kscarbel2 Posted April 19, 2016 Share Posted April 19, 2016 Scania Press Release / April 18, 2016 In early April, Spain became the latest country to see a 25.25-metre (82.84 feet) and 60-tonne (132,277 lb) truck and trailer combination on its roads, with the maiden voyage of a Scania R 450. A consortium led by Spanish car manufacturer Seat, and promoted by the Catalan Automotive Industry Cluster (CIAC), oversaw the truck’s journey to Seat’s headquarters in Martorell. Seat Logistics director Enric Martí says, “We are very proud to lead this pioneering initiative in Spain, which will have a direct impact on the efficiency and sustainability of the logistics processes at the Martorell plant.” Martí adds that the success of the pilot test makes him optimistic about being able to cover three routes on the Iberian Peninsula with these longer trucks in the months ahead. Environmental benefits of longer truck combinations Spain’s parliament approved the legislation allowing longer trucks and trailers in December 2015. The country is just the latest addition to the steadily-growing ranks of nations that are recognising the sustainability of the European Modular System, which increases transport efficiency through longer and heavier tractor and trailer combinations. “It is highly pleasing to note that more and more countries have realised the economic and environmental benefits of permitting longer truck and trailer combinations,” says Erik Dahlberg, Head of Vehicle Regulations at Scania. “We have for many years advocated legislative changes to pave the way for longer vehicles and are now starting to see results. With longer trucks and trailer combinations, we can achieve a substantial reduction of CO2 emissions without compromising economic growth and the need for transport.” “Necessary first step” CIAC President Vicenç Aguilera views the maiden voyage as a very positive step for Spanish transport, saying, “We are very pleased to have achieved this milestone. It is the necessary first step in both improving logistics and transport and promoting competitiveness in our country”. The next journey after the maiden voyage will be for the promoters of the initiative to reach the point where 25.25-metre trucks are a regular presence on Spain’s roads. At present, these types of vehicles are only allowed to travel with prior permission from the National Department of Traffic or by the Catalan or Basque traffic authorities. The European Modular System has been in use in Sweden and Finland since decades and is also permitted in Denmark and the Netherlands. The advantages are obvious when three trucks on the road can be replaced by two. . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timmyb Posted April 19, 2016 Share Posted April 19, 2016 I think these types of combinations make sense. In Aus with a tri/tri b-double you get roughly 24t on rear trailer and 12t on front trailer. Thats 50% more freight but you would only use 30% more fuel. Roads permitting of course. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeamsterGrrrl Posted April 19, 2016 Share Posted April 19, 2016 They'd make sense in the U.S. too, heck a long conventional with big sleeper and 53 foot trailer or double 28s is just as long. And compared to the standard U.S. "A-Train" doubles, these "B-Train" doubles are more stable and offer more cargo space. A 25 meter "B-Train" could offer 20+ meters of cargo space, a 20% improvement on the current U.S. "A-Train" 28 foot doubles and the same capacity as the LTL industry's proposed 33 foot doubles with more stability. Or better yet, why not double up on the world's most common sized freight container with "B-Train" double 40s with a 30 meter overall length? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timmyb Posted April 19, 2016 Share Posted April 19, 2016 They call that a super b-double down here. Two 40's, 4 axle lead trailer and Tri axle rear. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kscarbel2 Posted May 18, 2016 Author Share Posted May 18, 2016 "Europe is now thinking about piloting the European Modular System. There is already a 'pilot' up and running in Sweden. It's been there for 50 years. In Scandinavia we are running trucks that are 25.25 metres long - 6.5 metres longer than in the rest of Europe. So we are able to replace three trucks with two, resulting in less congestion, less road-wear and a reduction in fuel consumption of 15 to 25 per cent. Even more important: we have no related safety issues." Scania CEO Martin Lundstedt October 2014 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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