The drivers of long trucks have proven their skill and professionalism. Experience has shown that, following training and a period of familiarization, they drive the vehicles as safely and reliably as conventional trucks.

In Germany, the so-called “long truck type 1” is also permitted in 15 of the 16 federal states – initially for a limited period until December 31, 2023. This is an articulated truck that has been lengthened by 1.38 m (1.5 yds) to arrive at an overall length of 17.88 m (19.55 yds). This has already led to a reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of around 8%. The aim is to extend the use of these semitrailers beyond 2023 and – in a standardized form – to provide for their use throughout the EU.

High-capacity vehicles are another way of reducing CO2 emissions in long-distance road haulage. These involve the use of a tractor unit, a dolly, and two standard semitrailers with a total length of 31.50 meters (34.44 yards). Such combinations could be used in Germany on an approved second network, one that has yet to be defined, excluding certain critical infrastructure points. The permissible total weight would have to be adjusted accordingly, but would be distributed over more axles so that the average axle load, and thus the burden on the road, would be lower compared to conventional articulated trucks. The use of two conventional semitrailers means the current standard units in the transport industry remain unchanged, and transferring to rail is possible without any restrictions. The trailers can also be readily separated and – if necessary – further towed by two tractor units. In those countries where these vehicle combinations are in use (Spain, Finland, the Netherlands, and Sweden), significant CO2 savings in real-life traffic have been confirmed. A pilot project with scientific monitoring is to be initiated to gather practical experience with such high-capacity vehicles in Germany.

The drivers of long trucks have proven their skill and professionalism. Experience has shown that, following training and a period of familiarization, they drive the vehicles as safely and reliably as conventional trucks.

In Germany, the so-called “long truck type 1” is also permitted in 15 of the 16 federal states – initially for a limited period until December 31, 2023. This is an articulated truck that has been lengthened by 1.38 m (1.5 yds) to arrive at an overall length of 17.88 m (19.55 yds). This has already led to a reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of around 8%. The aim is to extend the use of these semitrailers beyond 2023 and – in a standardized form – to provide for their use throughout the EU.

High-capacity vehicles are another way of reducing CO2 emissions in long-distance road haulage. These involve the use of a tractor unit, a dolly, and two standard semitrailers with a total length of 31.50 meters (34.44 yards). Such combinations could be used in Germany on an approved second network, one that has yet to be defined, excluding certain critical infrastructure points. The permissible total weight would have to be adjusted accordingly, but would be distributed over more axles so that the average axle load, and thus the burden on the road, would be lower compared to conventional articulated trucks. The use of two conventional semitrailers means the current standard units in the transport industry remain unchanged, and transferring to rail is possible without any restrictions. The trailers can also be readily separated and – if necessary – further towed by two tractor units. In those countries where these vehicle combinations are in use (Spain, Finland, the Netherlands, and Sweden), significant CO2 savings in real-life traffic have been confirmed. A pilot project with scientific monitoring is to be initiated to gather practical experience with such high-capacity vehicles in Germany.