DHL is running a pilot program with a new liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered Iveco Stralis long-haul truck capable of towing a mega trailer. A previous trial with four of these trucks was run for a supply chain a Belgium. An advance in tank design now enables the truck to be combined with a mega trailer. This equipment is a preferred solution for the automotive sector as its three meter loading height offers more loading capacity and room for larger parts.
The truck will operate as a daily shuttle between DHL’s logistics center and a BMW Group production plant in southern Germany for a year-long trial. Since last year’s contract renewal with the BMW Group, DHL has managed the automotive manufacturer’s supply chain in seven additional areas and road transport between seventeen countries.
“The combination of LNG truck and mega trailer is a promising sustainable solution for automotive logistics. We are able to meet the customer’s transport requirements in the best possible way, while also significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions along the supply chain.,” states Uwe Brinks, CEO DHL Freight.
Deutsche Post DHL Group wants to reduce all logistics-related emissions to net zero by 2050. LNG-fueled trucks offer 15% higher fuel efficiency compared to traditional diesel-powered engines, have a reach of 1500 kilometers, lower noise levels, and emit 99% less particulate matter and up to 70% less nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions than the levels required Euro VI diesel norms.
