Global Trailer January 2025

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Les

What

De

e ModulT system’s expansion into the truck market represents Haldex’s mission to provide lighter, more e cient braking solutions.

GRIESHABER Logistik has improved its eet operations with idem telematics.

Krone’s new box liner generation is turning heads thanks to a design that is lighter and more versatile than ever.

Research and investment have ensured JOST’s innovations decrease carbon footprints.

Refurbishment o ers a smart, coste ective and sustainable way to extend  the life of existing assets.

See the latest in roof li ing technology for trailers.

e city of Votuporanga in Brazil means ‘good winds’ in the traditional language of the indigenous Tupi people of the country. For trailer manufacturer Facchini, which commenced operations in that same city almost 75 years ago, those winds have brought some challenges but they have also brought expansion and growth. Company President Rubens Facchini elaborates on the path he has taken and his hopes for the future.

“THE LAST FEW YEARS HAVE BEEN CHALLENGING, BUT VERY POSITIVE, WITH A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN SALES OF PRODUCTS IN

MARKETS, REACHING A MARKET SHARE OF OVER 20 PER CENT.” Facchini President, Rubens Facchini

ZERO TO HERO

Sustainability continues to be a vital area of focus for the commercial road transport industry which is why we have prepared an extensive special report to explore various decarbonisation e orts in greater detail. On the home front, the Victorian Transport Association (VTA) launched its Greenstar Transition Pathway program last November at the third Alternative Fuel Summit. e program, the association said, is designed to support the transport industry in its vital decarbonisation journey by o ering education, resources and tailored transition frameworks to help eet operators adopt low and zero emission technologies. It has potential to drive substantial change in environmental sustainability within the transport sector according to VTA CEO, Peter Anderson.

He said Greenstar is a game-changer for heavy vehicle operators and by equipping eets with the tools, training and technologies they need to decarbonise, industry can signi cantly reduce carbon footprints while improving operational e ciencies.

Greenstar is reported to provide a clear pathway for operators to embrace alternative fuels and innovative technologies which Anderson said ensures that road transport businesses in Australia will be ready to meet government emissions targets and contribute to a greener future.

Interestingly, Greenstar is a four-year initiative that will be rolled out in three phases including: educate and measure,

equipping operators with the knowledge and tools to monitor fuel consumption, reduce emissions and identify operational e ciencies; reduce carbon footprint, o ering technical support and programs to help operators implement best practices and adopt greener technologies and; transition support, assisting eets in adopting alternative fuel vehicles with tailored transition frameworks and partnerships with green fuel companies. In addition to moving the sustainability and decarbonisation conversation forward in Australia, progress is also being made with road train technology.

ARTSA Institute led a world- rst research project to work out the forces and determine what the future of heavy road train couplings will look like in the country. Engineering Manager, Wayne Baker, detailed his ndings in a Prime Mover exclusive.

e project was funded by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI) which is supported by the Australian Government. November last year it was announced that the HVSI would see an additional funding round of $4.2 million AUD (approx. €2.5 million) having already committed more than $41 million AUD (approx. €25.4 million) to initiatives that increase compliance and deliver safety bene ts for the transport and logistics sector. Here’s to a safer and more productive supply chain.

CEO

John Murphy john.murphy@primecreative.com.au

COO

Christine Clancy christine.clancy@primecreative.com.au

INTERNATIONAL SALES

Ashley Blachford ashley.blachford@primecreative.com.au

MANAGING EDITOR

Luke Applebee luke.applebee@primecreative.com.au

JOURNALISTS

Louise Surette louise.surette@primecreative.com.au

Peter White peter.white@primecreative.com.au

HEAD OF DESIGN

Blake Storey

DESIGN

Laura Drinkwater

CLIENT SUCCESS MANAGER

Salma Kennedy salma.kennedy@primecreative.com.au

COVER Image: Facchini.

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Global Trailer is owned by Prime Creative Media and published by John Murphy. All material in Global Trailer is copyright and no part may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means (graphic, electronic or mechanical including information and retrieval systems) without written permission of the publisher. e Editor welcomes contributions but reserves the right to accept or reject any material. While every e ort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information, Prime Creative Media will not accept responsibility for errors or omissions or for any consequences arising from reliance on information published. e opinions expressed in Global Trailer are not necessarily the opinions of, or endorsed by the publisher unless otherwise stated.

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NEWS INTERNATIONAL

MALAYSIA

SSAB has expanded its high strength steel fabricator network into Malaysia. The global steel company has appointed Hytex Engineering Works Sdn Bhd to become a certified fabricator of Strenx, SSAB’s high performance steel. The Strenx Certified network connects a select group of fabricators with a proven ability to provide OEMs with state-of-theart steel components and pre-fabricated structures. They have demonstrated exceptional skill and expertise in working with SSAB’s Strenx performance steel, the company said.

As part of this initiative, SSAB will provide these fabricators with advanced training, technical support and exclusive access to the latest innovations in steel materials, all aimed at fostering excellence and innovation in the industry.

CHINA

FedEx Corporation has transported six giant pandas between the United States and China.

The roundtrip journey departed Atlanta, Georgia, arriving in Chengdu, China, where it delivered four pandas and then returned to Washington, DC with two pandas. The pandas travelled aboard a FedEx Boeing 777-F, known as the “FedEx Panda Express.”

For more than two decades, FedEx has

worked with the Chinese government and zoos around the world to safely transport giant pandas to and from China. FedEx donated the transportation cost as part of its ongoing corporate social responsibility and environmental conservation efforts. The four pandas included 27-year-old female Lun Lun and 27-year-old male Yang Yang, who have resided at Zoo Atlanta since 1999, and their twin female offspring, Ya Lun and Xi Lun, born at Zoo Atlanta in 2016. They have now safely arrived at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.

MALAYSIA

Rhenus Group is expanding its footprint in Malaysia with a new temperaturecontrolled warehouse.

The new bonded warehouse, located within the Kulim Hi-tech Park, is 5,193 square metres and provides customised logistics solutions to high-technology companies. “This landmark expansion underscores our dedication to offering tailor-made and highly efficient warehousing services designed to meet the dynamic needs of our clients in Kulim,” said Rhenus Warehousing Solution Singapore & Malaysia Managing Director, Rathanakumar Palani.

The new warehouse is set up to provide premium warehousing services especially for industries in electronics, semiconductors and solar panels in and near the park. Services available on-site include warehouse management, distribution as well as value-added services such as labelling, repacking, break-bulk, crating and quality checks.

CHINA

CIMC Group has released its third quarterly results report of 2024, showing a year-onyear revenue increase of 35 per cent.

The company reports that from January to September 2024, CIMC achieved a revenue of 128.971 billion RMB (approx. €16 billion).

The net profit attributable to the parent company was 1.828 billion RMB (approx. €280 million) representing an increase of 268.87 per cent year-on-year.

In the first three quarters, CIMC focused on improving quality and efficiency, adhering to high-quality development, solidly promoting the qualitative growth of its core logistics and energy equipment manufacturing businesses, and actively accelerating the development of new momentum in emerging businesses, the company said in a statement.

In the logistics services business, both revenue and profitability index experienced year-on-year growth, with core product lines achieving increases in both business volume and price.

In the third quarter, CIMC further expanded sea freight service chain, focusing on advancing air freight routes connecting Central Asia and expanding product offerings for European lines.

It also integrated internal specialised land transport resources to establish a land transport company to carry out external operations.

Meanwhile, within the road transportation vehicle business, CIMC sold a total of 94,749 vehicles in the global market, achieving revenue of 15.823 billion RMB (approx. €2 billion), representing a year-onyear decrease of 19.14 per cent.

In the domestic market, the growth of the logistics and transportation sector slowed down, putting pressure on the terminal market of commercial vehicles, however, thanks to the StarLink Project, the overall domestic vehicle sales have seen a commendable increase year-on-year against the trend, the company said.

FedEx has transported six giant pandas between the US and China.

Image: Fedex Corporation.

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NEWS INTERNATIONAL

NORTH AMERICA

US

Demand for holiday-related goods nudged California’s Port of Long Beach to its most active September and busiest quarter on record.

Dockworkers and terminal operators moved 829,499 twenty-foot equivalent units last month, up just 70 TEUs from the previous record set in September 2023. September also marked the Port’s fourth consecutive monthly year-over-year cargo increase. Imports increased 2 per cent to 416,999 TEUs, exports declined 12.8 per cent to 88,289 TEUs and empty containers moving through the port rose 1.5 per cent to 324,211 TEUs.

The port, which is the second busiest in the United States, has moved 6,917,373 TEUs during the first nine months of 2024, up 18.8 per cent from the same period last year. It was also the Port’s busiest quarter overall with 2,625,747 TEUs moved between July 1 and Sept. 30, breaking the previous record set during the second quarter of 2022 by 78,628 TEUs.

MEXICO

Hellmann Worldwide Logistics has formed a partnership with the iconic fashion-sport brand Lacoste in Mexico.

As part of the collaboration, Hellmann is managing a dedicated, full-service distribution centre for the brand. Operating out of an 11,000 square metre warehouse in Mexico City, Hellmann will manage the supply of 45 retail locations and direct to consumer shipments across Mexico.

The array of services provided by Hellmann includes receiving, inventory management, as well as pick, pack and ship operations for outgoing B2B and e-commerce orders.

US

American Trucking Associations has applauded the award of more than $30 million for 260 new truck parking spaces. The funding, announced by U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, will make it easier for truck

drivers to locate parking along key freight corridors in Ohio, Wisconsin and Nevada. “The chronic lack of truck parking poses a danger to the public, impedes the efficiency of our supply chain and harms truckers’ wellbeing,” said American Trucking Associations President and CEO, Chris Spear. “When drivers finish their shift, they deserve to know that they will be able to find a safe place to sleep that night. Congress can be a part of the solution by building on this investment and voting to pass the $200 million for truck parking included in this year’s appropriations bill.”

MEXICO

According to ACT Research’s new Mexican Trailer Market report, commercial trailer registrations in Mexico have increased 21 per cent year-to-date through June 2024. According to ACT Research & Publications Manager, Bailey Schnur, in 2016, there were 293 trailer manufacturers registering units in Mexico, while in 2023, a record-high 335 manufacturers were adding trailers to the fleet.

Compared to June 2023 when 15,224 trailers were registered, industry capacity is up 21 per cent with half the year remaining. Of the new trailers through June 2024, 73 per cent of them were registered by the top 25 manufacturers in Mexico. Four of those top manufacturers are US-based and hold 14 per cent of the total trailer market belowthe-border registrations.

According to ACT Research Chief Economist, David Teolis, nearshoring has presented a significant opportunity to enhance the economic importance of both Mexico and the United States, acting as a catalyst for increased manufacturing investment, infrastructure development and supply chain resilience.

The Mexican trailer market is poised for growth.

NEWS INTERNATIONAL

NORTH AMERICA

US

Compact Container Systems (CCS) has launched the world’s first foldable shipping container.

The American company has developed the SeaFold HC 40’, the world’s first five-in-one, foldable container which is expected to reduce unnecessary container movements and cut carbon emissions throughout the transportation and logistics supply chain.

With more than 20 per cent of all ISO containers returning to their port of origin empty, the SeaFold 40’ has the potential to cut the cost of repositioning boxes by 56 per cent, storage space by 80 per cent and carbon emissions by up to 70 per cent, the company said.

MEXICO

Uber Freight has announced it will expand its cross-border operations to capitalise on the nearshoring boom. The Chicago-based logistics platform has seen significant growth, reporting a 77 per cent year-over-year increase in cross-border business from shippers and more than 2,000 daily shipments. Mexico has emerged as a key hub for international trade. In response, Uber Freight is enhancing its capabilities with new leadership, expanded office locations and robust infrastructure to provide shippers with seamless and efficient cross-border operations. Mexico’s freight and logistics market hit $128.10 billion in 2023, and is projected to grow to $171.40 billion by 2029, driven by the nearshoring trend that’s transforming supply chains across the region. This year, Uber Freight appointed Jesus Ojeda as Executive Vice President of Mexico.

CANADA

TIP Group-Canada has announced the completion of its name change to TEN (Transportation Equipment Network) This transition, which follows the April 2024 transaction announcement and the June 2024 transaction closure, marks a significant milestone, the company said in a statement.

As TEN, the company will continue to offer its regular services, while introducing a stronger focus on trailer leasing, rentals, maintenance, and new storage solutions. This rebranding aligns with TEN’s vision of creating a comprehensive network to meet the changing demands of the transportation and logistics industries, the company said. “This moment marks a significant milestone in our company’s history,” said Division President, Canada, Jim MacIntosh, “Our new identity reflects our dedication to improving and expanding trailer solutions, allowing us to better serve our clients across Canada.”

US

The North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) has released its firstever report on transport refrigeration. Decarbonizing Truck and Trailer Refrigeration has identified key challenges facing the trucking industry ecosystem as it begins to transition away from fossil-fuel powered refrigeration. Based on its research and analysis, the study team came to the following conclusions about the state of transport refrigeration today:

• Freight requiring transport in a specified temperature range encompasses about 15 per cent of straight trucks and trailers.

• Regulations and heightened

sustainability expectations are converging to require more sustainable solutions for moving refrigerated goods.

• New refrigeration units have been developed to run with zero emissions using electricity.

• Other allied solutions are emerging to support eTRUs.

• Moving and delivering refrigerated goods with zero or significantly lower emissions while maintaining quality is a large challenge.

CANADA

Global supply chain solutions company, Kinaxis, has announced its new Commercial Operations President. Mark Morgan, who is a supply chain software executive and has more than two decades of executive and sales leadership experience, will lead sales teams in North America, EMEA and APAC. He will also manage the global go-tomarket & strategic operations team, global customer care and business consulting. “Our product is second to none, we have proven success in key verticals with companies of all sizes, alliances with world-class partners, and an incredibly talented team. I’m thrilled to welcome Mark, and I look forward to working with him to take Kinaxis to its next incredible stage of success,” said Executive Chair at Kinaxis, Bob Courteau.

In the past Morgan has led commercial operations for Coupa and Blue Yonder, where he also held the role of interim CEO.

US

Wabash has been selected to receive a $1.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, Solar Energy Technologies Office, to support a research

NORTH AMERICA

and development project.

Aimed at decarbonising the commercial transportation industry, the three-year project will be in partnership with the University of Delaware’s Center for Composite Materials. It will focus on integrating high-efficiency solar energy into refrigerated trailers and truck bodies and will play a pivotal role in making zero-emission, mid-mile transportation a commercially viable option.

Wabash will use its proprietary EcoNex Technology, a composite material designed to enhance thermal efficiency and reduce energy consumption, while the University of Delaware will contribute its

proprietary TuFF technology, which uses recycled aerospace-grade carbon fibre, to strengthen and lighten the trailers and truck bodies.

Batteries powering heavy trucks can weigh between 2,000 to 5,000 kilograms, often limiting the payload capacity and drawing significant energy from the electrical grid when charging.

US

J.B. Hunt Transport and California-based venture lab company, UP.Labs, have joined forces to create a technology-based freight and logistics startup incubator. Logistics Venture Lab will aim to launch

up to six startups over the next three years, beginning in 2025, to address core strategic challenges within the transportation industry.

These startups will focus on driving efficiency and solving common problems in key industry service areas, such as brokerage, dedicated, intermodal and truckload trucking.

The partnership aims to leverage cuttingedge technologies to address longstanding industry challenges. UP.Labs brings its expertise in startup incubation and emerging technologies to complement J.B. Hunt’s industry knowledge and operational experience.

NEWS INTERNATIONAL

NETHERLANDS

DB Schenker is further expanding its role as a logistics service provider for the semiconductor industry.

The company plans to open a new contract logistics warehouse near Amsterdam, Netherlands. The site will cover a total of 18,000 square metres and will be a key step in strengthening the semiconductor industry in Europe.

The warehouse has already entered its construction phase, and a dedicated team is working with business partners to prepare the facility to open in Fall 2025. The company will operate 12,000 square metres of the 18,000 square metre warehouse space. The company will offer services such as receiving, cross-docking, vendor managed inventory, return merchandise authorisation and shipping. The warehouse will also be equipped with unit load devices for air freight shipments.

UK

TIP Group has been awarded the contract to replace the existing trailer fleet of the UK’s leading underlay and flooring accessories supplier.

TIP will supply 56 new trailers to Interfloor as part of a comprehensive long-term hire arrangement, incorporating operating lease, maintenance, repair and tyre management. The contract also includes access to TIP’s telematics system, TIP Insight, including BrakePlus, its electronic braking performance monitoring system.

The new assets joining the Interfloor fleet, to replace existing units, are comprised of fifty 13.6-metre tri-axle curtainsiders, four single axle, ‘urban’ 9-metre curtainsiders and two tri-axle curtainsiders.

Fifty-four of the trailers have been fitted with a bespoke sliding post system to meet Interfloor’s operational requirements. The system will provide load retention for rolls of underlay but will also accommodate general palletised goods on other journeys, improving payload efficiencies.

The smaller trailers are specified with positive steering capability for precise control in urban environments. All trailers are manufactured by TIP’s longstanding supplier SDC Trailers and will be transporting rolls of flooring underlay across the country to fulfil both residential and contract flooring needs.

FRANCE

FM Logistic has received a €200 million syndicated loan enabling it to accelerate its international growth ambitions.

The financing plan isn backed by a banking syndicate including Crédit Agricole, Société Générale, BNP Paribas and Crédit Mutuel-CIC, and will primarily be used to strengthen the group’s market position and explore new development opportunities in the warehousing and transport sectors. The financing has a maturity of six years and may be extended to support the group’s external growth objectives. This announcement marks a significant milestone, providing additional resources to meet changing industry expectations and new demands, positioning it as a leader in this field, the company said in a statement.

GERMANY

Global logistics provider, Dachser, has broken ground on its new site in Ingolstadt, Germany, where it will build a facility for both industrial and consumer goods. Construction is expected to finish in June 2025, with the transit terminal to make up 6,500 square metres of space and include 76 loading gates. The warehouse will encompass 6,770 metres squared, enough space for 17,000 pallets.

The site is conveniently located close to the A9 highway, which connects southern Germany’s major cities of Munich and Nuremberg. Parking spaces for trucks, swap bodies and vans are also planned for the outdoor area.

The location also offers the best conditions for international transport to Southern, Central and Eastern Europe.

UK

TIP is accelerating its move towards

EUROPE

decarbonised refrigeration transportation in the UK, trialling zero emission temperature-controlled trailer technology.

The Chereau manufactured e-reefer has customised features, maximising its capabilities. Meanwhile, the AxlePower energy recovery system and e-Power axle have been developed in collaboration with transport temperature control provider, Thermo King, and suspension system company, BPW.

The trial will see the TIP e-reefer go into operation within the cold chain, with clients offered the opportunity to experience the new technology and determine how it can meet operational and

business needs. Trialling with different customers will help TIP understand the benefits of the technology in differing operating conditions and scenarios, the company said.

GERMANY

JOST has announced it is entering a development partnership with Munichbased FERNRIDE.

Together, the partners are hoping to drive important topics in the logistics sector including decarbonisation, automation and the search for solutions to driver shortages.

FERNRIDE offers scalable automation

solutions for trucking in yard and port logistics. These solutions increase efficiency, promote sustainable practices, and improve the safety of employees.

As part of the cooperation project, JOST and FERNRIDE are bundling their expertise and resources to develop scalable technologies that automate the operation of trucks on closed operating domains, such as logistics sites and depots. The long-term goal is to solve the challenges of the industry, to realise more productivity for qualified professionals and safety in operations through automated solutions in these specialised areas.

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NEWS INTERNATIONAL

EUROPE

SPAIN

The Rhenus Group is presenting its new transport service for perishable goods in Spain.

Under the brand Rhenus Fresh, the global logistics provider offers a complete door-to-door and temperaturecontrolled solution for fruit, vegetables, meat, fish and seafood. The launch of this solution is in response to the growing demand for fresh produce in Spain, a sector that is increasingly looking for efficiency and sustainability in its supply chain.

By entering the Spanish market, Rhenus is extending the model that already operates in key markets such as Northern Europe, Asia and Latin America. The new service will offer producers and distributors in Spain a range of global maritime and air transport services tailored to fresh and frozen products.

NETHERLANDS

Dutch logistics company, Bergwerff Transport Service, has received ten Kässbohrer curtainsiders, specially designed for its intermodal transport requirements.

The trailers — huckepack curtainsiders K.SCS M — will be put into operation, via rail to Italy. Bergwerff specialises in groupage, FTL, air cargo, pharmaceuticals and high value goods transport, with monitoring between Netherlands and Italy.

With TAPA 1-2-3 certifications, Bergwerff invests in lower emission trucks and when the time came to invest in the efficiency of its intermodal operations, Bergwerff chose Kässbohrer as its partner. Kässbohrer engineered its K.SCS M

as a curtainside mega semi-trailer to optimise the just-in-time delivery challenges. Its chassis is suitable for every road condition and protected against corrosion with its KTL coating. Its intermodal configuration, with train loading brackets, increases overall efficiency and is the perfect choice for eco-conscious fleets.

AUSTRIA

TIP Group has announced the acquisition of a new workshop location in Hohenems, Austria, following a successful deal with their partner Gisinger Fahrzeugbau.

The workshop is strategically located in Hohenems, in the west of Austria, close to Germany and Switzerland, providing access to key markets. This acquisition marks a significant step in TIP’s Austrian workshop network expansion, the company said, with a total of three locations in Austria.

Since its foundation in 1929, the workshop location has grown to more than 11,000 square metres and is fully operational. It currently accommodates seven repair lanes/bays, four with pits, and 17 employees, including nine mechanics and two apprentices.

reputation in the market and is expected to enhance TIP brand presence in Austria and positioning it as a trusted service partner for Schmitz, Krone, SAF-Holland, Wabco, Haldex, Knorr and Wielton.

POLAND

Wielton has developed a new timber product, designed specifically to handle difficult forest conditions and unstable loads.

Because my customers want to know when their goods will arrive.

The R&D team at Wielton has been working on expanding its portfolio to include vehicles for transporting timber, focusing on durability, stability and manoeuvrability, creating Timber Master products. The range will include both semi-trailers and trailers.

The workshop has an established

The vehicles, which were developed in cooperation with Extendo Polska, include a S700 steel frame and KTL applied coatings. In addition, the range uses reinforced axles from well-known manufacturers (including SAF CD and BPW HD), a rear beam protecting the frame from damage and two rear hooks. The vehicle bodies are characterised by light stanchion mounting, and depending on the customer’s needs, various load securing systems are available.

Schmitz Cargobull has produced its two millionth axle.

Image: Schmitz Cargobull.

AUSTRALIA

AUSTRALIA

Australian trailer manufacturer, MaxiTRANS, has rebranded with a new name, logo and visual identity.

Newly named Freighter Group, the new branding has been designed to reflect its expansive history, transformative journey and future vision, the company announced. MaxiTrans was purchased by a group of local private investors in September 2021, and since then its focus has remained on setting the business up for long-term sustainability, said Freighter Group’s Executive Chairman, Greg L’Estrange.

The rebrand follows a $50million (AUS) upgrade to its Ballarat, Victoria facility

which included the introduction of a range of modern equipment, as well as an expansion of its overall footprint.

The company also took the opportunity, at an official factory opening event, to announce various new offerings including

KRONE TELEMATICS

a new refrigerated trailer product called Freez-R, which has been designed in collaboration with partners Schmitz Cargobull. It is Freighter Group’s first trailer offering to come with Schmitz Cargobull’s TrailerConnect telematics as standard.

The trailer builder held a launch event in Ballarat, Australia.

Image: Freighter Group.

NEWS INTERNATIONAL

MIDDLE EAST

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

DHL Group has made a full foray into the United Arab Emirates through a strategic transfer of business operations from DHL Global Forwarding. This transition addresses the growing demand for holistic contract logistics offerings that will further complement the Group’s existing service portfolio in the region, the company said in a statement.

In addition to the already existing cross border transportation, forwarding and freight services under the Group’s global forwarding division, DHL Supply Chain will now offer its full suite of comprehensive contract logistics services. This allows DHL to cater to the evolving needs of customers for warehousing, fulfilment, and aftermarket services in various sectors, including technology, automotive, aviation, energy, engineering & manufacturing and e-commerce, as well as in the fashion and luxury sectors.

SAUDI ARABIA

CEVA Logistics and Middle Eastbased, end-to-end solutions provider, Almajdouie Logistics, have agreed to form a joint venture in Saudi Arabia. First announced in July 2024 and subsequently approved by Saudi authorities, the newly created joint venture—CEVA Almajdouie Logistics— will leverage the strengths of both companies to meet the demand for integrated logistics solutions in Saudi Arabia. CEVA Logistics controls a majority stake of the joint venture. With a presence in Saudi Arabia since the 1980s, CEVA Logistics has collaborated with Almajdouie Logistics for a number of years, including in a separate joint venture addressing the finished vehicle logistics market.

IRAQ

Global logistics company, Aramex, has announced a new joint venture to provide services in Iraq.

Aramex will join Abu Dhabi-based investment company, ZK Holding, to provide fully integrated services, including domestic and international courier, freight forwarding and contract logistics. Through this joint venture, the logistics provider will expand its existing footprint in the country by tapping into ZK Holding’s extensive reach, including access to over 7,000 points of sales across Iraq. This will enable widespread pickup and drop-off services and will help facilitate smoother logistics operations in more than 15 cities across the country. Operations are expected to commence in the first quarter of 2025, with the partnership aiming to serve corporate and retail customers in Iraq.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

DP World has acquired 47,000 TEUs that have been registered and company branded, a first for the global logistics provider. This acquisition provides DP World’s customers seamless access to critical container capacity, ensuring that even during periods of peak demand or unexpected disruptions, goods keep moving. By enhancing its control over delivery schedules, DP World can minimise risk of delays, which makes customers’ supply chains more resilient and responsive in today’s fast-paced environment, the company said. By investing in a younger fleet with reduced maintenance needs, the company aims to reduce its operating costs—passing savings directly to customers.

Image: CEVA Logistics.

CEVA has formed a joint venture in Saudi Arabia.

EGYPT

Danish shipping and logistics company, DFDS, has launched a new freight ferry service between Italy and Egypt.

The service between Damietta, Egypt

and Trieste, Italy marks a significant expansion in the Mediterranean region for the company as it supports the trade flow between North Africa and Europe.

With this new line, DFDS is integrating Egypt into its service network for the first time and launching the first freight ferry service between these markets in a decade.

The line will facilitate the transportation of mainly fresh vegetables and fruits and textiles from Egypt to Europe via the Port of Trieste, and various goods such

EXTEND FLEET LIFE REFURBISHMENT SERVICES

as dairy, agricultural and industrial products from Europe to Egypt.

The service, which will begin at the end of November, will operate with a weekly departure from each port, from Damietta on Fridays and Trieste on Mondays with a sailing time of approximately 68 hours. DFDS has entered into a partnership with Pan Marine Shipping Services which has secured a dedicated terminal in Damietta Port for the new route and is equipped to handle all shipments, including loading and unloading cargo.

DFDS, has launched a new freight ferry service between Italy and Egypt. Image: DFDS.venture in Saudi Arabia.

CHANGE WINDS OF

THE CITY OF VOTUPORANGA IN BRAZIL MEANS ‘GOOD WINDS’ IN THE TRADITIONAL LANGUAGE OF THE INDIGENOUS TUPI PEOPLE OF THE COUNTRY. FOR TRAILER MANUFACTURER FACCHINI, WHICH COMMENCED OPERATIONS IN THAT SAME CITY ALMOST 75 YEARS AGO, THOSE WINDS HAVE BROUGHT SOME CHALLENGES BUT THEY HAVE ALSO BROUGHT EXPANSION AND GROWTH. COMPANY PRESIDENT RUBENS FACCHINI ELABORATES ON THE PATH HE HAS TAKEN AND HIS HOPES FOR THE FUTURE.

A Facchini semi-trailer manufactured in Brazil.

When Euclides Facchini began manufacturing small wooden bodies for the regional market in the 1950s, his timing was good. e price of wood was low, and he was in a region – the interior state of São Paulo, Brazil – that was agricultural and needed road transportation for both live and bulk cargo. In the following years, the company began processing its main raw material (wood) in its factory, collecting it from the Brazilian state of Maranhão. It would then be sent to its factory in the city of Votuporanga.

With time Facchini expanded the production and marketing of new products in the road freight

transportation segment and opened a manufacturing unit in São José do Rio Preto, the largest and most prominent city in the state, 450 kilometres from the state capital, São Paulo. Euclides’ son, Rubens Facchini, who is now the company president, explains that in the 1980s and 1990s, the company further expanded its operations in Brazil and Latin America, starting to manufacture trailers and semi-trailers.

By the early 1990s Facchini opened a manufacturing facility in Roseira, in the interior of the state of São Paulo, which manufactures its own components and parts, becoming a largely vertically integrated company.

Rubens Facchini, who began working with his father in the business as a young boy has seen plenty of changes within the business, the market and the industry.

“I have always had an a nity with road transportation, especially with the bodies we manufactured when the company rst started,” he said. “Over time, I specialised and got to know the industry as a whole, understanding the demands of the sector and its challenges.”

In the 21st century, Facchini was able to establish itself as one of the largest manufacturers of road transport equipment in Brazil, standing out rst in the light series, manufacturing the general cargo van as its agship.

Today, Facchini’s main products include dump road trains for grain transportation, tarpaulin van semi-trailers, general cargo van semi-trailers, bulk carrier semi-trailers and container carrier semi-trailers.

The trailer builder manufactures a broad range of products including truck bodies, vans, tankers, road trains, tippers and other specialty vehicles.

FAST FACT

Founded in 1950 Facchini developments, produces and distributes of road implements for all transport segments, in the heavy, medium and light categories.

• 10 factories with distinct and integrated lines.

• 30 distributors in Brazil.

• 12 distributors overseas.

Its main market is the industrial and retail sector, serving the main consumer goods industries in Latin America but, as Facchini explains, custom designs have opened new doors. “We are increasingly standing out in agribusiness, with products designed speci cally for this purpose.”

Overall, Facchini currently manufactures, on average, 3,000 products per month and holds more than 20 per cent of the market share.

The challenges

Business ownership is never without its challenges and for Facchini one of those is found within the South American industry itself. ere is, he explained, a high tax burden that Brazil imposes on entrepreneurs, which can slow down investment and the creation of jobs. He also points out the fact that there can be excessive bureaucracy which reduces entrepreneurs’ ability to invest in growth.

According to Facchini, the market has uctuated signi cantly over the last decade, especially between 2015 and 20217 due to macroeconomic problems in Brazil, such as the impeachment of a president, nancial and political crises, which directly impacted registrations.

e company did have a production record in 2014, with more than 160,000 units produced in Brazil, but in the following years it experienced a drop of more than 50 per cent. e company was able to recover and rally. From 2018 onwards there was signi cant growth, mainly due to Brazilian agribusiness, and it reached a new record in 2021, with more than 165,000 units produced.

For the future, Facchini is expecting a relatively stable market with little growth, mainly due to external factors such as oil prices, global political strife and uctuations in global agribusiness. e Brazilian market is expected to end with a growth of 5 per cent in relation to 2024, he said. “ e last few years have been challenging, but very positive, with a signi cant increase in sales of products in new markets, reaching a market share of over 20 per cent.”

Company growth

One of the biggest changes within the company, according to Facchini, was the recent expansion of its manufacturing park. Today, it has more than five million square metres of area, considerably increasing the company’s production capacity. Other important changes have been the implementation and consolidation of product engineering, manufacturing

FENATRAN 2024 SUCCESS

Facchini participated in Fenatran 2024 last November, showcasing its newest innovations and agship products.

The international trade show for logistics and transport was held at São Paulo Expo Exhibition & Convention Center in Brazil. For Facchini, is was in its interest to attend and present its brand to the thousands of visitors.

The company had eight products on show: The tarpaulin semi-trailer (Sider), general cargo van semi-trailer, refrigerated semi-trailer, grain semi-trailer and tipper road train.

The highlight, according to Facchini, was the opportunity to showcase the changes and improvements in its products, and demonstrate the improve opportunities for pro tability and productivity to transport clients. Changes included weight reductions, new electric power-generating axle, as well as new designs elements such as an updated rear end with a new models of lights. The result were sales that exceeded the Facchini team’s expectation.

of parts and components and investments in technology and robotics.

Facchini has also been making, in recent years, considerable e orts within the area sustainability through its Environmental, Social and Governance program. It also focuses on professional development and training through an Internal Corporate University.

Facchini is today headquartered in São José do Rio Preto and has more than 6,500 employees. e company has 10 factories, and more than 35 units spread throughout Brazil as well as seven exclusive distributors in Latin America.

For Facchini, what sets the company apart from the competition is understanding its customers and their requirements.

“I think Facchini stands out from the competition through its total focus on the customer and meeting their needs,” he said. “We are also able to manufacture a wide range of road transportation products in an integrated and verticalised manner, with an exclusive production capacity in the country.”

His hope he says is to remain a market leader in South America delivering quality products and a strong, successful company for its many employees. “I am proud of the company we created with great e ort and dedication.”

www.facchini.com.br

Images: Facchini.

A trailer suited for hauling grain.

WEARY WEATHER

THE EVENTS COME IN VARIOUS FORMS. SOMETIMES IT IS A FAST-MOVING HURRICANE, SNOWSTORM OR WILDFIRE. OTHER TIMES, IT IS THE RESULT OF A LONG-DRAWN-OUT DROUGHT. EITHER WAY, EXTREME WEATHER DISRUPTS THE SUPPLY CHAIN AND EXPERTS SAY THE INDUSTRY NEEDS TO CONSIDER IT THE NEW NORMAL.

In the US 40 years ago, a billion-dollar extreme weather event occurred every four months. According to supply chain analytics company, Everstream, its 2024 Risk Report demonstrates that these billion-dollar events are now every three weeks. Each extreme weather event makes the global supply chain less and less reliable, resulting in disruptions, which mean longer delivery times, higher costs and lower output. Hurricanes, which originate in the Atlantic basin, for example, are becoming stronger and more frequent, wreaking havoc on container ships and closing ports, but their e ects can be felt in other segments of the industry as well.

Hurricane-force winds, as well as ooding, inevitably leads to road and rail closures, hindering the movement of goods in and out. O en damage and debris le behind can limit access to ports via ships, trucks and trains.

Damage to warehouses, distribution centres and other infrastructure can disrupt storage and ful llment operations, leading to delays. en there

are the widespread power outages that can occur, a ecting the entire length of the supply chain.

“As temperatures and extreme weather events around the world continue to rise, businesses can no longer ignore the impact of climate change on their operations and suppliers,” said Everstream Analytics Chief Meteorologist, Jon Davis.

According to a report by Economist Impact, and supported by global logistics company, DP World, disruptions caused by extreme weather events are set to remain a key risk in 2024 and 2025. In fact, the economic risks of climate change to global trade are predicted to sit around $81 billion USD.

According to the authors of the report, more than 99 per cent of its surveyed executives stated their supply chain is impacted by climate change. Predominantly, disruptions are felt in delivery as both downstream and upstream transportation is impacted.

For instance, Hurricane Ian, which struck the Caribbean and the US in September 2022, resulted in a 75 per cent drop in shipments and saw an increase in shipping time by 2.5 days.

Ports, which handle about 80 per cent of global trade, face signi cant disruptions due to extreme

weather, leading to costly downtime and widespread economic consequences. Major events such as Hurricane Katrina in 2005 shut down the Port of New Orleans for nearly four months, causing global grain shortages and spiking commodity prices.

In 2023, tropical cyclones caused 117 days of port downtime globally. As climate change intensi es, these ripple e ects are projected to worsen.

Meanwhile, according to the same study, weather is the cause of 23 per cent of all road delays in the US and costs trucking companies annually between $2 billion and $3.5 billion USD.

e ripple e ects of a localised weather event can be, and o en are, global. Following Hurricane Helene last September, which was the deadliest US mainland hurricane since Katrina in 2005, heathcare company Premier Inc. release survey data that showed more than 86 per cent of US healthcare providers experienced IV uid shortages.

Simply put, one storm can cause disruptions on the other side of the globe.

In its recent global risk report, Insurance company, Allianz, uses Taiwan as a case study due to its role in global supply chains and its susceptibility to tropical cyclones.

Taiwan experiences three to four typhoons annually, with its mountainous terrain intensifying the impacts through severe rainfall, ooding and landslides. As the producer of more than 60 per cent of the world’s microchips, disruptions in Taiwan due to cyclones have long-lasting e ects on global supply chains. Estimates suggest that cumulative external economic damages from TC-induced shocks could range from $84.7 billion to $94.6 billion USD by 2050. China, Taiwan’s largest trading partner, faces the highest potential losses, followed by the US, Japan and South Korea. e primary sectors a ected are computers, electronics and optical equipment.

Economists are concerned that logistics and transport companies are not taking the weather risk as seriously as they should. Less than a h of executives ranked

global warming and extreme weather patterns as a key reason for pessimism for global trade for 2024 and 2025, losing out to other key factors such as in ation and geopolitics, according to Economist Impact.

e increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events should, experts say, underscore the need for adaptability within the supply chain.

Everstream’s analysts say the best way to minimise extreme weather risk is by closely monitoring routes and shipments enroute for approaching disruption.

“When in the planning phase, leverage predictive weather forecasts and disruptions alerts along with predictive ETAs,” it said in its report.

Others however say changes need to be made sooner than that.

According to supply chain industry expert Bart De Muynck, companies need to conduct risk assessments and implement strategies to help prepare for disruptions. Solutions can include diversifying supplier networks and developing contingency plans. ey should also consider investing in technology like AI and predictive analytics, to help anticipate events.

“Fostering strong relationships and open communication with suppliers, logistics providers and other stakeholders can facilitate collaboration and problem-solving during disruptions,” he wrote in an opinion piece this year. “Embracing sustainable practices, such as reducing carbon emissions and optimising resource utilisation, can help mitigate the impact of climate change on supply chains in the long run.”

While adaptation helps reduce the impacts of extreme events, it is not enough on its own. In athe report by Allianz, into the global economic e ects of cyclone, limiting global warming to 1.5°C can signi cantly reduce the severity of tropical cyclones, thereby safeguarding economic stability.

“Key for e ective climate-change mitigation is high carbon pricing that accurately re ects the true economic damage of carbon emissions and incentivizes emission reductions,” the report states. “Accounting for tropical cyclone damages would increase carbon pricing by +44 per cent in cyclone-prone countries and by +22 per cent globally.”

www.globaltrailermag.com

Image: Bitsandsplits/stock.adobe.com

EUROPEAN EXTREME WEATHER

The US, with its supply chain disrupting hurricanes, is not the only jurisdiction where extreme weather is causing havoc on the industry.

The frequency of extreme weather events in Europe has risen by 48 per cent over the past two years. This has caused a spike in food supply disruptions according to research from Inverto, a subsidiary of Boston Consulting Group.

From 2021 to 2023, the number of extreme weather events in Europe increased from 11,442 to 16,956 recorded events. They include large hailstorms, heavy rain or snowfall, damaging lightning strikes, droughts caused by hot weather and tornadoes.

“As extreme weather events increase in frequency and intensity, there will be more disruption to food supply chains,” said Katharina Erfort, principal at Inverto. “It is therefore essential that businesses learn lessons from recent events and adopt robust measures to prepare for future disruptions.”

THE EFFECTS OF DROUGHT – PANAMA CANAL

Waterways have always been crucial for transport as they are an inexpensive and environmentally friendly way of transporting heavy or bulk goods. Seasonal and temporary low water levels in rivers and lakes are not a new phenomenon, but times are changing for inland freshwater connections.

Last year was the sixth warmest year since global records began in 1880, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s annual global climate report. In other words, the 10 warmest years ever have all been recorded since 2010.

As an example, the Panama Canal is experiencing its worst drought since records began in 1950 and as a result, draft height restrictions and daily vessel transit limits are continuing to grow. More restrictions inevitably mean longer wait times with concerns that some large tanker carriers may begin to avoid the Panama Canal altogether, rerouting via the Suez Canal or around the Cape of Good Hope.

Dropping water levels in Gatún Lake forced Panama Canal authorities to pose restrictions on the number of ships that can pass the canal, Low rainfall during the 2023 rainy season (May-December) has contributed to extremely low water levels in Lake Gatun despite above-average water levels in the lake at the beginning of the year.

According to global study organisation, World Weather Attribution, rainfall in Panama is strongly in uenced by the El Niño Southern Oscillation, with large storms and extremely heavy precipitation tending to occur in the negative phase (La Niña years) and the positive phase (El Niño years such as 2023-24) typically associated with late onset and early end of the rainy season, and lower precipitation throughout.

The biggest impact of the drought on canal operations was the decrease in the FY24 deep-draught transits, which totalled 9,944 some 21 per cent lower than FY23 due to the water-saving measures temporarily adopted last year.

Even snowstorms can a ect the supply chain.

TIPPER

TTRIUMPH

WHETHER IT’S THE STANDARD S.KI TIPPER SEMI-TRAILER WITH ITS IMPROVED PAYLOAD CAPACITY, OR THE LIGHT S.KI TIPPER SEMI-TRAILER WHICH HAS BEEN DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR TRANSPORTING AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS, SCHMITZ CARGOBULL’S TIPPER OFFERINGS ARE WINNING FANS FOR A RANGE OF REASONS.

While the Schmitz Cargobull S.KI tipper semi-trailer is de ned by its enduring and reliable quality, it’s the bells and whistles that are impressing operators. Speci cally, when those bells and whistles o er exibility in loading goods, avoiding empty runs and in turn improving pro tability.

e electric sliding tarpaulin, for example, enables it to be opened and closed safely by remote control. e design of the tailgate has also been optimised to cope with the tough operating conditions in bulk transport, while the external pendulum tailgate is speci cally designed for partial unloading.

at’s not to say the design doesn’t impress either. Weight-optimised and robust, the universal construction-site vehicle boasts a loading volume of 24m³. e wide at oor ensures a lower centre of gravity, helping to ensure optimum handling and even wear. e redesigned upper lips now feature an enhanced cross-section to increase vertical and horizontal rigidity, making the rounded steel body even more stable. Lateral deformation of the upper lips, as a result of load pressure, has been signi cantly reduced, meaning they run a lot better and sliding-tarpaulin-style body covers are now even safer.

e steel chassis frames of the S.KI tipper semi-trailer provide an ideal balance between

TRAILERCONNECT

Schmitz Cargobull equips all tipper semitrailers with the TrailerConnect telematics system as standard. Apart from enhanced vehicle safety, this includes various monitoring and control functions that can be individually con gured to meet customers’ needs. Alongside standard functions, including EBS operating data recording or the TPMS, optional functions, such as Tilting Assistant or the brake pad wear indicator, are also available. These functions help prevent breakdowns and accidents and increase e ciency at the same time. The TrailerConnect TPMS is also technically compatible with the majority of sensors available on the market in the EU.

The S.KI tipper semi-trailer now has improved payload capacity.

weight optimisation, robust durability and tipping stability in daily use.

e pneumatic underride guard signi cantly increases comfort for the driver. e option to operate the guard from the chassis frame or a button in the cab saves time and increases occupational safety.

With its galvanised S.KI frame generation, customers receive a ten-year warranty against rustthrough.

Four di erent frame lengths are available (7.2m, 8.2m, 9.6m, 10.5m), depending on the application, load level and required body volume.

Other attributes include:

• Auto-location (automatic assignment to the correct tyre position): With the help of the auto-location function, sensors from the Schmitz Cargobull TPMS can be automatically detected and assigned to the respective wheel position. is saves time and money, both for customers and in the workshop. In the event of abnormalities, alarm messages are issued by e-mail, SMS or app noti cations

• Digital on-board weighing system: To prevent overloading and ensure optimum loading, Schmitz Cargobull o ers a new optional onboard weighing system. e on-board weighing system allows the driver to determine and document the tipper semi-trailer’s payload at the location where the vehicle is loaded. As such, it is no longer necessary to drive to a stationary weighing system, which saves time. Operation is intuitive using a smartphone or tablet in the beSmart app. e loading data recorded can be accessed by the driver immediately a er

weighing. All data is then transmitted to the TrailerConnect portal and processed there. • Cargo and rear area camera systems: Cargo and rear area cameras are optionally available for increased work safety. e cargo area camera provides a convenient overview of the load in the body. A reversing camera provides the necessary overview and protects against ramming damage when tipping or reversing. All the necessary operations can be carried out from the cab, which ensures a safe and ergonomic working environment for the driver.

S.KI LIGHT

Meanwhile, Schmitz Cargobull has also been busy enhancing its S.KI LIGHT tipper semi-trailer in response to the growing demand for vehicles used in high-volume transport jobs, particularly in the agricultural sector.

Agile, low and light, they come with an aluminium box body. e tapered frame design provides for low loading, oor and overall heights, while the h wheel height remains unchanged.

e tapered chassis model series is available in the system lengths of 8.2, 9.6 and 10.5 metres. A special 80mm o set at the height of the landing gear allows the chassis to be recessed into the body oor at the front. As a result, the loading height has been reduced by 160 mm compared to standard chassis bodies. is makes side loading even easier and helps to protect against damage.

S.KI LIGHT AK

e S.KI LIGHT AK tipper semi-trailer impresses with its larger volume and unchanged system length, o ering a better payload/volume ratio for loads with a low bulk density. What is unique about the 8.2m body length is that, for agricultural transport jobs, up to 50 cubic metres of volume can be transported on a short chassis with a lower loading height of 3.70m. e 8.2 m body length is more manoeuvrable and lighter when compared to the trailer lengths of 9.6m and 10.5m.

e reduced overall height results in lowering trailer’s centre of gravity, which improves stability during tipping, driving and road holding when cornering. In addition, driving through hall and barn doors and under silo-loading stations is safe.

Other safety functions make this tipper semi-trailer even safer, including the electric sliding tarpaulin, better body lighting and, thanks to the pneumatic lock on the combidoor, a body that can be emptied using controlled unloading via the grain slider.

www.cargobull.com

Images: Schmitz Cargobull.

The S.KI LIGHT tipper semi-trailer design has been enhanced in response to growing demand.

GORICA ’ S DOMINATION DOCTRINE

WHEN YOUR COUNTRY IS BUILDING ICONIC INFRASTRUCTURE, LIKE THE TREE-SHAPED PALM JUMEIRAH MAN-MADE ISLAND IN DUBAI, YOU NEED TO HAVE TIPPING SEMI-TRAILERS AT THE READY. THE BOOM OF PROJECTS IN THE REGION HAS GIVEN GORICA GROUP PLENTY OF OPPORTUNITIES AND THE RESULT IS A ROBUST RANGE OF CUSTOMISED SOLUTIONS.

The famous Dubai archipelago of arti cial islands shaped like a palm tree in the Persian Gulf needed more than 200 units of rock tipping semi-trailers. is is just one of countless projects the burgeoning area has undertaken over the last two to three decades. e need for tippers within the construction sector has allowed GORICA Group, the Middle East and Africa’s leading developer and manufacturer of semitrailers, to become experts in developing customised solutions in terms of both quality and design.

For example, GORICA is now known for its slanting rear door design, a benchmark and a recognised look on the roads.

What makes GORICA’s e orts stand out when it comes to semi-trailer design and manufacturing comes down to road regulations, or lack thereof, within the Middle East.

As GORICA Group’s General Manager of Sales and Marketing, Domen Bockor explains in mature markets like the EU there are common road regulations so tipping semi-trailers are built similarly with variations made only for special applications.

“Due to non-uniform road regulations in the GCC,

Palm Jumeirah, one of Dubai’s many construction projects.

Image: Andrey Popov.

technical speci cations vary by each market in terms of capacity, volume, axle con guration and axle load capacity along material thicknesses,” he said. “In the Middle East you have extremes like Bahrain where the maximum capacity of a tipping semi-trailer allowed by road regulations is 18 CBM, and United Arab Emirates where the market standard is 48 CBM.”

For this reason, GORICA has developed a full range of tipping semi-trailers conforming to all of the local road regulations, international standards as well as the company’s unique design features.

Currently Gorica is supplying more than 200 tipping semi-trailers on monthly basis thanks to a number of ongoing projects in various industries including aggregate transport, quarries and mining and waste management.

FAST FACT

Due to varying road regulations, tipping semitrailers are completely di erent in terms of size and axle con guration:

• Bahrain – 18/2- CBM tipping semi-trailer

• UAE – 48 CBM tipping semi-trailer

• KSA – 22/25 CBM tipping semi-trailer

• Kuwait – 32 CBM tipping semi-trailer

• Qatar – 22 CBM tipping semi-trailer

• Oman – 36 CBM tipping semi-trailer

Built to last

Within the entire range, GORICA o ers both carbon steel-made tippers as well as wear resistant steel such as Hardox, which is o en required for heavy duty rock applications or where regulations ask for lower weight.

GORICA’s standard speci cations of tippers for general aggregate transportation would be 12 to 16 tonne, wide track axles – either two- or three-axle con gurations. It would also consist of quality carbon steel of grade ST52-3 and a thickness of an 8mm oor and 6mm sides. Alternatively, wear resistant steel would consist of a 4-6mm oor and 3.2 to 4mm sides. For rock applications, the thicknesses would go up to 10mm oor and 8mm sides and the inside body would be upgraded with inverted angles to protect it when rocks are being loaded.

“Our traditional partners in axles for our tipping semi-trailers is BPW from Germany and when it comes to hydraulics, we use HYVA,” Bockor said.

Last year GORICA designed and produced, for rst time in the Middle East, a tipping semitrailer built from aluminium and speci cally for grain transportation.

“ is is our latest development which brings us in the same league with other world A class body builders,” he said adding that GORICA has also launched a 25 CBM ROCK tipper for mining and quarry applications that can compete against articulated tippers, but with only 20 per cent of the operating cost and maintenance. All above models are available with di erent axle capacities and con gurations, as well as varying front-end mounted hydraulics.

Moving oors in the Middle East

Popular in Europe and North America, moving oor semi-trailers are a relatively new application in the Middle East and Africa region. Leading the way, GORICA has developed two types of models.

• e 90-105 CBM self-compacting semi-trailer is used predominately in waste management industries as transport of waste to land elds. e unit is completely independent of the prime mover, powered by separate diesel driven engine and equipped with hydraulic rear door. It is also enhanced by a remote-control system.

• e 90-105 walking oor semi-trailer is equipped with a Cargo Floor System which is used for waste management, scrap and refuse-derived fuel applications. e unit is versatile and low maintenance, o ering the best total cost ownership.

www.goricagroup.com

A boom in construction in the Middle East has made GORICA Group’s tippers an important o ering.

BRAKING POINT

A single-tappet design is a key adavantage to the ModulT.

THE MODULT SYSTEM’S EXPANSION INTO THE TRUCK MARKET REPRESENTS A SIGNIFICANT STEP FORWARD IN HALDEX’S MISSION TO PROVIDE LIGHTER, MORE EFFICIENT BRAKING SOLUTIONS RIGHT ACROSS THE COMMERCIAL VEHICLE INDUSTRY.

Haldex is furthering its expansion into the truck market with its innovative ModulT system, gaining its rst on-highway truck customer.

Without mentioning the customer by name, it is an important step for the ModulT technology, which was originally developed for trailers in 2011, with its single-tappet design o ering key advantages in terms of weight reduction and cost-e ectiveness.

“Our main goal was to make the lightest trailer brake available,” said Haldex and SAFHOLLAND Vice President of Product Management, Charlotte Wall. “To achieve this, we had to not only reduce the weight on the casted parts, but also minimise the number of parts.”

Helping to achieve this is the ModulT’s single-tappet design, one of its main features and unique in the market, with Haldex being the only manufacturer o ering it for higher brake torques.

“ e main reason we are able to make this brake work is the force distribution,” she said. “We have a very wide mechanism support, which applies load onto the thrust plate evenly, creating pressure on the

This design not only reduces weight but also simplifies the brake system, leading to easier maintenance and lower overall costs for vehicle operators.

Other brake manufactures use two tappets to apply su cient force to the thrust plate, this means more parts and more weight due to the need for a larger calliper.

e expansion of the ModulT system to trucks has required some adaptations.

“ e di erence between trailer and truck brake

versions is mainly the adjustment function,” Wall said. “If you use the brake on a truck or a bus, the brake spectra – the number of applications on the di erent torque levels, as well as parking brakes – is di erent compared to a trailer. at’s why we need to have a mechanism on the truck brake to manage a more challenging brake spectra.”

“We use a modular design, allowing us to have the same incremental parts in all truck brakes, as well as sliding function, while the casted parts and pads

are always customised to the wheel size.”

In the future, Haldex aims to continue its expansion into the truck and bus brake markets, however, each new application requires application development work, even when adapting existing brake designs.

“ ere is always a period of time that is required to make those customisations and validations,” Wall  said, is process is rigorous, involving both regulatory validations and customer-speci c test plans, and can include temperature tests, disc crack tests, lifetime tests and eld tests that o en run for 12 months to two years.

While virtual testing plays a crucial role in the development process, particularly for stress analysis of materials, it has limitations in other areas.

“You can absolutely investigate stress levels in the materials and so on. But you can’t do virtual testing when it comes to the friction couple, as some failures only can be found in the eld,” she said. “On the road, we might see uneven wear on the pads, for example, then you have to look at the complete installation and not only the brake, because it’s not always the brake that is the issue.”

Wall’s extensive experience in the industry – spanning more than 25 years at Haldex in various roles from logistics to R&D - has given her a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in brake system development. Her current role is overseeing product and project management for both Haldex and SAF-HOLLAND in Europe (following its acquisition of Haldex).

e ModulT system’s expansion into the truck market represents is a signi cant step forward in Haldex’s mission to provide lighter, more e cient braking solutions right across the commercial vehicle industry.

www.safholland.com www.haldex.com/en/Europe/

The ModulT is a big step forward for Haldex.

Images: SAF-HOLLAND.

VP of Product Management, Charlotte Wall.

MARVEL MONITORING

TELEMATICS TECHNOLOGY IS ESSENTIAL FOR MANY TRANSPORT COMPANIES, ESPECIALLY IN THE PHARMACEUTICAL SECTOR, AND GRIESHABER LOGISTIK IS NO EXCEPTION, CARRYING LIFESAVING PRODUCTS, SAMPLES AND DEVICES IN ITS VEHICLES. THE FREIGHT COMPANY HAS TURNED TO BPW’S IDEM TELEMATICS TO ENSURE SAFETY, EFFICIENCY AND CONSTANT MONITORING.

When the products you transport require temperatures that vary from -95 to +25 degrees celsius, the right telematics technology is imperative. GRIESHABER Logistik’s sensitive freight includes items such as human medical products, medical devices, production and freezer tanks, hazardous substances and laboratory samples.

Telematics ensures certi ed monitoring in all vehicles. While it shows the location of trucks and loaded goods at all times, just as importantly, the technology monitors temperatures, the status of the refrigeration units, entries and exits from prede ned geofences, door openings, idle times, tyre pressures, appropriate routes, and the set points on the refrigeration units. All of this key data is proactively monitored, and any deviations are immediately reported

Head of the Pharmaceutical Transport and Shuttle Department at GRIESHABER Logistik, Thomas Scheuneman.

The new cargo eet Driver SL app – a tablet with logistics software installed. Image: idem telematics.

to the desired distribution group by email and text message. is ensures that adherence to temperature speci cations for pharmaceutical products is fully monitored and documented and that both legal requirements and customer requirements are reliably ful lled.

A maintenance calendar has also been integrated. An innovative tool, it provides a thorough overview of completed, upcoming and urgent maintenance work on the vehicles and refrigeration units and reminds users accordingly about upcoming appointments. is makes it signi cantly easier to organise vehicle maintenance as it supports e cient planning, optimises vehicle utilisation and reduces downtime.

Choosing idem telematics

GRIESHABER Logistik decided to use BPW’s idem telematics, one of Europe’s leading experts in transport telematics, and has been particularly impressed by the user-friendliness and clarity of the system which has been implemented into 18 traction units and the associated refrigerated trailers and swap trailers.

“ e technology e ectively supports the daily work of our teams and contributes towards process optimisation in the eld of transport monitoring,” said, Head of the Pharmaceutical Transport and Shuttle Department at GREISHABER Logistik, omas Scheunemann. “Process deviations are

displayed and reported immediately, then we can intervene directly. e reporting function enables us to document and track loading and unloading times, which is particularly important in the temperature-controlled sector.”

e telematics system also provides support in analysing the eet, in that it enables comprehensive monitoring and traceability of all transport steps and data relating to the integrity of the goods, the driver and the vehicle.

New application

GRIESHABER Logistik has recently started testing a new application from idem telematics – the cargo eet Driver SL app.

e logistics so ware is installed on a tablet and o ers the driver direct access to order, vehicle and temperature data. e driver can see the logistics processes and work ows, as well as the temperatures, alarms and technical data. It can also communicate with the control centre via the app.

GRIESHABER Logistik was founded in 1951 and today, the internationally operating transport company, based in Weingarten in the German state of Baden-Wurttemberg, o ers customised transport and logistics solutions. It has more than 820 employees, 14 logistics centres and a eet of 125 traction units.

In addition to the robust and high-quality products BPW o ers, omas Scheunemann particularly appreciates the team’s professional and committed approach to him as a customer.

“We always have the feeling that we are on equal footing” he said. “Our open, honest communication and the corresponding transparency, as well as the fast and e cient problem-solving speak for themselves.”

Based on the positive experience with the solutions from idem telematics, GREISHABER Logistik plans to equip all vehicles used in the pharmaceutical industry with the telematics system. Furthermore, it is endeavouring to implement additional telematics services, for example for electric vehicles or battery packs on cargo eet 3.

www.idemtelematics.com

Images: GREISHABER Logistik.

Grieshaber Logistik relies on telematics from idem telematics for safe pharmaceutical transport.

All Krone Box Liners are manufactured from high-strength steel.

WAVES MAKING

IT MADE ITS DEBUT AT LAST YEAR’S IAA TRANSPORTATION EXPO IN HANOVER, GERMANY, AND BY ALL ACCOUNTS, KRONE’S NEW BOX LINER GENERATION TURNED HEADS THANKS TO A DESIGN THAT IS LIGHTER AND MORE VERSATILE THAN EVER BEFORE.

The new generation of Krone Box Liners is based on a multifunctional modular system that enables the transport of all types of sea containers. ere are a total of six di erent basic versions available, depending on clients’ requirements. Here is a breakdown.

TU40 and TU45

e Krone Box Liner TU40 can be used universally for containers up to 40 ‘. It is also possible to transport 20’ containers ush with the rear, two 20’ containers, 20’ containers in the centre, tank containers, as well as swap containers. e wheelbase is optimised for a two-axle tractor unit.

Meanwhile, the TU45 Box Liner also has a front extension and can therefore also transport 45-foot containers with a long tunnel.

TU50 and TU55

e TU50 has a longer wheelbase so that it can shoulder 45’ containers regardless of the tunnel length, with a B dimension of 12,775mm. e TU55 is designed with a front extension so that it can also transport 45-foot containers with a long tunnel and B dimensions of 12,000 and 12,150mm.

TU70 and TU75

e TU70 Box Liner has four di erent wheelbases. is means that when pushed together, it can transport 20’ containers with improved h-wheel pressure ush with the rear. In addition, an extrashort wheelbase can be selected for transporting heavy 40’ containers, and 45’ containers can also be accommodated.

Even more exible is the TU75 with front extension, which is equipped for almost all container types, up to 45’ containers with a long tunnel and B dimensions of 12,000 and 12,150mm.

All Krone Box Liners of the new generation are manufactured from high-strength steel in a central tube design, o ering up a combination of low weight and high robustness. As a result, the Box Liner TU40, for example, is launched with an unladen weight of less than 4.5 tonnes.

FAST FACT

Krone subsidiary and axle system provider, Gigant, has appointed a new Managing Director.

Andreas Klein, a mechanical engineer who has worked in various cross-functional management roles at automotive supplier ZF, including in China and the US, has been given the position. Klein also held a management position at Schmitz Cargobull and then concentrated on the automotive and manufacturing sectors as a consultant.

In his new role at Gigant, Klein will focus on ensuring the company’s pro table growth by exploiting cost-cutting potential, expanding the customer base and extending the product portfolio.

“As an innovative solution provider for axle systems, Gigant o ers exciting conditions for the next development steps,” he said. “I am looking forward to taking on this challenge together with the Gigant team and thus making an important contribution to implementing the Krone Commercial Vehicle Group’s key themes – electri cation, digitalisation, automation and sustainability.’

Gigant has been producing customised axle system solutions for a wide range of commercial vehicle trailers since 1953, becoming part of the Krone Commercial Vehicle Group in 2013. Its product range extends from light axles with axle loads of 5.5 tonnes to heavy-duty and low-loader axles with axle loads of 12 tonnes.

Gigant currently employs more than 200 people on a production area of 59,000m² and sells its products in more than 75 countries worldwide.

e range is equipped with the Krone traction rear as standard to maximise the possible payload with a 20’ container, ush with the rear and to achieve the highest possible hwheel load. e traction rear achieves a similar e ect to a centre extension, or improves it, if the chassis already has a center extension (TU70 and TU75).

e rear extension of the new Box Liner generation is generally operated with a pneumatic cylinder, which is protected in the extension tube. In addition, the rear extension is always locked pneumatically. A corresponding locking indicator ensures maximum working safety. e taillights are also housed in the rear beam to protect them from damage.

Proof of the special stability of the new chassis generation is the design of the 20’ centre function for 34 tonnes, with tank container suitability. As an option, swap containers can also be transported using locking attachments.

e new TU45 Box Liner is positioned as a promising all-rounder, combining a short wheelbase of 7,470mm with the option of also transporting 45’ containers with a long tunnel. is Box Liner is therefore predestined for use behind two-axle semi-trailer tractors without exceeding the drive axle load with heavy 40’ and 45’ containers. In addition, the TU45 can also be used to transport 45’ containers with long tunnels, while complying with the permissible overall length without the need for a special licence.

www.krone-trailer.com

Gigant’s new Managing Director, Andreas Klein.

Krone’s new Box Liner generation made its debut at IAA Transportation 2024

Krone’s new Box Liners have a design that is lighter and more versatile than ever before.

Images Krone Group

GREEN TECH

PROVIDING CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGIES FOR COMMERCIAL VEHICLES IS WHAT JOST DOES BEST AND IN RECENT YEARS THE COMPANY HAS ADDED AN EXTRA LAYER OF RESEARCH AND INVESTMENT TO ENSURE ITS INNOVATIONS DECREASE CARBON FOOTPRINTS AND PROMOTE SUSTAINABILITY. HERE IS HOW IT IS BEING DONE.

JOST contributes to making commercial vehicles more environmentally friendly by providing technologies supporting electric or hybrid engines, as well as developing light-weight materials to improve fuel e ciency and reduce emissions. Additionally, JOST ensures advanced recycling solutions for end-of-life components. All of these innovations have one aim – to minimise environmental impact.

“We are on a mission to spearhead the technological shi towards more connected, environmentally friendly and intelligent commercial vehicles,” said JOST CEO, Joachim Dürr. “Next to our product innovations, we have also established strategic partnerships to achieve this technological transformation. Our goal is to advance highly automated and autonomous logistic solutions, as well as electri cation and sustainable resource management within the commercial vehicle industry, fostering innovation, CO2 reduction and e ciency in the industry.”

Axles and suspensions

DCA WEIGHTMASTER PLUS – new weightoptimised axle

Reducing emissions, protecting resources and maximising e ciency were the key aims when developing the lightest axle in its class. e structure of the entire axle reduces the trio weight by 51kg. In combination with the optional Weight Optimiser 27, the air bellows support with a lightweight aluminium tail end structure, o ering further weight savings of 27kg in the trio.

e highlight of DCA WEIGHTMASTER

Images: JOST.

PLUS is its wheel head with optimised weight, wear properties and performance. is includes the new DCA X7 brake, the lightest brake in its segment. e aim during its development was to achieve ideal interplay between the brake disc and lining, thereby reducing emissions while maximising the payload and performance.

e PLUS series of DCA axles o ers bene ts for all trailer applications. at is why it is not limited to the WEIGHTMASTER series. e new features will also be available for DCA AIRMASTER, DCA STEERMASTER, DCA PAVEMASTER, DCA MEGAMASTER and DCA RAILMASTER.

E-Axle: Save while driving

With the e-axle, JOST o ers a cost-e cient and modular system that can be used for battery-electric trucks, as well as for vehicles with conventional combustion engines in a resource-saving manner.

anks to its lightweight and compact design, the e-axle enables exible use in a variety of applications,

TECHNOLOGY PARTNERSHIPS

JOST is currently investing in Aitonomi and Trailer Dynamics, two start-ups with innovative transport solutions in the areas of autonomous driving and electri cation. JOST is also entering into a development partnership with BET Motors to jointly develop innovative vehicle architectures for electric drives and with FERNRIDE, to develop scalable technologies that automate the operation of trucks on closed operating domains such as logistics sites and depots.

The combination of solid experience in the eld of systems and components for the commercial vehicle industry, along with innovative solution approaches, forms the basis for joint research and development e orts. These e orts focus on the increasing need for automation and related solutions to address the driver shortage, reduce CO2 emissions from commercial vehicles, and accelerate the transition to e-Trailer technology.

The JOST DCA-WEIGHTMASTER-PLUS.

from light distribution transport and short-haul routes, to long-haul operations with the requirement for a long range to heavy-duty transport for traction support during startup manoeuvres.

e e-axle can be modularly adapted to di erent application requirements and o ers a cost-e ective way to make transport eets more sustainable. e emission-free drive ensures a reduction in CO2 emissions in conventional diesel vehicles and increases the range of the vehicle combination, regardless of the type of drive. In eld testing, over 20 per cent was achieved.

e modular low-voltage system of the JOST e-axle, with an operating voltage of 48V and a basic output of 90kW, o ers a safe and maintenance-friendly product.

Meanwhile, regenerative braking puts less strain on mechanical brakes, which reduces the need for servicing the brakes. e system can be operated with conventional trailer tyres.

JOST CSA and TRIDEC EF-S: Command steer axle with electronic steering system

Tight depots, narrow city streets and a 16.5-metre-long trailer that needs to be steered safely are all challenges that push conventional axle systems to their limits and demand a command steer axle.

Following the successful market launch of the CSA with the 9-tonne version, a 10-tonne axle was added to the portfolio last year. Like the 9T, the CSA 10T can also be used in all conventional steering systems, whether mechanical, hydraulic or electronic. It impresses with outstanding performance characteristics in particular the lowest roll radius.

is has a positive e ect on the actuation force, which is up to 70 per cent lower than that of comparable axles as a result. Additional batteries are rendered obsolete and there is greater exibility when designing steering systems.

e JOST CSA is perfectly tailored to TRIDEC-brand steering systems: the TF mechanical system, the HF and HF-E hydraulic systems and the EF-S electronic steering system. Up to three JOST CSA axles can be used. e steering angle can be easily adapted to the available space for installation and the required manoeuvrability.

TP-O Low: swivel axle suspension

e brand TRIDEC will present its swivel axle suspension TP-O Low, opening up a new market for independent trailer manufacturers. e TP-O Low especially ts the high volume low-bed market in Europe. With suspension travel of 600mm, the TP-O Low o ers the lowest ride height with 12 tonnes per axle line, combined with a greater steering angle than any other suspension solution.

www.jost-world.com

The TRIDEC TP.

REALITY REFURBISHMENT

AS COMPANIES FACE RISING OPERATIONAL COSTS AND INCREASING PRESSURE TO MEET SUSTAINABILITY TARGETS, TRAILER REFURBISHMENT HAS BECOME AN ATTRACTIVE SOLUTION FOR FLEET OPERATORS. RATHER THAN BUYING NEW TRAILERS, INVOLVING HIGH COSTS AND LONG PROCUREMENT CYCLES, REFURBISHMENT OFFERS A SMART, COST-EFFECTIVE AND SUSTAINABLE WAY TO EXTEND THE LIFE OF EXISTING ASSETS. GLOBAL TRAILER LOOKS AT TIP GROUP’S COLLABORATION WITH P&O FERRYMASTERS TO REFURBISH 304 TRAILERS.

The customer

P&O Ferrymasters is a leading pan-European, end-to-end multimodal transport and logistics company, actively exploring alternative fuel types and transport optimisation tools to reduce the environmental footprint of its operations.

As part of this commitment, refurbishing the eet of trailers leased from TIP Group— some of which have been in service since 2015—has become a priority. e initiative aims to drastically cut CO2 emissions while enhancing sustainability, reliability and performance across their logistics operations.

P&O Ferrymasters recognise the responsibility they hold in reducing the environmental impact of their transport operations.

“From transitioning to multimodal transport to exploring alternative fuels, sustainability is integral to every aspect of our business strategy,” said COO Logistics & Landside, Mike Shannon. “ is trailer refurbishment project represents a proactive step in our mission to reduce CO2 emissions and promote a circular economy by extending the lifespan of our assets.”

The solution

e P&O Ferrymasters’ collaboration with TIP Group to refurbish 304 trailers is projected to prevent the release of approximately 1,732.8 tonnes of CO2. e initiative not only aligned with P&O Ferrymasters’ sustainability goals, but also improved operational e ciency and optimised asset utilisation.

“Not only has this improved our environmental impact, but the performance and reliability of our refurbished trailers have been exceptional,” said Shannon. “With the support of TIP Group’s expertise, these assets meet the highest standards of safety and operational e ciency, ensuring we continue to deliver uninterrupted services across Europe.”

According to TIP Group’s Global Maintenance and Development Director, Jan van Vugt, many clients are facing challenges related to maintaining the reliability of their eets while keeping costs under control, while larger customers are increasingly focused on reducing their carbon footprint as part of their broader ESG strategies.

“One of the key challenges is how to keep trailers operationally e cient without the nancial

P&O Ferrymasters’ refurbishment included a mix of optical and technical updates.

Images: TIP Group.

and environmental cost of constantly replacing them,” van Vugt said. “ is is where refurbishment really makes a di erence. It’s not only about keeping the trailers looking good, but also about ensuring they remain roadworthy and dependable, which is crucial for maintaining an uninterrupted work ow.”

Strategic refurbishment

P&O Ferrymasters’ refurbishment included a mix of optical and technical updates, tailored to extend trailer life, without the full costs associated with new acquisitions. e project, which involved comprehensive mechanical updates as well as aesthetic improvements, took approximately seven months.

“Refurbishment is about smarter spending and sustainability—trailer lifetime extension, cutting costs, and reducing emissions, all while keeping your eet performing at its best,” van Vugt said.

“With P&O Ferrymasters, the refurbishment process was not just about cosmetic changes but also about ensuring that trailers were equipped with the necessary upgrades to meet operational and regulatory standards.”

TIP Group’s refurbishment services

TIP Group’s refurbishment services can be tailored based on the condition of the trailer and client objectives. ere are three types of refurbishments:

TIP REFURBISHMENT SERVICES

Trailer refurbishment is increasingly recognised as a strategic, sustainable alternative to buying new equipment. TIP Group’s experience with clients like P&O Ferrymasters highlights the e ectiveness of this approach for reducing the need for signi cant capital expenditures on new units, minimising environmental impact and maintaining eet reliability.

TIP o ers two exible refurbishment solutions for eets:

• Refurb & Lease: Customers can lease or rent refurbished TIP assets at attractive rates. This option is ideal for clients looking to extend or renew contracts with refurbished units, o ering fast deployment, reduced total cost of ownership, and sustainability gains through lower CO2 emissions.

• Sale & Leaseback: TIP purchase, refurbish and lease back client assets, freeing up capital while ensuring business continuity with fullservice agreements that minimise maintenance risks and improve asset quality.

Cosmetics upgrades: is involves refreshing the trailer’s exterior and branding and can include new curtains, paintwork, re ective tape and signage. is helps maintain the professional appearance of the eet, which is o en important for clients looking to maintain their brand image.

Technical refurbishment: Extending beyond aesthetics, this focuses on key mechanical and operational components, to ensure the trailer remains reliable and roadworthy. It can include axle replacements, suspension upgrades and brake system updates—crucial aspects for keeping the eet operational without unplanned downtime.

Full overhaul: e most extensive of the three options, a full overhaul replaces all critical components, including axles, brake systems and even ooring. is process essentially brings a trailer to a “like-new” condition, ready for another lifecycle of use, which could last up to eight to ten years. is approach is ideal for eet owners looking to maximise the lifespan of their assets and drastically reduce maintenance requirements.

roughout the refurbishment process, TIP o ered trailer replacements to P&O Ferrymasters, minimising downtime and ensuring that the operations remained uninterrupted.

“ e team brought expertise and dedication to the refurbishment process, keeping us informed and ensuring replacement trailers were available whenever needed,” Shannon said. “ is minimised downtime and allowed us to extend our eet’s lifespan without compromising on quality or service.”

Specialised refurbishment

TIP Group’s refurbishment services go beyond standard curtainsiders, encompassing specialised equipment such as tankers, as well.

According to Shannon, TIP o en deal with tankers as the tank barrel can be the most expensive part but can last for up to 20 years.

“In these cases, we replace the running gear, paint, and check all the valves and seals, ensuring the tank is like new again,” he explained. “For special haulage trailers, some of them have a speci c license attached — licences that can’t be obtained anymore. In these cases, refurbishment can be more expensive than buying a new trailer because keeping the trailer with the license is critical for operations.”

Replacing critical components while keeping the original tank or specialised features intact not only ensures continued roadworthiness, but also supports sustainability by reusing major parts rather than starting from scratch.

www.tip-group.com/en/refurbishment

Trailer refurbishment has become an attractive solution for eet operators.

RAIS

WELL-KNOWN IN THE INDUSTRY FOR SLIDING ROOFS, A STANDOUT WITH ITS RED FOLDING PLATES, VERSUS-OMEGA, CONTINUES TO GO THAT INNOVATED STEP FURTHER WITH ITS TRANSPORTATION SOLUTIONS. ROOF LIFTING IS ANOTHER ONE OF ITS DESIGN PASSIONS.

Making operators’ jobs safer and easier is behind everything Versus-Omega does and its li ing solution is no exception.

e Axces li ing system is designed to make loading and unloading more e cient, exible, and safer than ever.

e Axces li ing system can elevate roofs up to 500mm, enabling e ortless side-loading and unloading. Its design features a carefully engineered hinge mechanism that prevents blockages, while allowing independent li ing on either side.

Central to its seamless operation is the bone-shaped sliding bar, which minimises friction during the li ing and lowering process.

ese sliding bars are available in full steel and hollow tube versions, o ering durability and lightweight options for diverse applications.

Lift & Drive

For scenarios where vehicles must operate with elevated roofs, the Li & Drive extension kit o ers two versions:

• Li & Drive: Standard functionality with height adjustment via a pin in the guide tube. is may require operators to access the vehicle directly.

• Li & Drive Pro: Advanced design featuring a toothed guide for easy, safe operation from ground level.

Manual Lifting Systems

Versus-Omega’s manual li ing systems combine simplicity and reliability, and are available in two con gurations:

• Hydra-Man: A single li ing system equipped with a pump at each corner. Four pumps handle an entire trailer, with each li operating sequentially.

• Hydra-Twin: A system designed to li the entire side of a roof simultaneously. Hydraulic pipes connect the cylinders, ensuring synchronised operation.

For enhanced exibility, Verus-Omega o ers Axces Hydraman Alu, an aluminum version of their Hydra-Man system, ensuring lighter weight without compromising strength.

Versus-Omega aims to make operators’ jobs safer and easier.

FAST FACT

From a simple sliding roof design, Erik Rogiers has rapidly taken his product literally to the world. Founded in Genk, Belgium in 2005, Rogiers, with just four employees and a thousand square-metres of production and storage capacity, had a clear vision for their one and only product, the Omega sliding roofs. Since then, Versus-Omega has become a leading manufacturer of sliding roofs, lifting systems, and side sliding systems in the trailer sector.

Today, you can nd the company in Oudsbergen, Belgium with ten times the amount of capacity as well as six branches throughout Europe. There are 120 employees working in the company.

Images: Versus-Omega.

THE ROOFING

Hydra-Matic

Operations are simpli ed with automated precision thanks to the Hydra-Matic system. is innovation reduces the li ing process to a single push of a button, making operations faster and easier for drivers.

• Hydra-Matic S1: Allows independent or simultaneous li ing of roof sides.

• Hydra-Matic S2: Provides similar functionality, but with added precision as front and rear cylinder pairs always rise in perfect unison.

Hydramax

For industries requiring unparalleled synchronisation and strength, the Hydramax system is the ultimate choice and considered the apex of li ing system. Designed for applications such as poultry transport, Hydramax o ers:

• Synchronous operation of up to three li ing cylinders per side.

• Li ing heights ranging from 500 mm to 1,000 mm.

• Durable, extruded and anodised aluminum cylinders for longevity.

For the Versus-Omega, all of its innovative o erings, including its roof li ing technology are helping shape the future of logistics. Ideas are spawned from listening closely to its customers’ needs and translating them into advanced solutions that enhance e ciency, safety and adaptability.

Whether it’s through manual systems like HydraMan, automated solutions like Hydra-Matic or the robust Hydramax, the company says it is committed to delivering excellence, tailored to every transport challenge.

www.versus-omega.com

The Axces lifting system makes loading and unloading more e cient, exible and safer.

GLOBAL

THE TRANSPORT SECTOR IS A MAJOR CONTRIBUTOR TO GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS AND AIR POLLUTION, WITH SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC IMPACTS. GLOBALLY, THE INDUSTRY HAS PROVEN IT IS, FOR THE MOST PART, WORKING TOWARDS MINIMISING ITS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT, WHILE STILL SAFELY AND EFFICIENTLY MOVING PEOPLE AND GOODS. HERE IS AN UPDATE OF THE MOVEMENT FROM DIFFERENT JURISDICTIONS.

The transportation sector makes up more than a third of global energy use and the trucking industry is responsible for 1.8 gigatonnes of CO2 emissions every year. e World Economic Forum forecasts that gure to be double by 2050. With that in mind, decarbonisation is one of the key challenges facing road transport operators and the responses are varied, with some areas more advanced than others.

US

In the US, transportation accounts for 28 per cent of total GHG emissions – the largest source – according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Many large shippers such as PepsiCo and Amazon have set sustainability targets, which means they will need to reduce their carbon emissions throughout the supply chain, including the eets they own or work with.

Transport companies are well aware that the industry needs to look at more than just sustainable practices in transport but adopt commercial vehicle electri cation and a greener production of fuel sources with less reliance on oil and petroleum products.

Fleet electri cation is underway for major freight carriers and truck manufacturers, but concerns remain about costs and infrastructure. While playing a signi cant role in reducing emissions, battery-electric trucks have a much higher upfront cost.

Battery-powered vehicles also have a more limited range compared to diesel trucks, making them suitable mainly for local, short-haul, and some regional use cases. e battery packs also increase the vehicle’s weight, reducing payload capacity.

On March 29, 2024, EPA issued a nal rule to revise existing standards to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from heavy-duty vehicles in model year 2027 and set new, more stringent standards for model years 2028 through 2032. e nal rule, known as ‘Phase 3 greenhouse gas’, builds upon the success of two previous rulemakings, Phase 1 greenhouse gas and Phase 2 greenhouse gas, which act collectively to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from heavy-duty vehicles and engines. e Phase 3 greenhouse gas standards will apply to heavy-duty vocational vehicles (such as delivery trucks, refuse haulers, public utility trucks, transit, shuttle, school buses, etc.) and tractors (such as day cabs and sleeper cabs on tractor-trailer trucks).

is action, along with EPA’s 2022 rule setting standards to control smog and soot air pollution from new heavy-duty engines and vehicles and EPA’s 2024 rule addressing multipollutant emissions for model years 2027 and later light-duty and medium-duty vehicles, ful ll the intent of the ‘Clean Trucks Plan’ and will signi cantly reduce greenhouse gas and harmful air pollution across the onroad sector. Besides electri cation, other technologies are in process, such as:

• Hydrogen fuel cell electric

• Renewable diesel (HVOs)

• Hydrogen combustion

• Biofuels

• Natural gas/renewable natural gas

• Improvement of diesel eet e ciency

Powering America’s Commercial Transportation (PACT), is advocating to accelerate the construction of the charging and refuelling infrastructure necessary to support commercial vehicle electri cation and sustainable freight transportation.

Asia

Because Asia is a region marked by rapid economic growth, it is facing significant challenges in achieving sustainable freight transport. According to the International Transport Forum, while there is an increasing recognition of the need for greener solutions, the sector is still grappling with various issues, including urbanisation. Cities like Beijing Shanghai and Delhi are experiencing rapid population growth, leading to increased demand for freight transportation and associated emissions. Many Asian countries also lack robust transportation infrastructure, leading to the reliance on less e cient modes of transport. Experts argue that there is also a lack of regulatory frameworks which could o er clear and e ective regulations to promote sustainable practices.

Despite these challenges, there are initiatives driving sustainability in Asian freight transport. e adoption of electric vehicles, especially for short-haul and last-mile delivery, is gaining momentum, driven by government incentives and technological advancements as is multi-modal transport, which can optimise e ciency.

Meanwhile combining multiple modes of transport such as rail, road and shipping can optimise e ciency and reduce emissions.

Last-mile solutions

With large swathes of urban areas that aren’t friendly to semi-trailers in Asia, the last mile can present challenges especially when it comes to sustainability. Many logistics companies employing strategies such as consolidating goods and scheduling deliveries before or a er normal hours to avoid congestion.

An evolving concept is urban delivery hubs (UDH). Placing hubs near urban areas allows longhaul drivers to bypass regional distribution centres and cross-docking facilities, bringing freight directly to the hub where local delivery partners handle the last mile. However, this concept currently only works for high-volume shippers who serve large urban areas. Some retailers and warehouse operators are

exploring options such as parcel lockers, collection points and autonomous delivery robots. IoT devices and RFID tags can accelerate o oading to reduce dwell time while also helping maintain greater inventory accuracy.

Still, the industry must constantly balance the customer’s need for speed with the environmental impact.

In some jurisdictions, including Tokyo and Beijing, authorities have established low-emissions zones (LEZs), restricting use or implementing fees for emitting vehicles inside certain areas.

Europe

Europe has arguably made the biggest strides and commitment to climate action and making its freight transport sector more sustainable. It is generally considered to be a leader in terms of low-emission transport.

But, like other regions transportation is still a signi cant contributor to emissions.

In fact, in Europe, the environmental impact of heavy-duty vehicles, comprising trucks and buses, contributes to approximately 25 per cent of CO2 emissions within road transport in the European Union. ey also account for approximately 5.0 per cent of the total emissions produced across the EU. In the UK, heavy-goods vehicles contribute nearly 20 per cent of total transport emissions, equivalent to the combined carbon footprint of domestic and international air travel, buses and domestic shipping.

In 2019, the EU introduced Regulation (EU) 2019/1242, which established CO2 emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles. is regulation outlines speci c targets aimed at reducing the average emissions generated by new trucks for the years 2025 and 2030. e European Commission’s European Green Deal aims to improve sustainable transit with a 90 per cent reduction in transport emissions by 2050.

Strong climate policies are one of the biggest contributors to Europe’s success in creating a more sustainable transportation industry which include ambitious climate targets and policies that incentivise the adoption of cleaner technologies and sustainable practices.

ere has also been a strong focus on electric vehicles with investments in charging infrastructure and incentives for EV adoption and it is also a hub for research and development in sustainable transportation technologies.

SUSTAINABILITY IN THE COLD CHAIN

Global temperature-controlled warehouse REIT, Lineage, has announced the release of Economist Impact’s Feeding the Future report. Supported by Lineage, the new body of research explores the connection between food infrastructure and economic development in hard-to-reach geographies, calling for global collaboration toward building a food supply chain better equipped for feeding the world.

Enough food is produced to feed the global population of 8 billion people daily, yet around 733 million people still go hungry, 3.1 billion cannot a ord a healthy diet and 24 per cent of the world’s calories go uneaten due to food loss and waste.

Providing everyone with access to safe, nourishing food while eliminating waste and driving socioeconomic progress will require robust infrastructure – from warehousing and cold storage to transportation networks – that spans the entire global supply chain.

“We are proud to partner with Economist Impact to shed light on the critical role that cold chain infrastructure plays in creating long-term solutions to hunger, boosting agricultural productivity, empowering communities and reducing waste globally,” said, President and CEO of Lineage, Greg Lehmkuhl. “This research speaks to the enduring quality of our purpose at Lineage to transform the world’s food supply chain to eliminate waste and help feed the world, and why it informs every decision we make across our global team.”

The Feeding the Future report was conducted with Lineage’s support as part of Economist Impact’s Food Imperative. The Food Imperative initiative is designed to arm decision-makers with the data, insights and tools they need to develop more sustainable and secure solutions in their commitment to transform global food systems for the future.

“At Economist Impact, our mission is to drive progress on the world’s biggest issues with world-class policy research and global media ampli cation. With the Food Imperative initiative and Feeding the Future report, we’re bringing critical attention to the need for sustainable, resilient food systems,” said Principal and The Food Imperative Lead at Economist Impact, Pratima Singh.

Lineage, has announced the release of Economist Impact’s Feeding the Future report.

Image: ArieStudio/stock.adobe.com.

Case Study – CEVA

How the industry can decarbonise while still maintaining operational e ciency is the question that lies at the core of the logistics industry’s approach to decarbonisation. e World Road Transport Organisation (IRU) believes in a dual approach which relies on both e ciency measures and alternative fuels. E ciency measures cover logistics (load and route optimisation), vehicles (lightweighting and advanced lubrication) and drivers (eco-driving). e second level of action focuses on building a robust, practical and economic transition to alternative fuels. is means investing now in fossil-free alternative fuels, including electricity, hydrogen and biofuels, as well as the public and private infrastructure, vehicles and operational practices necessary to use them.

To understand how a leading logistics provider is decarbonising while continuing to maintain operational e ciency, the IRU talked to IRU member and global logistics company, CEVA, to understand how they are doing it.

According to Global CSR & Sustainability Leader, Benoît Tinetti and Globaol Ground and Rail leaders, Pierre-Alain Saclier, CEVA is focused on innovation and collaboration, committing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions across ground, sea, and air, as well as contract logistics. Here is a breakdown of their methods which has led to a decrease to 6.0 million tonnes, a reduction of 200,000 tonnes from 2022.

• Along with a eet of more than 520 electric vehicles, CEVA has invested heavily in alternative fuels with 153 vehicles running on hydrotreated vegetable oil fuel which cuts carbon emissions by 90 per cent compared to diesel.

• A target of reaching 1,450 low-carbon vehicles across operations by 2025.

• 34 per cent of the electricity powering CEVA’s 1,000 warehouses comes from low-carbon sources, including 800,000 square metres of solar panels.

• A Reusable Packaging System cuts CO2 emissions associated with packaging by 60 per cent.

In 2023, the breakdown of CEVA’s emissions by transport mode was 45 per cent from air, 44 per cent from road, 9.0 per cent from sea and 2.0 per cent from warehousing. CEVA is leveraging its global network and established relationship with carriers to develop new low-carbon solutions. It is also promoting the use of alternative fuels to our customers to encourage demand.

CEVA has also just developed a new feature that gives its customers full visibility over the environmental impact of their shipments. is allows businesses to select the most sustainable option based on CO2 emissions, cost and transit time.

www.globaltrailermag.com

World has extended its Sustainable Development Impact Disclosure to include South America and Africa.

DP WORLD LOOKS TO AFRICA AND SOUTH AMERICA

DP World has extended its Sustainable Development Impact Disclosure (SDID) to include Brazil, Senegal and South Africa.

The move is part of the global logistics company’s ongoing e orts toward achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and follows its rst SDID published in April, which focused on India and Somaliland.

The extended SDID report highlights DP World’s commitment to advancing sustainable development through investments and making a tangible impact across critical areas from resilient infrastructure to community engagement and gender equality, the company said.

“We are committed to investing at scale globally to strengthen trade resilience and foster positive social impacts in the communities where we operate,” said DP World Group Chairman and CEO, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem. “We are immensely proud to extend this disclosure and highlight our contributions to advance the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and bridge gaps in key developing economies.”

This latest report was developed in collaboration with the Impact Disclosure Taskforce, a global network of nancial institutions and industry stakeholders dedicated to establishing reliable impact reporting standards. It provides voluntary guidance to companies, particularly in emerging markets, to measure and disclose the intended development impacts of their strategies.

“DP World has been a pioneer in using the Impact Disclosure Guidance to demonstrate how its business strategy will address country speci c development challenges in key countries of operations,” said Co-Chair of the Impact Disclosure Taskforce and Head of J.P. Morgan’s Development Finance Institution, Arsalan Mahtafar. “Their commitment to measuring and managing their development impact could provide SDG-focused investors the insights needed for informed investment and engagement decisions.”

DP

Image: DP World.

CEVA Logistics has installed a power plant at its facility in Blyes, France.

Image: CEVA.

Les Bruzsa and a 24.5m PBS combination with a split axle group.

HIGH POTENTIAL

LES BRUZSA, CHIEF ENGINEER OF AUSTRALIA’S NATIONAL HEAVY VEHICLE REGULATOR CHIEF ENGINEER, HAS REFLECTED ON THE LAST 12 MONTHS OF PERFORMANCE-BASED STANDARDS AND SHARES HIS INSIGHTS ON WHAT THE FUTURE MAY HOLD.

Les Bruzsa is highly regarded both nationally and internationally for his contributions to the transport engineering industry in the areas of heavy vehicle dynamics, PerformanceBased Standards (PBS), computer simulation and heavy vehicle technology. In his current position as Chief Engineer at the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), he is leading the continuous improvement of heavy vehicle regulations and standards while overseeing a broad variety of engineering and technical activities within the regulation.

Bruzsa has been at the forefront of advocating for PBS since the early 2000s, taking a leading role in pushing the boundaries of innovation necessary to make heavy vehicles safer and to manage the increasing freight task.

Q: Are there any emerging trends in PBS that you can discuss?

A: In terms of the current trends, I think there are a few things that we have to mention. What’s interesting is we’ve currently got more than 24,400 PBS-approved combinations in our books. You might not think that it’s a big number, but if you consider the size of the eets where there is a PBS combination available, that’s roughly around 110,000 combinations –so that would include truck and dogs, prime mover semis, road trains and B-doubles – and

PBS combinations would represent more than 20 per cent of that eet. We’re going to have 25,000 combinations by the end of the year, so it’s not a niche market anymore.

In the last few years there has been a huge increase in the growth of PBS combination numbers. In 2021 and 2022 we approved around 2,100 to 2,200 PBS combinations. Last year we approved more than 3,800 and as of October this year we have approved more than 4,300 combinations. What this shows is that the industry is turning more towards PBS combinations and that industries are recognising their importance in terms of the bene ts they deliver when switched to.

Q: Do the NHVR’s statistics reveal anything else particularly interesting?

A: e crash statistics show that PBS vehicles are the safest in the heavy vehicle eet. ey’re more than 50 per cent safer than ‘prescriptive’ combinations. If you look at Australia’s PBS eet by the level, roughly 90 per cent of it is still PBS Level 1 and Level 2 combinations. So, while there was originally an expectation that PBS would lead to more larger combinations, we can see that 90 per cent of Australia’s eet would be Level 1 and Level 2. And if you look at length, that’s roughly the same. More than 92 per cent of the national PBS eet would be below 30 metres. ose are the levels where the more popular PBS combinations are.

Q: What are your re ections on PBS over the past 12 months?

A: It’s obvious that PBS access is still probably the biggest issue in the PBS scheme. Over the last couple of years and especially in the last 12 months, Victoria and New South Wales have opened up signi cant networks for PBS Level 2B vehicles and that resulted in a huge increase in the numbers of the entire PBS Level 2B class. So, I think what was demonstrated was that if we can resolve the access issues the industry will have more con dence, and it will be able to introduce a range of di erent combinations which have more bene ts.

Q: What would you say has been the biggest change in PBS in recent times?

A: e PBS 30-metre A-double is now the new workhorse of the of the Australian heavy vehicle eet, and we can see that in the increasing numbers. Up until recently, it was mainly the di erent truck and dog combinations which represented the biggest proportion of the national eet. In the last couple of years, we’ve also seen that the A-double numbers are going up. So, looking at the numbers in our

PBS Fleet by Level

Australia’s Performance-Based Standards (PBS) eet by type.

PBS eet by level in Australia.

books, we’ve got around 10,000 truck and dogs, more than 5,000 A-double combinations, around 3,600 prime mover semis and around 3,000 B-doubles. So, Australia’s eet has changed signi cantly in the last couple of years and A-doubles are extremely important now.

Q: Have there been any noticeable changes with how industry is taking up PBS equipment?

A: We’ve seen a wider range of new combinations since the introduction of PBS. We’ve currently got more than 110 di erent PBS combinations on our register which are all di erent types if you consider the extra axle con gurations as well. We have also seen the introduction of semi-trailers with two axle groups which is a completely new idea for increasing payloads. PBS has opened up opportunities for the industry to develop specialised, tailored units for its freight task which I think is great. It’s also increased opportunities for di erent vehicle design features – for example, we now have an increased amount of innovative ideas and designs such as rigid drawbars, steerable axles, di erent axle con gurations and the application of super singles.

Q: You mentioned that access for PBS vehicles has been a fairly big issue as of late. Have there been any updates to route access that you would like to discuss?

A: e interesting thing about our access certainty is that we, the NHVR, can now analyse the performance of the PBS eets operating in di erent jurisdictions, even though there are freight tasks which are going through a number of states or jurisdictions. I mentioned earlier that Victoria and New South Wales have increased their PBS networks signi cantly, and that’s bene cial in terms of the productivity and safety. So, one thing we will be trying to do in the near future is showing information about the safety and productivity bene ts of a PBS eet to decision makers. We have to deal with more than 530 local governments when we are talking about access, and so if we can demonstrate all these bene ts that a PBS eet can deliver – not just safety but productivity and the environmental advantages – then hopefully the result is that better networks are opened up for the operation of these combinations.

Q: PBS 2.0 – do you have any insight that you can share on how it’s progressing?

A: We are working on a number of things to better the current scheme. One key element of PBS 2.0 is reviewing the standards to check if those PBS levels are still appropriate with what we currently have. e other question is do we need any new standards? Do we nd that some of the standards are not relevant anymore? We have to understand that technology has changed in the last 15 to 20 years. For instance, there is a standard in PBS called ‘Directional Stability Under Braking’. is existing PBS requirement is still calling up the very old braking standards for trailers and trucks in the scheme and currently doesn’t recognise improvements in heavy vehicle technology. So, one of our reforms is to move away from the traditional load proportioning valve system in terms of the braking requirements for PBS vehicles. is standard is planned to be introduced in the very near future. We’re aiming to update the

Images: National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.

braking requirements and line it up with the current Australian Design Rules (ADR). PBS vehicles will have to comply with those standards, and that means they will have all the stability systems which are currently not there as a requirement as well. PBS also doesn’t currently consider the bene ts of roll stability systems in PBS assessments, so the other important element of this review is how we can modernize the PBS standards and how we can have consideration for technology such as roll stability systems or electronically steered axles. e other focus is about changing the legislative framework around PBS. e NHVR is still very constrained in terms of how we maintain the PBS Standards and Vehicle Assessment Rules. e legislative process could be slow, so as part of the current review of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), we are hoping that that there will be some reforms so that we can have better opportunities or abilities to change the regulatory framework around PBS and make it more adaptive for all the technological changes. So, that’s what our plans in terms of PBS 2.0 are. At the same time, we are doing lots of work in terms of working with road managers and providing them with engineering and technical advice in connection with the performance of PBS vehicles, and I hope that would help with improved PBS access.

Q: Is there an update on when PBS 2.0 will arrive?

A: We hope to have some elements ready early next year. We have already started the consultation process with jurisdictions and we’ve got a number of discussion papers around for consultation. So, we have the Heavy Vehicle Productivity Plan which is mainly about how we can improve productivity in the road transport sector and a document which identi es the current regulatory roadblocks that we want to change in terms of improving the scheme.

Q: Congratulations on all of your work and success with PBS. Is there anything else you would like to mention?

A: ey are calling me ‘ e Quadfather’ and sometimes ‘ e father of PBS’. I care about PBS because I’ve been there from day one in the early 2000s, and for me, it’s just amazing to see how it has grown. It’s a fantastic scheme and it’s very unique. ere’s no other country around the world which has such a comprehensive performance-based scheme for the management of vehicles, so what we have achieved here in Australia is amazing. Obviously, there are still issues and di culties, but I think the scheme is going well and it’s delivering all the things that we expected it to 15 years ago.

I was driving back from Toowoomba to Brisbane last week and I counted 28 PBS A-doubles and a large number of other PBS combinations in one hour. I remember how di cult it was to put the rst PBS A-double on the road back in 2011, and now they are running everywhere. So for me, that’s, that’s the big achievement – to see these vehicles on the road.

RECORDS BREAKING

THE INTERNATIONAL FREIGHT TRANSPORT FAIR, FENATRAN, IS THE MAIN EVENT FOR TRUCK MANUFACTURERS AND ROAD TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT SUPPLIERS IN LATIN AMERICA.

The 24th edition of FENATRAN made history according to the event organiser, TX do Brasil. e largest fair for road freight transport and logistics in Latin America broke all records by receiving 74 thousand visitors and surpassing $15 billion BRL (approx. €2.5 billion) in business. e nancial result exceeded $9.5 billion BRL (€1.6 billion) in revenue from the 2022 edition.

Also, a survey carried out by RX do Brasil found that more than 2,000 people from 53 countries visited the São Paulo Expo pavilions, the majority of them from Mercosur, such as Argentina, Uruguay, Chile and Peru.

For iago Braga Ferreira, executive manager of FENATRAN, both the number of participants and the volume of negotiations exceeded the organisation’s expectations. “ e results achieved this year present us with a great challenge,” he said. “In 2026, we want to be even better. We will be bold, innovate and seek the best to attract exhibitors and visitors. And we have already started working on this.”

e next edition is con rmed and scheduled for the period from 9-13 November 2026.

Mobility of the future

e automakers took advantage of the last event which took place from 4-8 November 2024 in São Paulo, to present their new technologies aimed at reducing emissions that will dictate the future of mobility towards decarbonization, in addition to their most recent launches in terms of services, leasing, among others.

Commercial vehicle manufacturer, Volvo, for instance, reached $3 billion BRL in business

The event organiser said FENATRAN 2024 exceeded all expectations with record attendance, product launches and deals closed.

generated by the early a ernoon of Friday, November 8. e amount includes the sale of trucks, service plans, insurance, consortium and vehicle rental. Meanwhile, Scania announced the sale of 2,000 trucks at FENATRAN.

“FENATRAN 2024 exceeded all of our expectations, which were already very high,” said Anfavea President, Márcio de Lima Leite.

It was an exhibition with records in all indicators, including deals closed by our members. But it was even more remarkable due to the level of technology presented, which undoubtedly impressed national and international visitors. Sustainability, safety, connectivity and comfort are the hallmarks of new products made in Brazil, and they need to occupy an increasingly larger space in the circulating eet – hence the importance of a vehicle inspection and eet renewal policy.”

RX also held business rounds on 5-6 November. With the participation of 60 exhibitors and 17 purchasing companies, 102 meetings were held that are expected to generate business worth $98 million BRL over the next 12 months. Among the buyers, market-leading companies participated, such as DHL, BYD, Eldorado Brasil Celulose, JBS transporter, PEPSICO among many others.

Road transport industry celebrates success

e road equipment industry generated R$4 billion in business at FENATRAN 2024, a 14 per cent increase over the previous edition, which was $3.5 billion BRL.

“Half a billion more in sales is a very signi cant increase and further strengthens FENATRAN’s position as the largest hub for attracting business in the freight transportation sector in Latin America,” said José Carlos Spricigo, President of ANFIR, the National Association of Road Equipment Manufacturers.

e segment was represented by 58 companies in the São Paulo Expo pavilions, 12 more than in the 2022 edition. One of the newcomers, Sergomel, specialised in equipment for road, sugarcane and forestry cargo transportation, celebrates the success of its participation.

“Our debut exceeded expectations, we managed to generate signi cant sales, totalling 104 pieces of equipment, with business generated in the region of 41 million BRL, a number that may increase a er the event,” said Sergomel CEO, Antônio Marcos Dandaro.

Brazil’s biggest transport and logistics trade show was held at São Paulo Expo Exhibition & Convention Center.

Strengthening the sector

TX do Brasil.

According to Eduardo Rebuzzi, President of NTC&Logística, Geraldo Alckmin, Vice President of Brazil and Minister of Development, Industry, Commerce and Services, as well as several authorities and representatives of companies and entities from all over the country, demonstrated the relevance and success of FENATRAN.

“Once again, we con rmed the tradition of the largest Road Cargo Transportation event in Latin America, celebrating the advancement and technological innovation in the sector,” said Rebuzzo. “ is is always a special moment for NTC&Logística, as our mission is to value and strengthen the cargo transportation and logistics production chain.”

Rebuzzi also emphasized that the segment is the essential and strategic link that connects the regions of Brazil and drives the national economy. “I would like to express my gratitude for the work of RX do Brasil in the impeccable management of yet another edition of the fair, in addition to the fundamental support of ANFAVEA and ANFIR. It is an honor for NTC&Logística to be part of this journey and contribute to the development of our sector.”

Interactive experience

In addition to presenting the main trends for the cargo transportation and logistics market, the event featured another edition of FENATRAN Experience. e attraction, held on an exclusive circuit in the external area of the pavilions, allowed visitors to test trucks and commercial vehicles from the brands Ford, IVECO, Mercedes Benz, Scania and Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus.

In total, 2,500 tests were carried out on 18 vehicles of di erent types and sizes, with combustion, electric and gas-powered engines. e project was sponsored by the companies Addiante and Eaton and had Petrobrás as the o cial fuel.

Held every two years, FENATRAN has institutional partnerships and support from the main associations in the sector, including ANFAVEA (National Association of Automotive Vehicle Manufacturers), NTC&Logística (National Association of Cargo Transport and Logistics) and ANFIR (National Association of Road Implement Manufacturers).

www.fenatran.com.br

Images:

Image: Fire ghtermontreal/stock.adobe.com

EXPOCAM 2025

6-8 FEBRUARY

Montreal, Quebec

A biannual national truck show featuring trucking industry suppliers and experts. www.expocam.ca

Image: IRStone/stock.adobe.com

BREAKBULK MIDDLE EAST 2025

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

With more than 6400 companies involved, the event represents the full industrial supply chain. www.middleeast.breakbulk.com/home

Image: SeanPavonePhoto/stock.adobe.com

TMC 2024

4-7 MARCH

New Orleans, Louisiana

The Technology & Maintenance Council Annual Meeting includes North America’s premier transportation technology exhibition. www.tmcannual.trucking.org

Image: TheaScheuerGregersen/stock. adobe.com

TRANSPORT SCANDINAVIA 2025

3-5 APRIL

Herning, Denmark

Transport is Scandinavia’s leading transport fair for everyone working in or with the transport industry. www.transportscandinavia.com

Image: Aaron/stock.adobe.com

WORK TRUCK WEEK 2025

4-7 MARCH

Indianapolis, Indiana

North America’s largest work truck event is aimed at the people who design, build, use and maintain commercial vehicles and equipment. www.worktruckweek.com

Image: Travel Faery/stock.adobe.com

BAUMA 2025

7-13 APRIL

Munich, Germany

Leading trade fair for construction machinery, building material machines, mining machines and construction vehicles.

www.bauma.de

KEEP A LOOK OUT

Breakbulk Europe 2025 13-15 May

Rotterdam, Netherlands https://europe.breakbulk.com

Heavy Vehicle Transport Technology 2025 26-29 May Quebec, Canada www.hvttforum.org

Transport Logistic 2025 2-5 June Munich, Germany www.transportlogistic.de/en/trade-fair

Intermodal Expo 2025 15-17 September

Long Beach, California www.intermodal.org/intermodalexpo

NUFAM 2025 25-28 September Karlsruhe, Germany www.nufam.de

Transport and Logistics 2025 14-16 October Antwerp, Belgium www.transport-logistics.be/nl/

SOLUTRANS 2025 18-22 November Lyon, France www.solutrans.fr/en

SWAP SUSTAINABLE

A TRIO OF INDUSTRY HEAVYWEIGHTS ARE JOINING FORCES TO BEGIN WORK ON A GROUNDBREAKING INITIATIVE AIMED AT MAKING E-TRAILERS MORE EFFICIENT THROUGH BATTERY SWAPPING TECHNOLOGY.

Charging infrastructure, or lack of it, is a continual bone of contention within the industry as operators do their very best to integrate environmentally sustainable vehicles into their eets.

Looking to alleviate this problem, Trailer Dynamics, DB Schenker and Contemporary Amperex Technology are putting their research capabilities together by looking at the feasibility of battery swapping technology, and the implementation of battery swapping stations for electric trailers and potentially electri ed trucks, across Europe.

“Battery swap technology will play a crucial role in overcoming charging infrastructure challenges and supporting the market ramp-up of zero-tailpipe-emission heavy goods transport speci cally in Europe,” said Executive Vice President of DB Schenker Europe, Wolfgang Janda, adding that the cooperation sends a strong signal to the European market, demonstrating the participating companies’ dedication to advancing the electri cation of heavy-duty transport. e initiative aims to create a swapping system that can be undertaken in ve minutes which would, the partners expect, represent a signi cant step towards enhancing the e ciency and cost-e ectiveness of battery charging for heavy goods tra c, and in turn increase the range and uptime of electric vehicles

Battery Swapping systems are particularly suited to accommodate the unique and dynamically changing requirements of eTrailer users. e estimated swapping time of ve minutes and the selection of multiple battery modules according to the required uses, not only improves the e ciency of the logistics process in electri ed heavy goods transportation, but also the commercial parameters.

Key highlights of the project are:

• Increased range and e ciency: By allowing rapid battery swaps, we aim to maximise vehicle uptime and extend operational range.

• Custom Solutions: Tailored battery modules will meet the diverse needs of eTrailer users, reducing reliance on traditional charging infrastructure.

• Fleet Uptime: Higher utilisation of eet vehicles due to signi cantly reduced charging time from three hours to ve minutes.

Contemporary Amperex Technology or CATL will adapt its battery expertise to the eTrailer concept and provide essential technical data for the design of the Battery Swapping Stations.

“We are excited to combine our technology and experience with the industry knowledge and operational expertise of DB Schenker and Trailer Dynamics, to accelerate the transition to emission-free transportation in Europe,” said

This isn’t the rst partnership DB Schenker has signed onto in the environmental space.

THE PLAYERS

The partners are leaders in their respective elds—logistics, electric drive technology and energy innovation

• Trailer Dynamics – a pioneering entity in eTrailer technology, provides an innovative electric drive train solution aimed at reducing diesel consumption and CO2 emissions and helping extending range for the future electric trucks and semi-tractors. Trailer Dynamics will handle the mechanical and electrical integration of the swappable batteries into its eTrailer systems, creating the prototype eTrailer model for review.

• DB Schenker – one of the world’s leading logistics service providers, contributes its huge network and extensive experience in logistics management. It will play a key role in assessing suitable locations to test battery-swapping stations, and will design a forward-looking map of potential sites across Europe.

• CATL – a leading global innovator in new energy technologies, brings its advanced capabilities in the electrochemical eld and a comprehensive platform covering battery design, manufacturing, and application. CATL will adapt its battery expertise to t Trailer Dynamics’ eTrailers and provide essential technical data for designing batteryswapping stations.

Green revolution

This is not the rst partnership DB Schenker has signed onto in the environmental space. In 2022 the logistics service provider signed a cooperation agreement with Trailer Dynamics and the Krone Commercial Vehicle Group on the use of eTrailers in European land transport.

“The use of eTrailers enables early entry into the phased transition to a completely CO2free eet,” Wolfgang Janda, DB Schenker Executive Vice President, Head of Network & Linehaul Management, said at the time. “In our view, electric trailers do not represent a transitional technology but will instead be a rm component of our commercial vehicle eet over the long term. This marks yet another step in our e orts to reduce our environmental footprint and become net-zero by 2040.”

CATL Executive President of Overseas Business, Akin Li.

Trailer Dynamics will oversee the mechanical and electrical integration of the swappable batteries into their eTrailer systems and provide prototype eTrailer models for review.

“The battery swap technology has the potential to maximise the uptime of our vehicles and reduce CO 2 emissions throughout Europe,” said the CEO of Trailer Dynamics, Abdullah Jaber.

Meanwhile, DB Schenker will assess suitable locations for testing the battery swapping stations and design a forward-looking map of potential locations across Europe.

It is expected that the group of companies involved in the project will be successively expanded to include other logistics companies, energy suppliers and service providers.

www.globaltrailermag.com

CATL brings its advanced capabilities in the electrochemical eld to the project.

Image: DB Schenker.

Image:

CATL.

Into E-Mobility with SAF-HOLLAND

Heavy transportation traffic becomes electric, green and quiet with the recuperation axle SAF TRAKr

Every great E-Mobility concept begins with a first step: the new e-axle system from SAF-HOLLAND – the innovative technology for the electric transformation. safholland. com