The project revives the principle of the 19th-century Pony Express, adapting it for modern truck traffic. Instead of a single driver covering the full route, two trucks meet at a designated midpoint, exchange trailers, and return to their respective bases. The approach is designed to reduce vehicle downtime and allow for more frequent redeployment of trucks.
Freight forwarder Logistik Schmitt and a logistics partner are conducting the trial using one diesel-powered Actros L and one battery-electric eActros 600. The vehicles swap trailers at a defined meeting point and are charged at existing infrastructure in Mannheim and at the Hermsdorfer Kreuz charging park, operated by Milence, a joint venture in which Daimler Truck holds a stake.
Martin Gaissert, head of the project at Mercedes-Benz Trucks, stated:
“Relay traffic works with both diesel and electric trucks. However, the principle only makes sense if the journeys are coordinated and neither truck has to wait for the other.”
He added that the required synchronisation is achieved through MANSIO’s software platform, which integrates vehicle location data, predicted journey times, battery charge levels, planned routes and order details in real time.
While relay operations are already in use within large companies that operate multiple depots, this pilot is focused on enabling cooperation between independent fleets. The project is seen as a potential step towards broader interoperability in the logistics sector.
The trial will run for six months, after which results may inform further development of relay-based models across European long-haul freight corridors.
