This shift towards longer transport options is in line with Hartman Expeditie’s sustainability initiatives. The company currently uses electric refrigeration in transport, HVO and LNG fuels, and Eco Combis, and relies on rail for non-time-critical transport. However, most of its transport involves fresh vegetables, fruit, and flowers, which require escorted transport. The introduction of Super Eco Combinations allows for more efficient and environmentally friendly transport operations.
Super Eco combinations: 34.50 metres in length and 74 tonnes in weight
Swedish legislation permits the use of Super Eco Combinations, allowing vehicles up to 34.50 metres in length and weighing up to 74 tonnes. To comply with these regulations, Hartman Expeditie utilises 6×4 tractors, equipped with front trailers featuring a steering axle to meet turning circle requirements. The Ekeri and Narko trailers, specifically designed for this purpose, include a catch jaw coupling for the Schmitz dollies.
Hartman Expeditie has also established a Swedish subsidiary, Hartman Sverige AB, employing Swedish drivers for these combinations. The lorries are assembled in Malmö, immediately after arriving from Germany by ferry. The company has been operating the Super Eco Combinations for a week, and the initial results have been promising, indicating an increase in transport efficiency and a reduction in environmental impact.
Sweden and Finland at the forefront of long trucks on the road
Sweden is following the example of Finland, which has allowed super-ecocombis on its roads since 2019. Finland has reported that the use of super-ecocombis has led to a reduction in emissions and an improvement in road safety.
The move to longer lorries in Sweden stems from efforts to improve transport efficiency and reduce environmental impact. As of 1 December 2023, the Swedish Transport Administration has opened its road network to trucks up to 34.5 metres in length. This change is expected to reduce emissions from heavy goods vehicles by 4-6 per cent and decrease transport costs, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of companies.
The advantage of longer trucks is that fewer vehicles are needed to transport the same amount of goods, states the Swedish Transport Administration. According to their calculations, this means that emissions from heavy goods vehicles can be reduced by between 4 and 6 percent.
The new regulations, effective from 1 December 2023, have opened approximately 590 kilometres of state roads, including a main road system of about 450 kilometres and 140 kilometres of state connecting roads. These routes were identified in collaboration with 160 affected municipalities.
Concerns about the increased overtaking distances required by longer trucks have been addressed through studies, which found no significant increase in road safety risks. Technical regulations have been developed by the Swedish Transport Administration to ensure road safety and compatibility with the designated road network.