO of DSV Road, echoed these sentiments: “Close collaboration across sectors is key for DSV to be a catalyst in decarbonising the industry. Extending our partnership with Volvo supports our mission to lead the green transition in logistics and bring scalable solutions to our customers.” The collaboration is in line with efforts seen across the transportation sector, where companies are increasingly forming partnerships to leverage expertise and share the investment costs associated with transitioning to cleaner technologies.

Scaling Green Trucking Infrastructure

The fleet supplied to DSV will feature the new Volvo FH Aero Electric, designed with enhanced aerodynamics for greater energy efficiency. DSV already operates electric trucks on routes in Sweden and Denmark, where it has established charging infrastructure powered by solar panels at its distribution centres in Landskrona and Horsens. This is consistent with broader industry trends, where companies are investing in both electric vehicles and the necessary infrastructure to support widespread adoption. For example, companies like Tesla, Nikola, and Daimler are all developing electric and hydrogen-powered trucks while also working to establish charging networks.

Commitment to Climate Targets

Both DSV and Volvo are committed to science-based climate goals, with plans to significantly cut emissions by 2030 and achieve net-zero by 2050. These commitments align with global efforts by major logistics and transport companies like Maersk and DB Schenker to drive industry-wide decarbonisation.

The DSV-Volvo deal is a clear example of how leading logistics and automotive companies are driving the evolution of the transport industry toward a more sustainable and low-emission future.

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What stops Logistics Companies Achieving Sustainability?

Empowering BEV Driving Trainers

Posted on by David Priestman

Today, the quality of road transportation services relies heavily on the skills and expertise of truck drivers. With educational programs, repeated training, and course upgrades, drivers can not only provide exceptional services to clients but also make the experience of logistics services smoother, more positive and professional. The same principle applies to sustainable transport solutions.

To equip the drivers of the largest asset-based company in Europe, Girteka, with the knowledge necessary to operate a battery-electric truck (BEV), knew that driver trainers had to be prepared first. They received individual training on BEV technology and daily utilization.

The company’s Drivers’ Academy trainers and truck drivers spoke with an expert from Volvo, and together reviewed one the manufacturer’s battery-electric trucks’ model. They also had the chance to test drive the truck and get familiar with the main differences and new features of the electric vehicle compared to a conventional diesel truck.

Comfortable Silence

“The electric truck made a huge impression. It does not feel like you are driving a truck; you almost do not hear anything,” says Singaras Čepaitis, Drivers Training Team Lead. The silence inside and outside the truck is one of the most mentioned differences between today’s battery-electric vehicles and trucks with an internal combustion engine (ICE). Trainers have concluded that BEVs provide a much better working environment, with less noise to interrupt or irritate drivers while delivering cargo.

“Driving the truck is very easy, as there are no significant differences. The control is very similar to a diesel truck, which will allow the driver to get used to the controls more quickly,” Čepaitis continues.

Continuous Learning

Maintaining a high level of proficiency among truck drivers is critical to delivering exceptional logistics services to clients. This requires not only thorough preparation and execution but also continuous collaboration with manufacturers and robust internal training programs.

“We understand that to achieve professional excellence, we must first empower our trainers with the necessary knowledge and skills. By working closely with manufacturers like Volvo, we ensure our trainers receive the most up-to-date information and hands-on experience with BEVs,” explains Andrius Žukauskas, Head of E-Mobility at Girteka.

This approach allows the trainers to effectively pass on their expertise to the rest of the company’s 12,000 drivers, ensuring they are well-prepared to operate these advanced vehicles.

Importance of Sustainable Solutions

The adoption of BEVs is a significant step towards sustainable logistics, necessitating the sector to be well-prepared for their effective use. Recognizing that the successful integration of BEVs into operations requires a comprehensive understanding of their capabilities and optimal usage strategies, Girteka reflects this in advanced training programs and by providing opportunities for real-life experiences.

“These training sessions are essential as we expand our BEV fleet, ensuring we maintain our high service standards. This initiative highlights our dedication to both environmental responsibility and professional excellence,” comments Žukauskas, adding that, “Empowering our trainers with the latest knowledge ensures that we are well-prepared to meet the evolving needs of our logistics operations and provide the best available customer experience.”

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Electric Heavy Goods Vehicles in Action

 

Haulier Buys New Tipper Trailers

Posted on by David Priestman

Farming and haulage company, Pearn Wyatt & Son, has taken delivery of two bulk tippers, continuing a close relationship with Fruehauf that spans more than five decades.

The Norwich, Norfolk, UK firm has added the new sloper Smoothsider tippers from Fruehauf’s Ready to Go stock. The 70 cubic yard capacity trailers join the fleet just a few months after the company purchased a second-hand tipper from the manufacturer.

Of the 14 bulk tippers operated by the business, all paired with Volvo tractor units, 12 are sourced from Fruehauf – including one put into service in 2004 which continues to meet its agricultural haulage needs.

Owner Jonny Wyatt, who runs the company with his mother Anne, says the business has relied heavily on the tipping trailer manufacturer for so many years because its products are, “exceptionally well-built, reliable and offer a high payload.”

“My father had Fruehauf tippers 50 years ago and we’ve always been happy with its trailers. They really stand the test of time,” he says. “In our business, we work them hard, so the fact we have several trailers on the fleet that are more than 15 years old is testament to their quality.”

In the summer months, the Fruehauf tippers will mainly transport corn, wheat and barley, as well as some aggregates, across the UK, whilst in the winter the focus shifts to moving sugar beet.
The sloper Smoothsiders are specified with remote-controlled electric easy sheets and tailboards, both of which can be operated by the driver from inside the cab.

Commenting on Fruehauf’s service, Wyatt adds: “The turnaround time was much better than expected, given the industry-wide supply shortage and long lead times. From order to delivery was just three months. We look forward to growing our relationship with Fruehauf for decades to come.”

Fruehauf’s sloper Smoothsider trailers are produced at its 73-acre site in Grantham, Lincolnshire, where the company offers specialist design, engineering, fabrication and livery application for a range of vehicles and components.

Kinaxis Drives Digital Transformation for Volvo

Posted on by David Priestman

Kinaxis (TSX: KXS), a global leader in supply chain management, is bringing its patented technique of concurrency to Volvo Cars, leading the Swedish-manufacturer’s supply chain operations into a new era of safety, innovation, and electrification – a ‘Digital Transformation’. The Kinaxis RapidResponse® platform will empower Volvo Cars’ supply chain professionals to make faster and more accurate decisions – even as the automotive industry continues to face uncertainty.

Kinaxis is trusted by top automotive brands and demonstrates a robust understanding of the unique pressures facing the industry through its solution offerings. The global shift to electric vehicles is a current industry focus, as companies need to balance the adoption of electric vehicles with regional sustainability policies. It is critical for automotive organizations to have end-to-end visibility to understand customer demand, maximize resource allocation, and minimize waste.

Digital Transformation

“We take pride in working with industry leaders like Volvo Cars and playing a role in their commitment to creating safe, innovative vehicles that strive to do better for the planet,” said Claire Rychlewski, executive vice president of global field sales at Kinaxis. “We’re excited to work together in helping them continue to deliver their premium customer experience.”

Kinaxis is a global leader in modern supply chain management. We serve supply chains and the people who manage them in service of humanity. Our software is trusted by renowned global brands to provide the agility and predictability needed to navigate today’s volatility and disruption. We combine our patented concurrency technique with a human-centered approach to AI to empower businesses of all sizes to orchestrate their end-to-end supply chain network, from multi-year strategic planning through down-to-the-second execution and last-mile delivery.

RIO Trucks Benchmark Fleet Visibility

Posted on by David Priestman

Efficient internal benchmark processes are essential for every transport service provider. RIO is setting new standards for telematics with its interface solutions this spring. Without any hardware updates or retrofits, trucks and trailers as well as vans can be united online on the RIO platform via so-called telematics connectors and thus be made visible. Carriers with Scania trucks and a My Scania account can be the first to benefit from this interface renewal at RIO. The onboarding has been designed to be user-friendly in order to quickly provide customers with the benefits of efficient fleet management.

The large amount of different telematics systems often poses an unnecessary effort to every fleet operator. A glance at one system offers a considerable added value to be able to keep an eye on one’s own fleet. The new interfaces developed by RIO, also known as connectors or APIs, replace existing processes for connecting external systems and thus enable an optimized consolidation of telematics data on one platform. For Scania trucks or also for the applications of the telematics provider Webfleet, these simplified measures of interfacing are already available. Many other brand-specific APIs are in the final development phase at RIO and will include position data as well as other important status information.

“This uncomplicated integration of telematics data from a wide range of truck manufacturers – be it MAN TB, Mercedes-Benz Truck, Volvo Trucks or Scania – in one cloud-based user interface is an important step for the further development of logistical processes. The initial possibility of bringing Scania trucks onto our platform without much effort is exemplary for this transparency boost and makes me proud,” says Jan Kaumanns, CEO of RIO. “With this, we are creating a unified, clear ecosystem for transport companies to manage their fleets more efficiently and we will improve the flow of information along the entire supply chain for all stakeholders.”

However, integration does not end with tractor units: The trailers, which are of great importance for every transport service provider, are also networked in this ecosystem. The current location, the tractor unit connected to the trailer and other information can thus be made available for fact-based decision-making in dispatching.

RIO establishes the direct connection to the telematics systems of the trailer manufacturers, for example Kögel or Schmitz Cargobull, via suitable interfaces, which will also start with the position data in the roll-out. Analogous to the truck sector, telematics providers such as idem telematics are also connected here. Jan Kaumanns states: “The more the data silos that still exist are opened up in the future and trucks, trailers and vans can be viewed transparently by everyone on one platform, the greater the increase in added value in the entire supply chain. In order to provide added value for fleet operators and their route management, we are also working on solutions for the driver side. It remains exciting.”

TB Digital Services is a member of the TRATON GROUP and bundles digital services on an open, cloud-based platform under its RIO brand. The product portfolio includes solutions for the logistics and transport industry from the areas of telematics, transport management and driver communication. The TRATON GROUP is a subsidiary of Volkswagen and is one of the world’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers with its Scania, MAN, Navistar and Volkswagen Truck & Bus brands.

Hydrogen-Powered Electric Trucks Road-tested

Posted on by David Priestman

Emitting only water vapour, hydrogen-powered fuel cell trucks will be an important part of Volvo Trucks’ zero exhaust emission product portfolio and the vehicles have recently passed a significant milestone – being test-driven on public roads.

Last year, Volvo Trucks showcased its fuel cell electric trucks for the first time. These zero exhaust emission trucks use hydrogen to produce their own electricity onboard – making them suitable for longer transport assignments.

Now, the trucks have been tested on public roads for the first time. But not just any public road. To make it extra-challenging, the tests have been conducted above the Arctic Circle in the north of Sweden – in an extremely cold climate.

“Trucks are operating seven days a week and in all types of weather. The harsh conditions on public roads in northern Sweden, with ice, wind and lots of snow, make an ideal testing environment,” says Helena Alsiö, VP Powertrain Product Management at Volvo Trucks. “I am pleased to say that the tests are going well, confirming those we carried out before, both digitally and on our confined test track close to Gothenburg.”

Fuel cell electric trucks powered by hydrogen will be especially suitable for longer distances and when using only batteries isn’t an option: for example, in rural areas with no charging infrastructure.

Commercially available in the second half of this decade

Volvo currently offers the industry’s broadest product line-up of battery electric trucks, with six models in series production, catering to a wide variety of transport routes in and between cities. The fuel cell electric trucks will be available in the second half of this decade. Tests with hauliers will start a few years before the commercial launch. To speed up the development, Volvo Group has joined forces with Daimler to develop and produce fuel cell systems that are tailor-made for heavy-duty vehicles. For hauliers who want to offer zero exhaust emission transport already, Volvo Trucks currently offers six different battery electric models as well as trucks that run on renewable fuels, such as biogas.

“We need to act now in order to stop global warming. Regardless of the transport assignments or where in the world our customers are operating, waiting is not an option. In a few years, our customers will be able to completely eliminate CO2 exhaust emissions from their trucks,” says Roger Alm, President of Volvo Trucks.

Fact-file: Volvo’s hydrogen-powered fuel cell trucks will use two fuel cells with a capacity to generate 300 kW of electric power. Green hydrogen is an endless resource that is produced by using renewable energy sources, such as wind, water and sun.

Electric Trucks Market Booming, says Volvo

Posted on by David Priestman

Volvo Trucks has now sold more than 4,300 electric trucks globally in more than 38 countries, while in Europe it is leading the way with a 32 per cent share of the market for heavy electric CVs/lorries. In 2022, Europe’s heavy electric CV market grew by 200 per cent to 1,041 units, with Volvo setting the pace.

Roger Alm, President of Volvo Trucks, says: “We are determined to lead the electric truck transformation and our market leading position in 2022, not only in Europe, but also in North America, is proof that we are doing just that. Although the market for electric trucks is still small compared to the traditional diesel variants, the trend is clear: many of our customers are now starting their own shift to electric. We intend to be the catalyst for this transition and aim for 50 per cent of our global sales of new trucks to be electric in 2030.”

Since Volvo Trucks started production of fully electric CVs in 2019, the company has sold more than 4,300 electric trucks/lorries in more than 38 countries around the world. Volvo currently offers the industry’s broadest product line-up of electric models in series production, catering to a very wide variety of operational domains both in and between cities.

“We now have a product portfolio that can cover most types of transportation for all kinds of customers,” adds Alm. “Looking at the goods flow patterns in Europe, it’s clearly possible to electrify nearly half of all those transport operations with our line-up of electric lorries. We see it as our mission to support our customers in making that happen.”

The 10 largest markets for electric lorries, based on number of registrations ≥16 tonnes, in Europe are:

1. Germany – 198
2. Sweden – 169
3. Norway – 150
4. France – 118
5. Switzerland – 103
6. UK – 101
7. Netherlands – 89
8. Spain – 79
9. Denmark – 48
10. Belgium – 17

The Volvo market share and overall growth data referenced for heavy electric CVs/lorries in Europe includes content supplied by IHS Markit.

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