Global Trailer November 2024

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What

With records broken, tough issues broached and an industry looking positively to the future, IAA Transportation 2024 organisers are  declaring this year’s event a rousing success.

e Belgium-based trailer

See the Next Generation Curtainsider Series and the other innovations that follow.

Ivan Fornazaric, owner and Chairman of GORICA, shares his impressions of the

market in the

e electri cation of landing legs is boosting

Transport data is reported to be crucial for a transparent supply chain.

Learn more about a partnership in so ware and robotics.

With a broad portfolio of transport equipment, SAF-Holland makes the customer a priority.

What does it take to innovate and remain competitive in a sustainable commercial transport industry?

See how technology investments have enhanced JOST’s value proposition.

Accelerate curtainsider operations with the Penta system.

For Kögel CEO, Christian Renners, winning the workplace was the proudest aspect when it came to launching the company’s long-awaited, award-winning o ering at IAA Transportation 2024. He talks to Global Trailer about this important company moment and what it  took to get there.

“WE

Kögel CEO, Christian Renners

HERE COMES THE SUN

Renewables are expected to meet almost half of the world’s electricity demand by the end of 2030 following the rapid deployment of solar PV systems. A report published last month by Parisbased autonomous intergovernmental organisation, International Energy Agency, has found that the world is set to add more than 5,500 gigawatts of new renewable energy capacity between now and 2030. at is almost three times the increase seen between 2017 and 2023.

China, according to the report, will account for 60 per cent of all renewable energy capacity installed worldwide between now and 2030 based on current market trends and government policies.

While this would make China home to almost half of the globe’s total renewable power capacity by this decade’s end, India is growing at the fastest rate compared to other major economies.

Solar PV is forecast to account for 80 per cent of the growth in global renewable capacity and this will take the form of new large solar plants as well as an increase in roo op solar installations by companies and households.

e wind sector is poised for recovery and is expected to double its expansion between 2024 and 2030 compared with the 20172023 period. In almost every country, solar PV and wind are the cheapest options to add new electricity generation.

Nearly 70 countries that collectively account for 80 per cent of global renewable

power capacity are expected to reach or surpass their current renewable ambitions by 2030. However, growth is not aligned with the goal set by nearly 200 governments at the COP28 climate change conference in December 2023 to triple the world’s renewable capacity this decade. e forecast is closer to 2.7 times its 2022 level by 2030. International Energy Agency analysts con rm, though, that meeting the triple target is possible if governments action near-term opportunities. is would entail reinforcing international cooperation on reducing nance costs in emerging and developing economies which are restraining renewables growth in high potential regions including Africa and Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, a journal that explores the Net Zero debate and the promise of a circular carbon economy, contends that hydrocarbons will remain a signi cant energy source and input for the manufacturing and services industry for the next couple of decades. Current global strategies to reduce the use of hydrocarbons, the journal elaborates, bring about various economic and political problems regarding their adoption and implementation. Speci cally, energy transition policies are generally not incentive compatible. Instead, emission reduction at each step of the value chain from extraction to end user might lead to a more sustainable, low-carbon future.

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John Murphy john.murphy@primecreative.com.au

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INTERNATIONAL SALES

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DESIGN

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Salma Kennedy salma.kennedy@primecreative.com.au

COVER Image: Kögel

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NEWS INTERNATIONAL

AFRICA

KENYA

DHL Express has successfully relocated Chocolat, a female chimpanzee and orphan of the illegal bushmeat trade in the Republic of Congo.

The special cargo has arrived in her new long-term home in Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre, Dorset, UK. Throughout the journey DHL Express provided Chocolat with VIP service, transporting her in a custom-built crate supported by a team of specialist keepers, aircraft engineers, cargo handlers, security personnel and pilots. While travelling, Chocolat snacked on fresh fruit, nuts and sweet potato. Her journey, which was carefully planned to reduce the amount of time she spent in transit, began at Nairobi Airport, included a brief stop in Bahrain, and concluded with a seven-hour flight to East Midlands Airport. From there, she was transported by road to her new home at Monkey World.

Chocolat was an infant when her family were hunted and killed. When she was rescued, she was found with injuries from shotgun pellets that left her with a paralysed hand and foot on her right side. After spending the past twenty years in

Kenya being looked after by her original rescuer, Chocolat has now found a long-term home at Monkey World, which provides specialist care for chimpanzees that have been smuggled from the wild and/or suffered abuse or neglect.

RWANDA

A Carrier Transicold solution has helped a well-known farm in Rwanda cut its product loss to nearly zero per cent.

The global transport refrigeration company has improved Kigali Farms cold chain, reducing food loss and saving it approximately $100,000 in operating costs with a Supra 750 truck refrigeration unit.

Kigali Farms started growing oyster mushrooms in 2010 to provide sustainable income opportunities for small-scale farmers in Rwanda, help fight malnutrition and create local jobs. The business later expanded to produce button mushrooms that are packaged and shipped to Kenya.

Mushrooms are highly perishable and require constant temperature control during transport. Kigali Farms initially faced challenges with inconsistent results from various third-party transporters.

To overcome this, Kigali Farms invested in its own refrigerated truck equipped with Carrier Transicold’s Supra 750 unit, which offers constant evaporation airflow for controlled humidity, a robust design, high reliability and high-cooling performance. Rather than being lost in transit, fresh, nutritious mushrooms could now be delivered to East African supermarkets and outlets, reducing food waste, supporting sustainability and encouraging increased agricultural diversity. Today, the truck continues to operate in Nairobi delivering various types of perishables before returning to Kigali with fruit or third-party goods.

SOUTH AFRICA

Logistics company, Leschaco, has achieved Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) certification in South Africa. Following closely on the heels of its Indonesia’s AEO certification, Leschaco South Africa’s new status underscores its reputation as a trusted partner in customs clearance for international trade, the company said in a statement.

The Level 2 Accreditation is the highest AEO level in South Africa, focusing on supply chain security through risk assessment and mitigation. Achieving AEO status involves a rigorous audit by customs authorities, requiring compliance with standards in record-keeping, financial solvency and security measures. AEO certification is increasingly crucial in the South African logistics sector, enhancing global trade security and efficiency, the company said adding that this certification facilitates closer cooperation with customs authorities, leading to improved planning, enhanced customer service and reduced delays and costs.

Image: Carrier Transicold.

A mushroom farm in Rwanda has cut product loss thanks to a refrigeration solution.

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SOUTH AMERICA

Mediterranean Shipping Company’s MSC Marie, measuring 366 metres in length and 51 metres in width, boasts a maximum capacity of 17,640 TEUs which set the new record. This achievement surpasses the previous record held by the EVER MAX vessel, which made the transit at a capacity of 17,312 TEUs during an inaugural passage in August 2023. The arrival of the MSC MARIE in Panama, coming from the port of Manzanillo in Mexico, not only highlights the canal’s ability to handle the largest and most modern ships, but also its importance as a key hub in global trade, the Canal Authority said in a statement.

Having been battered by a severe

36 transits a day from this month. Preparations for a $2 billion (USD) expansion of one of the canal’s water reservoirs, following approval by Panama’s Supreme Court, are expected to take 18 to 24 months.

BRAZIL

Scan Global Logistics (SGL) continues to grow in Latin America with the acquisition of Blu Logistics Brasil.

Headquartered in São Paulo and employing more than 200 people across eight offices, Blu is considered one of Brazil’s leading freight forwarders. It offers complete air and ocean freight services, including customs clearance, trucking and cabotage.

“Growing our presence in Latin America

operational platform will help pave the way for SGL to establish a strategic presence in Brazil and expand our global reach, benefiting our valued customers. Importantly, Blu brings comprehensive industry expertise and local insights and provides us with a strengthened network in Latin America.”

SGL has rapidly expanded its footprint in the region through a combination of new market entries, expansions and acquisitions. Currently operating in Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Peru and Mexico, adding Brazil fortifies its presence in a region that has significant economic and developmental potential, and a unique geographical position relative to the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe.

Image: Panama Canal Authority.

MSC Marie has set a new Panama Canal record.

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AUSTRALIA / NEW ZEALAND

NEW ZEALAND

A record $1.9 billion will be invested into the Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand, through its National Land Transport Programme.

The project will include highway upgrades, bridge replacement, road connections and a four-lane highway.

“Transport is a critical enabler for economic growth and productivity in the Bay of Plenty,” said New Zealand Transport Minister, Simeon Brown. “Over the next three years, this investment will deliver critical infrastructure that reduces travel times for motorists and freight travelling to the Port of Tauranga, along with supporting population growth in the rapidly growing Western Bay of Plenty.”

More than $640 million will be invested on maintenance and pothole prevention including resealing and rehabilitation works on 349 kilometres of state highway.

NEW ZEALAND

DHL Supply Chain has consolidated the New Zealand warehousing operations of a leading biopharmaceutical company at its recently opened Auckland Life Science facility.

Boehringer Ingelheim selected DHL to take over management of its pharmaceutical and animal care product warehousing operations, thanks to the company’s experience in delivering standardised coldchain warehousing and transport services.

The move to DHL consolidates

Boehringer’s pallet operation to the Airpark II site, which is located close to Auckland Airport. The site features temperature and humidity-controlled areas, cold chain storage capable of temperatures between two and eight degrees Celsius and freezers capable of minus 20 degrees Celsius.

Along with DHL’s transport offerings, Boehringer is also taking advantage of DHL’s reusable Platinum packaging

products, which are built for safe transportation of pharmaceutical items that must be kept between two to eight degrees Celsius.

AUSTRALIA

Road transport advocates are urging the Australian Government to establish a $3 billion Clean Transport Fund to support the trucking industry’s transition to net zero emissions.

In a new policy paper Stronger Economy, Lower Emissions and its recent submissions on the Transport and Infrastructure Net Zero Roadmap and Low Carbon Liquid Fuels, the National Road Transport Association (NatRoad) highlighted the critical need for financial backing to ensure the sector can effectively reduce emissions without jeopardising its future.

“Trucking is an essential part of Australia’s economy, yet our industry is under immense pressure,” said NatRoad CEO, Warren Clark.

“With an average profit margin of just 2.0 per cent, a shortage of 26,000 drivers, and the weight of extensive red tape, the proposed roadmap falls short of offering the support needed to help road freight businesses reduce emissions effectively.” Transport, according to NatRoad, is poised to become the highest-emitting sector by the end of the decade due to Australia’s growing freight task and the projected reduction in emissions from the electricity sector.

NatRoad’s policy paper underscores the necessity for a cost-effective transition strategy for road freight transport and advocates for a Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) to facilitate the gradual integration of renewable diesel and other low carbon fuels.

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EUROPE

GERMANY

Schmitz Cargobull has expanded its central warehouse for spare parts in Altenberge, Germany.

The move is expected to ensure an increased level of material available for service partners and customers.

The new, manually operated narrowaisle warehouse has eight aisles and a rack height of 14 metres. It offers about 3,300 pallet spaces and stores pallet cages, Euro pallets and half pallets. The relocation of materials in the warehouse is improving process quality, while increased material availability is leading to shorter delivery times. With the new narrow-aisle warehouse, more storage space for additional spare parts has been created. Spare parts for Berger lightweight vehicles are also distributed from the site.

“Compared to independent dealers, Schmitz Cargobull offers a decisive advantage,” said Managing Director at Cargobull Parts & Services, Britta Sprey. “One-stop shopping and parts identification via the chassis number in the EPOS spare parts portal, which enables fast repairs and high uptime for Schmitz Cargobull trailers.”

Schmitz Cargobull’s European spare parts business has grown strongly in

recent years, continuously expanding its range of services to offer the fast delivery of more than 80,000 spare parts.

UK

TIP is embarking on a major refurbishment project for half of Howdens Joinery’s 800-strong fleet. TIP will transform 400 tri-axle curtainsider trailers over the next 10 months with the support of its service provider partners.

The process will involve shotblasting the chassis and superstructures of the trailers, repainting, mechanical refitting, fitment of new strapping, a livery refresh and the adding new curtains. The addition of TIP Insight telematics means the fleet will have an Electronic Braking Performance Monitoring System.

The existing units are expected to get a 10-year working life extension thanks to the project.

According to TIP, this refurbishment initiative will save approximately 3.9 tonnes of CO2 emissions per trailer by avoiding a new trailer manufacturing process. TIP is also providing nine new Volvo LNG trucks to Howdens as it expands its truck fleet to further reduce its carbon footprint.

“Using the expected lifetime mileage and scope of refurbishment of each trailer across the Howdens fleet, we are able to calculate the carbon dioxide savings for the business in taking the refurbishment route, as opposed to purchasing from new,” said Head of ESG at TIP, Markus Pretzl.

Further environmental benefits are being made by recycling all 400 sets of trailer curtains. Buckles and poles are being salvaged for the metal, while the curtains and straps are being cleaned and recycled, avoiding approximately 60 tonnes of landfill.

POLAND

Global port operator, PSA International has agreed to acquire an 85 per cent stake in one of Poland’s leading intermodal operators.

Loconi International is owned by publicly traded Polish freight forwarder ATC Cargo.

The move aims to develop new rail products to support PSA’s European container hubs, offering its customers additional options to execute the modal shift from road to rail. With this acquisition, PSA said it will enhance hinterland connections from the Baltic Hub Container Terminal in Gdansk, Poland and extend the port’s reach into new markets in Central and Eastern Europe.

Established in 2011, Loconi provides logistics solutions for shipping companies and freight forwarders that integrate rail transport, last mile road transport and depot services for containerised cargo. It runs 220 trains every month across five corridors in Poland and handles approximately 250,000 TEUs each year.

Image:

TIP is refurbishing 400 tri-axle curtainsiders

AUSTRIA

Following Italy’s move earlier this year, Austria has become the latest country to enforce digital consignment notes for its road transport sector.

The country has taken on e-CMR, the digital protocol to the United Nations CMR convention for international road freight, which sets a legal foundation for fully paperless road freight. Austria is the 37th country to join e-CMR.

The switch from paper-based to fully digital consignment notes is expected boost the efficiency and safety of goods transport across Austria and, ultimately, into neighbouring countries, according to the International Road Transport Union (IRU).

By eliminating paperwork, e-CMR lowers handling costs, eliminates administrative and invoicing delays and reduces discrepancies at delivery sites. e-CMR

also elevates transparency and security across the entire logistics chain, offering more accurate data to trace shipments with real-time access to pick-up and delivery information.

NORWAY

Western Norway’s largest wholesale warehouse for groceries is hoping to advance its environmentally sustainable distribution network by partnering with Thermo King.

ASKO VEST AS, a subsidiary of NorgesGruppen, has begun operating new electric city and drawbar trailers, refrigerated with Thermo King’s electric V-1000 and Frigoblock HKi systems, independently powered by E-COOLPAC battery packs.

The company aims to be fully electric by 2026, having begun its transition from diesel to electric vehicles in 2021, and

now pioneering the use of independent electric refrigeration systems. Thermo King, a brand of Trane Technologies, has provided its V-1000 units and battery-electric city trailers equipped with Frigoblock’s HKi units to operate across Bergen, Tromsø, and Oslo. The refrigeration units are powered by the Thermo King 70kWh and 105kWh E-COOLPAC battery packs that enable a chassis-independent, fully electric and autonomous operation, ensuring reliable and efficient temperature control. Providing electric solutions for refrigerated transportation is part of Thermo King and Trane Technologies’ overall approach to reducing carbon emissions. It aligns with the company’s 2030 Sustainability Commitments, including the Gigaton Challenge to reduce customer greenhouse gas emissions by 1 billion metric tonnes.

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EUROPE

ITALY

Trailer and truck component supplier, SAF-Holland has strengthened its market position following its latest acquisition.

SAF-Holland announced that it acquired Assali Stefen, an axle and suspension specialist based in Verona, Italy

With the acquisition of Assali Stefen, SAF-Holland is expanding its product portfolio for standard and special applications, ranging from standard rigid axles to self-steering axles for trailers. It also bolsters SAF-Holland’s presence in the EMEA region and New Zealand. The purchase price is reported to be in the lower double-digit millioneuro range.

The transaction is expected to be completed, and the company included in the consolidated financial statements of SAF-Holland SE for the first time in Q3 2024.

THE NETHERLANDS

Global logistics company, Dachser, has put a new warehouse into operation at its Dutch site in Waddinxveen near Rotterdam.

With space for 10,000 pallets, the new 6,900 square-metre storage facility increases the site’s capacity to a total of 55,000 pallet spaces.

The warehouse is Dachser’s fourth building in the strategically favourably

located industrial area. It is located opposite the warehouse for contract logistics, which opened at the end of 2020. Transports depart daily from Waddinxveen to all parts of Europe.

“Dachser opened its first branch in the west of the Netherlands in Waddinxveen in 2007,” said Waddinxveen General Manager, Edwin Vermeulen. “Back then, with just 3,000 square-metres and 16 employees, nobody could have imagined that we would open our fourth logistics building here in 2024.”

The new warehouse will increase the total storage capacity in Waddinxveen to 55,000 pallet spaces. With this expansion, Dachser can continue to keep up with the increasing demand for storage space.

BELGIUM

Lineage has completed the acquisition of Luik Natie, a cold storage and transport service provider located in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Belgium.

The acquisition expands the global temperature-controlled warehouse REIT’s presence in Belgium and enhances its current capabilities in the region.

Luik Natie operates a collection of facilities on a single campus spanning more than 61,000 square metres, generating most of its own energy through wind, solar and battery sources.

The campus is equipped with advanced freezing and cooling services to keep perishable goods fresh, as well as container storage solutions.

“The strategic location of Luik Natie at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges – the second largest port in Europe – will help to support our current transport and storage services across Belgium and Europe,” said President of Europe at

Lineage, Harld Peters. “This acquisition represents a significant step in our ongoing efforts to innovate the global food preservation industry, aiming to maintain the highest quality and safety standards.”

The new campus includes a transportation division and offers freight forwarding services, providing an integrated solution for the full supply chain.

This is Lineage’s first acquisition after its IPO on July 25, 2024, the company said, demonstrating its commitment to supporting global food and retail sectors and leveraging a network that includes more than 480 facilities worldwide.

GERMANY

Hellmann Worldwide Logistics is relying on a mix of alternative drive systems to reduce the CO2 footprint of its heavy goods transport.

As part of the initiative, the logistics company is putting two new fully electric 40-tonne Volvo swap body trucks into operation, including charging infrastructure, and is expanding its e-truck fleet by adding four more distribution vehicles.

Hellmann has also, since the beginning of this year, used only bio-LNG to fuel its LNG fleet.

The two all-electric trucks will be used on the difficult-to-decarbonise middle mile – initially primarily on routes between the two German cities of Osnabrueck and Bremen, covering between 550 and 700 kilometres a day. The company is also building its own 300 kW charging infrastructure, including buffer storage. The e-fleet will be expanded to include four all-electric 16-tonne trucks to provide emission-free

Image: Hellmann

EUROPE

deliveries in urban areas.

In addition to electrifying its fleet, Hellmann is also relying on bio-LNG as a climate-neutral alternative to conventional diesel trucks on long-haul routes. The company sources its bioLNG, which is made exclusively from organic residues such as liquid manure and dung, from regional production. The aim is to run more than a third of all Hellmann trucks on alternative fuels by the middle of the year.

UK

Beauty retailer, Sephora, has appointed DHL Supply Chain as its lead UK logistics provider for the next five years.

DHL will be responsible for warehousing, eCommerce fulfilment and Sephora’s

UK transport network, supporting the company’s retail growth strategy.

As part of the partnership, Sephora and DHL will launch a new omnichannel Distribution Centre in Coventry. The multi-user facility, entirely powered by renewable electricity, is DHL’s first operationally carbon-neutral new build site in the UK. It is also DHL’s most sustainable site in Europe in terms of green energy and sustainability.

DHL’s Digital Manufacturing division has developed tailored, in-house solutions based on Sephora’s needs and its specialist knowledge of the beauty industry. DHL is deploying pick assisting robots to support fluctuating demand, while maintaining high quality control. Each order will

be quickly and efficiently  picked and packed across a high number of SKUs.

BELGIUM

Yusen Logistics Benelux has opened a new warehouse for Belgium’s largest pharmaceutical company.

The 40,000 square metre facility, located in Gembloux, is equipped with innovative technologies such as autonomous mobile robots, automated packaging systems and sorting equipment.

Pharmaceutical company GSK will store and export millions of vaccines and raw materials to more than 160 countries from the site.

Additionally, an on-site ‘Packaging Solutions Centre’ will ensure the

Yusen opens a new facility in Gembloux, Belgium. Image: Yusen Logistics.

EUROPE NEWS INTERNATIONAL

integrity of products during transport with a range of passive packaging solutions suitable for all types of transport.”

The warehouse can house up to 42,000 pallets, stored at various temperatures thanks to a 7,000 square metre cold storage area and a 700 square metre freezer compartment. Advanced technologies like autonomous mobile robots, self-driving vehicles and sorting equipment will help GSK efficiently manage raw materials and distribute vaccines, exporting one million doses daily.

SWEDEN

SSAB has announced its new President and CEO who will succeed longstanding incumbent Martin Lindqvist.

Johnny Sjöström, who is currently head of the Special Steels division, will begin the new position on October 28, 2024. Lindqvist is leaving the company for a board career.

Sjöström, SSAB said in a statement, has extensive experience from the industry and from international work. He has been Head of SSAB Special Steels since 2019, where he developed and grew the company’s business for special steels

and oversaw the green transformation of SSAB’s steelwork in Oxelösund. Sjöström has previously been CEO of Uddeholm and held different management positions at Outokumpu Stainless Oy.

Sjöström is a Docent in material science from Karlstad University and has an executive MBA from Stockholm School of Economics.

UK

UK-based, clean technology company, Sunswap, has secured £17.3 million through a funding round led by investment company BGF.

A pioneer in combined solar and battery technology for refrigerated trailers, Sunswap will use the funding to accelerate the rollout of the low carbon alternative to diesel powered refrigeration across the UK and Europe. In addition to BGF, the investors include Shell Ventures, Dutch venture capital fund Move Energy, and existing backers Barclays and Clean Growth Fund.

Sunswap’s Endurance transport refrigeration unit is a fully electric solution that combines advanced battery technology, solar power and

rapid charging. In combination with a first-of-its-kind modular battery and energy-efficient system, the unit provides an emission free solution to power the trailer’s refrigeration unit. The technology has undergone rigorous commercial trials with industry leaders and TIP Group has committed to a 12-month trial of the Endurance unit.

GERMANY

Braking system specialist, KnorrBremse, has announced the sale of a supplier in the UK.

UK-based private equity fund, Rcapital Partners, is expected to purchase GT Emissions Systems, a supplier of emission control systems for diesel engines in on-highway commercial vehicles and off-highway vehicles. The transaction is expected to close Q4 2024.

“For us, the sale of our GT Emissions Systems subsidiary represents the next critical progression in the optimisation of our truck division’s portfolio,” said Bernd Spies, member of the Knorr-Bremse AG Executive Board and responsible for the Commercial Vehicle Systems division. “In future, we are going to concentrate even more strongly on our core competencies.

In Rcapital Partners, we have found a buyer for GT Emissions Systems capable of excellently developing and fully leveraging the company’s potential.”

The global Engine Air portfolio of GT Emissions Systems comprises exhaust throttle and exhaust gas recirculation valves, among other things.

GT Emissions Systems’ sales in the 2023 fiscal year came to approximately €70 million.

Image: SSAB

SSAB has announced a new President and CEO.

NORTH AMERICA

CANADA

The Canadian province of Alberta is amending its driver eligibility criteria to allow Ukraine evacuees to obtain a Class 1 driver’s license.

The province currently has a shortage of 4,000 commercial truck drivers, which has been a factor in ongoing supply chain issues over the past few years, according to the government.

The amendment to the Class 1 Experience and Equivalency Program will allow Ukraine evacuees who hold or have held category CE licences, to reduce the time and cost to obtain their Alberta Class 1 driver’s licences.

Ukrainian driver licensing standards meet or exceed Alberta’s standards in most cases, particularly in driver training requirements.

Ukrainian drivers with five or more years of equivalent experience, within the last 10 years, are eligible for a waiver from the Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) program. Ukrainian drivers with between two and five years of driving experience will need to take the Class 1 Experience and Equivalency Program, which includes 40 hours of training.

has closed on lease purchases for seven former Yellow Transportation terminals across the United States.

In total, the North American company has purchased 29 terminals, and ten Estes-owned terminal leases once possessed by the former trucking company, which declared bankruptcy last year. Estes has remained a debt-free following these acquisitions, it said in a statement.

Estes will be relocating six terminals into the new facilities in the following cities: The transaction adds a net-positive of

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NORTH AMERICA

will be its largest in the country with 275 doors. Year to date, Estes has a total of 11,832 doors, up 508 doors since January 1, which is a 4.5 per cent yearover-year increase. The company plans to add an additional 940 doors over the next nine months.

Since the start of 2024, Estes has also purchased 6,800 additional trailers, increasing its total to more than 45,000 across the country.

US

Thermo King has added Klinge Corporation to its portfolio.

The Pennsylvania-based company provides transport container solutions for various industries and is one of the world’s leading providers of specialised ISO refrigerated containers.

The addition of Klinge complements Thermo King’s suite of sustainable solutions, which includes container refrigeration units which transport temperature-sensitive goods for government and other vertical industries. “Klinge is a natural extension of our strategy, and they share a passion for improving lives through innovative, ultrareliable temperature control solutions,” said President of Thermo King Americas, Adam Wittwer. “We look forward to working together with the talented Klinge team to accelerate growth, create new value for our respective customers, and, above all, ensure communities around the world receive important goods safely and efficiently.”

MEXICO

North American freight provider, XPO, has announced a major expansion of its cross-border service between the US and Mexico.

With the launch of XPO Mexico+, the company is expected to more capacity, coverage and technology to its longstanding cross-border routes. The move is in response to growing customer demand, as supply chains shift from overseas to North American production. According to the company, highlights of the expanded service include:

• Expansion to seven border-crossing points to further accelerate delivery times;

• CTPAT-certified service with coverage to 99 per cent of postal codes in Mexico;

• A significant increase in capacity available for cross-border services;

• Real-time online tracking of freight from pick-up to delivery;

• A dedicated, bilingual XPO Mexico+ concierge desk for customer support; and

• Instant online access to shipping quotes.

“For more than 40 years, our North American network has set the standard for LTL freight transportation between the US and Mexico,” said XPO CEO, Mario Harik. “Now, we’re at the forefront of growth in cross-border trade, with nearshoring trends driving increasing demand for LTL services.”

US

American commercial vehicle manufacturer, Wabash, has announced a number of executive leadership changes.

Mike Pettit will transition from his current role as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer to the newly created position of Senior Vice President, Chief Growth Officer. He will now focus on driving growth initiatives and expanding market reach.

Patrick Keslin is promoted to Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer from his previous role as Vice President, Finance. He will oversee Wabash’s financial strategy, reporting and performance.

Donald Winston will become Senior Vice President, Global Operations, moving from his previous position as Vice President, Global Operations. In this expanded role, overseeing global procurement, in addition to leading manufacturing and supply chain operations, he will continue to drive operational efficiencies.

Drew Schwartzhoff is promoted to Senior Vice President, Strategic Marketing from his previous position as Vice President, Marketing. Schwartzhoff’s role will expand to include product management.

Executive changes have been made at Wabash. Image: Wabash.

US

American logistics company, J.B. Hunt, has surpassed more than 80,000 autonomous long-haul trucking kilometres.

The result, the company said, is thanks to a collaboration with autonomous trucking company, Kodiak Robotics, and Bridgestone.

The company’s autonomous trucks have been used to ship Bridgestone passenger car tyres with no accidents and a 100 per cent on time pickup and delivery record.

Using Kodiak’s hub-to-hub autonomous delivery model, the 1200-kilometre long-haul stretch of the route is completed using Kodiak autonomous driving technology, which is fitted with Bridgestone M719 drive tyres and R213 steer tyres.

The companies leverage J.B. Hunt 360box, a fluid network of 14,000plus company trailers, to secure capacity for the return trip from Dallas, preventing empty miles and improving route efficiency.

The collaboration provides a round-trip solution for delivering Bridgestone passenger car tyres and minimising empty miles.

US

The American Trucking Associations has commended the House Appropriations Committee for voting in support of a provision to end predatory towing.

The provision is part of the fiscal year 2025 transportation funding bill which would facilitate discussions with local, state and private sector stakeholders to develop guidelines for towing and recovery regulations at all levels of government.

Predatory towing entails any incident in which a towing operator severely overcharges; illegally seizes assets; damages assets by use of improper equipment; or illegitimately withholds release of a truck, trailer and/or cargo.

“Charging truck owners thousands of dollars for each unwanted tow and holding cargo hostage with excessive invoices are egregious practices that disrupt our supply chain,” said American Trucking Associations President and CEO, Chris Spear. “ATA and our federation of state associations are fighting back against these predatory towers and ransom payments that target the truckers we depend on to deliver our nation’s goods.”

NEWS INTERNATIONAL

ASIA

INDIA

Global supplier of truck and trailer components, SAF-Holland, has opened a technology facility in India. Tech Center India (TCI), will play a central role as a globally integrated location for research and development activities, the company said in a statement.

“The new Tech Center India is an important addition to our global R&D network and part of our corporate strategy to expand our global backbone in the area of development,” said President EMEA & CTO, Christoph Günter. “It is an important step in mastering the increasing complexity at system level and, among other things, deepening our expertise in the software area to further develop our mechatronic systems.”

The TCI will play a key role in the development of software for SAFHolland’s mechatronic products, such as the Electronic Braking System for trailers. The company sees strong growth potential in the trailer sector and the increasing global demand for mechatronic safety systems.

The location in Pune, India, is close to a SAF-Holland production site under the YORK brand, and was carefully selected due to its strategic advantages. By

expanding its capacities in India, the company is not only expanding its global R&D and IT backbone, but also strengthening its commitment to deliver innovative and high-quality solutions to customers worldwide, it said.

HONG KONG

Dimerco Express Group has announced a partnership with Acer and Cathay Cargo to reduce emissions in aviation. The collaboration will aim to reduce carbon emission through the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Sustainable Aviation Fuel, a biofuel made from renewable resources such as plant or animal materials, has the potential to reduce aviation’s greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 per cent. The International Air Transport Association highlights SAF as a critical contributor, potentially accounting for 65 per cent of the emissions reductions required for the aviation industry to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. “We work closely with our customers to reduce freight-based carbon emissions and although the scarcity makes the alternative expensive, SAF stands out as a game-changer, slashing greenhouse gas emissions up to 80 per cent compared to fossil fuels,” said President Demerco Air Freight, George Chiou. “By joining forces with Acer and Cathay Cargo, we’re taking concrete action towards a more sustainable world.”

MALAYSIA

Intercontinental logistics provider, Leschaco Group, has announced the appointment of a new Managing

Director for operations in Malaysia. Jens Osterwald, who will assume his new role in September, began his professional career in 2005 with a three-year dual study programme at Leschaco’s headquarters in Bremen. He then worked for two years as a sales representative in the tank container department, before moving to Leschaco Korea Ltd. in Seoul, where he held various management positions, most recently as General Manager Warehousing & Contract Logistics. “Jens extensive experience and proven leadership in the logistics industry make him the ideal candidate to lead our operations in Malaysia,” said Regional Head APAC, Alexander Donau.

INDONESIA

DHL Global Forwarding has appointed a new President Director in Indonesia. Based in Jakarta, Nicholas Bongsosartono will report to Thomas Tieber, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding, Southeast Asia and South Pacific. “Indonesia represents one of the dynamic markets in the region, with an expected GDP growth of 5.1 per cent this year, said Tieber. “We are delighted that we have managed to promote internally, a testament to our dedication to nurturing talent and providing opportunities for our employees to thrive and excel in their roles.”

Bongsosartono joined DHL Global Forwarding Indonesia in May 2023 as Head of Airfreight. Before this, he was the Head of Product Management at AP Moller-Maersk for Indonesia and the Philippines where he designed and managed a comprehensive portfolio of commercial products and services.

Image: SAF-HOLLAND.

SAF-Holland’s new Indian Tech Center.

MIDDLE EAST

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Dubai-based NAZ Industries has formed a partnership with SKA International Group, which will see its trailers help advance logistics capabilities in East Africa. Under the NAZ Industries’ Mammut Trailers brand, the company will supply both flatbed and lowbed trailers, custom-designed to withstand the unique climate and terrain in Somalia. SKA International Group provides logistics and transport solutions to high-risk areas. The company said in a statement that the trailers boast advanced features tailored to the

specific needs of SKA’s operations in Somalia, including enhanced structural integrity, reinforced chassis and specialised corrosion-resistant coatings.

The trailers are also equipped with safety mechanisms and ergonomic designs to streamline loading and unloading processes.

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Image:

NAZ Industries has partnered with SKA.

NEWS INTERNATIONAL

MIDDLE EAST

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Dubai-based NAZ Industries has formed a partnership with SKA International Group, which will see its trailers help advance logistics capabilities in East Africa.

Under the NAZ Industries’ Mammut Trailers brand, the company will supply both flatbed and lowbed trailers, custom-designed to withstand the unique climate and terrain in Somalia.

SKA International Group provides logistics and transport solutions to high-risk areas. The company said in a statement that the trailers boast advanced features tailored to the specific needs of SKA’s operations in Somalia, including enhanced structural integrity, reinforced chassis and specialised corrosionresistant coatings. The trailers are also equipped with safety mechanisms and ergonomic designs to streamline loading and unloading processes.

SAUDI ARABIA

Together, Maersk and the General Ports Authority of Saudi Arabia have officially opened the logistic company’s Jeddah Islamic Port-based Logistics Park.

At a cost of $250 million (USD), the 225,000 square-metre Logistics Park is the largest single-site logistics and services facility in the Middle East. The site was chosen because of its advanced infrastructure, with berths capable of accommodating new generations of giant ships and modern, automated, environmentally friendly equipment.

“The Maersk Logistics Park

represents a significant milestone for Maersk,” said A.P. Moller-Maersk CEO, Vincent Clerc. “It is a testament to our commitment to be an enabler of global trade in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which sits strategically at the crossroads of three continents.”

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

DP World has inaugurated 51 new freight forwarding offices across Asia Pacific, bringing its active trading office global total to 161.

The move is aimed to solidifying its position as an end-to-end supply chain solutions provider, the company said in a statement.

“Global trade is in the midst of an unprecedented era of flux in the face of growing geopolitical and economic uncertainty,” said CEO & Managing Director Asia Pacific, Glen Hilton.

“We have an opportunity to help businesses navigate increasingly complex supply chains, as they seek enhanced market access and streamlined but resilient logistics from factory floor to customer door.”

In addition to managing the flow of trade through its ports and terminals, DP World is now in a stronger position to offer a more comprehensive suite of logistics services, and greater flexibility in meeting client needs across various sectors. In cities where the company already operates a port or terminal facility, this expanded presence allows customers to tap into the existing network, for a more seamless flow of goods.

The full range of logistics services, include order and origin management, port handling and freight

management for ocean and air, as well as at-destination services such as customs clearance and bonded warehousing services. The company also offers a variety of value-added services including embedded trade finance, commodity-specific services, cars in containers, transload and advanced hubs and more.

SAUDI ARABIA

Logistics company, DB Schenker, has announced an alliance with a real estate development company as it looks to enhance logistics infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. In partnership with Riyadh-based Kaden, the extensive project will progress through several phases, each designed to accommodate different verticals, storage modes and temperature-controlled spaces. The first phase will be located in the Jeddah city.

“The importance of the partnership is underscored by the significant advancements it brings to DB Schenker’s logistics services,” said Vice President of Contract Logistics and Supply Chain Management for DB Schenker Middle East and Africa, Ako Djaf. “The state-of-theart facilities within these logistics complexes will not only improve our service delivery, but also support the Kingdom’s economic diversification goals outlined in Vision 2030.” Under the agreement, DB Schenker and Kaden will work together to develop custom-designed warehouses and logistics facilities that cater specifically to DB Schenker’s operational needs. Kaden’s design approach focuses on understanding

MIDDLE EAST

client requirements to provide tailored solutions that enhance operational efficiency.

SAUDI ARABIA

Freight forwarder Scan Global Logistics (SGL) has announced the establishment of new locations in Riyadh and Jeddah.

The move gives the company an immediate footprint in the economic Central and West Provinces of Saudi Arabia as part of its strategic expansion plan. An additional office is planned for 2024 in Dammam in the East province.

The expansion, the company said, is driven by Saudi Arabia’s strategic location as a central gateway to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, which makes it an ideal distribution hub.

“Saudi Arabia is one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and a major player in international trade,” said Global CEO, Allan Melgaard. “By establishing our own organisation and presence, we can better control our service offerings to local and global customers.”

The new offices will start with 20-25 employees in the first year and are

expected to grow to 50 employees in the second year. Mohamed Afifi has been appointed as the new Saudi Arabia Managing Director.

Maersk has opened a new facility in Jeddah. Image: Maersk.

CARE FACTOR THE

THERE’S A WELL-KNOWN BUSINESS QUOTE THAT SAYS, “TO WIN IN THE MARKETPLACE, YOU MUST FIRST WIN IN THE WORKPLACE.” FOR KÖGEL CEO, CHRISTIAN RENNERS, WINNING IN THE WORKPLACE WAS THE PROUDEST ASPECT WHEN IT CAME TO LAUNCHING THE COMPANY’S LONG-AWAITED, AWARD-WINNING OFFERING AT IAA TRANSPORTATION 2024. HE TALKS TO GLOBAL TRAILER ABOUT THIS IMPORTANT COMPANY MOMENT, AND WHAT IT TOOK TO GET THERE.

Sporting trendy white New Balance sneakers with more formal business attire, Renners had an aura of approachability, eclipsed only by his passion for the company he has led for the last three years.

On stage at IAA Transportation 2024, he was clearly in his element.

Kögel’s Marketing Director, Maximilian Franz, says the passion is real and that Renners can’t help it because the Kögel Cool Liteshell is essentially Renners’ “baby.”

When asked, Renners laughs and concurs that a er inheriting the project when he began as CEO in 2021, and guiding it to fruition, it has been his pride and joy.

CEO Christian Renners. Images: Kögel.

EXECUTIVE TEAM

It’s been a busy year of hiring at Kögel with the company solidifying its executive team. It has only recently announced the appointment of Thore Bakker as Chief Sales O cer, with responsibilities that include Kögel’s global sales strategies and operations, with the aim of driving growth a further strengthening its market position.

The industrial engineer brings with him more than 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, beginning his career in the truck sector at Daimler. Most recently he served as General Manager at BPW Bergische Achsen KG.

“Thore’s ability to lead strong sales teams and develop innovative strategies will be instrumental in achieving our growth targets and strengthening our position in the industry,” CEO, Christian Renners said.

Bakker joins, Christian Spengler, who was appointed to the executive team as Chief Financial O cer earlier in the year.

Spengler, who is a quali ed banker and a graduate of business economics, has had a long-standing career as a nancial expert and controller, as well as experience in various commercial leadership positions.

Along with his appointment, Spengler became a member of the Kögel Trailer executive board.

Spengler said he is determined to optimise processes for greater e ciency and to put Kögel’s long-term future on solid ground.

As well as implementing a sustainable nance strategy, as CFO, he will also work to advance digitalisation in the company, improving the networking of the individual company divisions and departments. This is expected to strengthen internal cooperation between the individual Kögel divisions and the new leadership structure, as well as administrative communication with customers.

He also believes that e ciency must pay o and a focus on sustainability is especially important during the current consolidation of the trailer industry and persistent recession, adding that all future measures will follow the company’s guiding principle: “Economy meets ecology – because we care.”

For Spengler, the advancement of customer bene ts in terms of ecological footprint, are an essential prerequisite for securing Kogel’s future.

COMPANY SNAPSHOT

Kögel has been delivering German engineering for more than 90 years. Founded in the town of Neu-Ulm in 1934, Franz Xaver Kögel transformed the workshop where he worked into a coachbuilding company. Since then, the Bavaria-based company has gone on to reach new heights in the development and production of trailer solutions. These include the rst refrigerated semi-trailer in all-plastic construction, the patented central axle tipper trailer and the rst cathodic dip-paint coating for optimum corrosion protection.

Today, Kögel employs 1,200 people in 11 countries, transforming from an initial production of oors, side walls and substructures for truck beds, to become a leading trailer supplier. The company headquarters and main production facility are located in the Bavarian town of Burtenbach, while there are branches also found in Ulm and Duingen, Germany, Choceň, Czech Republic, Verona, Italy, Gallur, Spain, Kampen, Netherlands, Corcelles-enBeaujolais, France, Schärding, Austria and Padborg, Denmark.

“ anks to the experience I’ve had, I know what it means to run a project including all the many stakeholders you have to deal with,” he said, taking time a er a busy media conference to talk to Global Trailer. “Everyone has a di erent wish. e sales guy wants a product to be at the lowest price, technology wants it to be the most innovative possible. So, if you don’t have a proper management style, company culture and team, you’ll have a di cult time.”

Renners understand the industry from the bottom up. He is a quali ed machine tter and graduate mechanical engineer, who also holds a Master of Business Administration. He has held numerous managing roles in the industry, gaining experience in the automotive-adjacent industries and in transport and logistics.

For Renners, his job was making sure everyone was running in the same direction to get to the goal, which was the Cool Liteshell and the green light to begin manufacturing.

“I saw the challenge immediately and felt it was absolutely my responsibility to see it through to the end,” he said. “I think that is why I see it as my baby.”

His e orts, and that of the team, paid o with the vehicle winning rst place in the concept category at the International Trailer Awards, with the winning refrigerated vehicle concept aiming to address the cold chain’s stricter regulations for the transportation of sensitive and perishable goods, as well as growing market requirements ensuring quality and sustainability.

The Cool Liteshell

e Kögel Cool Liteshell uses an innovative panel technology that reduces the vehicle’s weight, while simultaneously increasing its resilience – o ering economy and sustainability.

“ e main standout we have here is the weight reduction. at is the main advantage,” he said. “We haven’t had an innovation or an opportunity like this in a century.”

Compared to the current Kögel refrigerated vehicle, Kögel Cool Liteshell is, according to the manufacturer, 700 kilograms, or more than nine per cent, lighter.

The weight reduction is achieved through specially manufactured panels for the sides, the roof and the oor. Kögel dispenses with the usual steel top layer and instead uses milled hard foam blocks made of polyurethane and a top layer made of breglass mats with thermoplastic polyurethane.

CFO, Christian Spengler, CEO, Christian Renners and CSO, Thore Bakker. Image: Kögel.

is material combination is also intended to eliminate corrosion on the structure.

Reducing the tare weight also positively impacts fuel consumption. According to the company,

Cool Liteshell can save 0.30 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres, which leads to a reduction in CO2 emissions of 0.8 grams per kilometre. is could save every 32nd trip when fully loaded.

e Kögel Cool Liteshell was equipped with the Axlepower system from BPW and ermo King at the trade fair. is technology stores energy recovered during driving and braking in a battery, which powers the cooling unit both during travel and while stationary. is solution contributes to reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions and improves comfort for the driver.

One of the most exciting moments of the whole process was the nal weigh-in. e trailer had to be 700 kilograms lighter and while they knew the weight of the components individually, there was still a little bit of trepidation.

“We were keeping Mr Humbaur (company owner Ulrich Humbaur) up to date all the time because this was a historical project for the company, he recalled. “So we went out to the scale with him,” Renners said. While the outcome was what they had all hoped for, it didn’t matter for Renners. He was prepared to continuing ghting for and nurturing his “baby.”

Kögel Port 20

Another of Kögel’s new products, also unveiled at IAA Transportation in Hanover, was the new Port 20, an expansion of its container chassis range. e three-axle, 20-foot chassis is one of the lightest in its class with a tare weight of 2,900 kilograms. It features optimal h wheel load distribution and a wide array of equipment options.

e Port 20’s chassis design features a rearwardo set wheelbase, which increases the h wheel load and enhances driving stability. For cross-border transport, an optional second loading position is available, which boosts the h wheel load by up to 30 per cent.

It can also be customised with various innovative and proactive features, including a rear ladder for easier access, an optimised rear design to provide enhanced protection for lightweight load carriers and an integrated toolbox in the rear.

Because we care

While the demand for sustainable products such

as the Cool Liteshell are on the rise, Renners said the impetus stems originally from the nature and culture of Kögel as a company, where sustainability isn’t just a market demand or a legislative imperative. Hence the company’s long-time slogan, “Economy meets Ecology - Because we Care.”

“We have a culture of sustainability and a culture of reducing weight,” he said, adding that Kögel has been in the unique position of having its own metalworks, allowing it to be in full control of weight reduction.

“In the beginning it might have been about cutting costs, but now the users can see that the emissions are lower, and this ts well with the innovative DNA the company has,” he said. “We also know that we are part of an important social movement within the industry.”

e market uptake doesn’t worry him, as he points out that companies were buying electric trucks when they were triple the price. e motivation to do right by the planet, especially among large retail corporations, is there and, he predicts will only get stronger and the pressure on transport companies to have sustainable vehicles will grow.

“Not everyone wants this product, but there are people out there who do want these innovations,” he said. “In fact, there are more people out there than we have the capacity to service because we are in a growth phase.”

e dichotomy of the rapidly moving and exciting innovations in the industry are in stark contrast to the economic downturn it has faced in the last few years, but Renners says counteracting that is a long-term view and passion.

“You need to have patience in this industry and that is something our investor has.”

For Kögel the short-term future will be about production and while the company did look to other countries, a local loyalty won out and it will be manufactured at the factory in Germany. Components are expected to begin being manufactured by the end of the year.

“We know what our steps are, and we are ready, the machine is ready, and we know it works.”

www.kogel.com

Kögel’s stand at IAA Transportation 2024. Image: Kögel.

PRESSURE POINT

AMONG THE EXCITING BUZZ OF IAA TRANSPORTATION 2024, THERE WERE SOME NOT-SO-QUIET WHISPERS ABOUT THE STATE OF THE EUROPEAN TRAILER MARKET. WHILE THE MARKET IS ENCOUNTERING A WEAK PERIOD AND THE PRESSURE IS ON, THERE IS LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL.

It wasn’t panic stations among the trailer industry leaders at this year’s IAA Transportation expo. For the most part, they acknowledged the market in Europe isn’t at is best, with demand signi cantly down, but companies are generally maintaining the ‘business as usual’ mentality.

“Of course, there will be moments that our market is a little bit quiet, but you cannot sit and relax,” said LAG Trailer CEO, Rob Ramaekers, who is pushing forward with factory upgrade plans and expansion in Poland. “You have to look to the future. You have to work together and look to the future.”

e second half of 2023 was a weak period for trailer demand in Western Europe, and it became clear in early 2024 that the rst half of the current year would also have weak registrations gures.

A er some strong years, faltering transport demand sparked a downturn in the European trailer market in 2023. Trailer ‘hoarding’ led to a delay in investments and long lead times disappeared, said Senior Transport and Logistics Economist, Rico Luman in report published earlier this year.

“We still expect to see a contraction in 2024, albeit smaller, as the economy is expected to remain sluggish and road transport only mildly recovers,” he wrote. “With economic growth catching up, expansion could happen in 2025.”

While the reasons for the downturn are varied and include post Covid adjustments and political unrest, especially in Ukraine, for BPW Personally Liable Managing Partner, Achim Kotz, a lot of it is a re ection on the state of the German economy.

“ e economy in Germany is not great at the moment and in such an economy you don’t transport as much, and you don’t invest in transport or trade.”

e root cause, he admits, isn’t clear but for BPW, the answer is to continue to carry on producing with what they have.

“We have to concentrate on using our capacities as they are, and be cost e ective and e cient,” he said. “Of course this isn’t going to last forever, transport has to exist.”

e Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the European Union expanded 0.80 per cent in the second quarter of 2024 over the same quarter of the previous year. In Germany, economists forecast a growth in economic performance of only 0.1 per cent for 2024. Only in 2025 is stronger growth of 1.2 per cent expected.

US TRAILER MARKET

US trailer orders declined year over year for the fourth consecutive month in August, according to ACT Research.

Preliminary net data showed orders fell 40 per cent year over year to 7,700 units. However, the total increased by about 500 units from July.

Seasonally adjusted results at this point in the annual order cycle boost the total for the month to 9,500 units. The only year-over-year increase this year was a 37 per cent rise in April.

“Despite the sequential order improvement, August data continue to bear witness to our expectations of weaker demand against the backdrop of elevated order velocity the past few years, continuing weak for-hire truck market fundamentals, and already- lled dealer inventories,” said the Director of Commercial Vehicle Market Research at ACT Research, Jennifer McNealy.

RUNNING THE RACE

SLOW AND STEADY WITH A CLEAR MISSION HAS BEEN THE LAG TRAILERS ETHOS, AND THE METHOD APPEARS TO BE PAYING OFF, WITH BIG PLANS ON THE HORIZON. ON HAND AT IAA TRANSPORTATION 2024, LAG TRAILERS CEO, ROB RAMAEKERS, TALKED TO GLOBAL TRAILER ABOUT THE ROAD TO ITS SUCCESS.

With a milestone anniversary on the horizon, CEO Rob Ramaekers has made 2027 his deadline to make LAG Trailers’ goals a reality.

e Belgian trailer manufacturer, which focuses on the manufacturing of tankers for the transport of liquids and powers, will hit 80-years-old in three years. Today its products are grouped into ve categories: fuel trailers, tank trailers, silo trailers, containers and container chassis.

“We want to be one of the top three tank and intermodal transport equipment manufacturers in Europe,” Ramaekers said, adding that he would like to see production numbers increase to approximately 3,000 units.

LAG’s mission, he said, is to provide reliable, innovative and modular road transport equipment to the European tank and intermodal transport industry, all while ensuring both customer satisfaction and safety are always at the forefront.

To achieve its goal, all while adhering to company principles, means LAG is planning on investing in new facilities, some of which are strategically located.

Belgian company LAG Trailers is making some big moves in the coming years. Images: LAG Trailers.

LAG Trailers CEO, Rob Ramaekers.

Ramaekers, who is an engineer by trade and has been with LAG for more than 35 years, has seen the company’s ups and downs rst hand and his future goals have a solid plan.

“Good trailers are all about being e cient trailers, and you can’t build those without proper factories,” Ramaekers said, referring to the rst phase in LAG’s investment plans, which will focus on its current factory in Belgium.

“Our factory is now 77 years old and while parts of the buildings are young, we still have some old facilities, so we want to get rid of the old ine cient product facilities.”

The upgrade is expected to include new inspection stations, a combined spray and drying hall, six o ine assembly stations for custom trailers, an expansion of the solar panel park, as well as a showroom where the team will have the opportunity to communicate directly with their customer.

“If you have contact with your customer, you need to be able to show them the product and explain why it will work for them and their needs,” he said.

Another focus will be LAG’s production plant in Poland, which Ramaekers sees as an important asset for a number of reasons.

“ ere are de nite advantages to having this Polish plant. e rst is because you don’t need to have all the best people in one spot, as it is easier to nd them and have them join the company if you are located in two di erent countries,” he said pointing out that there is a shortage of tters and welders in Belgium.

“And the second advantage, of course, is that in Poland, the wages are lower than Belgium.”

LAG’s portfolio includes a wide range of diverse semi-trailers and intermodal applications for the transport of liquids and powders.

While there isn’t a agship product as such, said Ramaekers, of the ve products it does have, the fuel tanker, which is a regional product, is quite popular. LAG also has the highest selling dry bulk container in Europe.

“We have an almost perfect split between the ve di erent products,” he said, adding that he is happy with this situation as it leaves the company less vulnerable if there are big market demand shi s.

www.lag.eu

COMPANY SNAPSHOT

The LAG Group, with its head o ce in Bree, Belgium, has new construction and service activities spread over three countries and is supported by a team of 450 employees.

The LAG Group has experienced stable growth over the last 10 years, with trailer production gures rising from 1.700 to 2.200 units. This increase has consequently led to a surge in turnover from approximately €80 million to €125 million.

Recent growth – chassis assembly capacity – is a result of an investment made in 2021 with the founding of a new assembly plant in the Netherlands, named CIMC Intermodal Equipment NL (CIENL)

LAG Trailers employs 365 people on the site in Belgium. The neighbouring divisions in the Netherlands, LAG Service (Burg Trailer Service) and the assembly entity CIENL (CIMC Intermodal Equipment NL), together employ 45 people. The branches in Poland employ a total of 40 people, working out of locations in Poznan, Jasin and Radzionkow.

LAG HISTORY

1947

LAG Trailers is established

1949

Pioneered the development of the rst steel tank trailer

1951

Introduced the rst stainless steel tank triailer

1958

Became the rst European company to launch the aluminium fuel trailer

2007

Purchased by CIMC

2008

Reverted back to its rst initial o ering of tanks

The LAG Trailers executive team.

PATENT POWERHOUSE

THE EFFORT PUT INTO THE DEVELOPMENT OF KÄSSBOHRER’S NEXT GENERATION CURTAINSIDER SERIES RESULTED IN 12 NEW PATENTS AND 36 PATENTS OVERALL. ITS INNOVATIVE PROWESS WAS OFFICIALLY UNVEILED AT IAA TRANSPORTATION 2024 TO A GLOBAL AUDIENCE.

The Kässbohrer team held an enthusiastic unveiling of its vehicles in Hanover, Germany and front of stage was its Next Generation Curtainsider Series.

“We have been very busy in 2024 presenting our new products, starting with our new generation container chassis series, and then our new generation reefer series at the beginning of the year,” Kässbohrer Board Member, I et Turken told the audience. “And now the star of the show is our New Generation Curtainsider.”

More than a vehicle, the trailer builder declared it an example of engineering excellence and a customer focused approach to design.

Development

During the curtainsiders’ development, Kässbohrer engineers produced 12 new patents and three new utility models. Overall, it features 36 patents and seven utility models.

Developed at Kässbohrer’s new second research and development centre, the series underwent rigorous testing, simulating 2.5 million kilometres

Kässbohrer’s Next Generation Curtainsider was unveiled at IAA Transportation 2024. Image: Kässbohrer.

of challenging road conditions to guarantee stability, load safety, vehicle reliability and longevity.

e vehicles were tested on torsional and buckling performance, as well as lateral-force-resistance to ensure both performance and safety on even the roughest roads, during high-speed turns and tight curves.

Materials and equipment

e Next Generation Curtainsider Series was built using fully automated robotic welding and advanced surface coating technologies. A six-layer surface protection, made up of Kässbohrer’s KTL coating with zinc phosphate technology, provides the chassis corrosion resistance, with ten years of rust perforation protection.

It provides a user-friendly experience, the company said, by featuring aspects such as lightweight roof caps, central pillars and user-friendly roof-li ing system. e patented integrated cross-tensioning system, K-Tension, in the roof tarpaulin, ensures a stable roof structure that resists lateral stress, preventing sagging and o ering safe loading.

TRAILER AWARD WINNER

Kässbohrer was the winner in the chassis category of the International Trailer Awards 2025. The award is Kässbohrer’s seventh in the last ve consecutive terms, and it’s second championship of chassis category.

The winner, Kässbohrer’s 12-15 Flexi curtainsider, is a further development of longer and higher capacity vehicles, presenting an all-in-one-vehicle compliant with all EU wide vehicle dimensions.

Built on Kässbohrer’s award-winning extension engineering, the 12-15 Flexi is an extendable and retractable curtainsider vehicle. When fully retracted, the vehicle is 12 m in length and while fully extended the vehicle is 15 m in length.

The 12-15 Flexi eliminates multiple vehicle investments for transport companies. It increases the load factor in operations, saves on raw materials for the manufacturing of new vehicles, and saves on time and cost of cargo handling operations.

Within the EU, there are di erent regulations for vehicle dimensions and capacities. While Nordic regions allow for 25-25 m and 32 m longer higher capacity vehicles, the standard in EU is 13.6 m semi-trailers. Meanwhile, ten EU countries and the UK allow for 15 m vehicles and most urban areas permit a maximum length of 12m.

Additional features include a multi-bolt xed oor with a 7.2 tonne forkli axle load capacity and water-resistant sealing, allowing for long-term durability with minimal maintenance. With its Code XL certi ed durable front panel, developed with new generation bolted aluminium panels and aluminium front pillars, the vehicles o er rustfree, long-term use to its users.

Meanwhile, secure docking is further supported by welded rear pillars, high-friction resistant ramp bu ers, and reinforced rear door hinge guards, delivering safety during loading and unloading operations.

Loading

e new chassis is engineered with the K-Fix system, patented load-strapping technology, o ering 17,000 ways to x a load through strapping holes spaced every 70 mm and 13 x 2 securing rings along the frame.

Additional load securing bars, 400daN capacity side walls, pillar pockets and pallet stoppers complete the full load securing features. is total load security ensures no load shi ing, providing safety in motion for diverse transportation needs and ensuring optimal load security for all transportation needs.

Engineered for intermodal excellence, the Next Generation Curtainsider excels in both road, rail and sea transport. Its anti-de ection capabilities ensure smooth and reliable loading for trains, while the sliding bumper minimises damage during ferry boarding. Additionally, the reinforced closed king-pin area enhances safety and e ciency in port operations.

www.kaessbohrer.com

Kässbohrer Board Member, I et Turken, introduces the “star of the show.” Image: VDA/ IAA Transportation 2024.

HOME AWAY AND

FROM THE FARMLANDS OF CURRENT-DAY SLOVENIA, TO THE RAPIDLY GROWING KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA, GORICA GROUP OWNER AND CHAIRMAN, IVAN FORNAZARIC, HAS HAD A COLOURFUL CAREER AND WITNESSED THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE OF THE MIDDLE EAST MARKET. HE SAT DOWN WITH GLOBAL TRAILER AT IAA TRANSPORTATION IN HANOVER TO SHARE HIS IMPRESSIONS.

Trying to work out a way to get his family’s peaches from the farm to market was Ivan Fornazaric’s rst taste of the transportation industry.

For close to the past forty years, however, he has made the Middle East home, growing GORICA Group from importing to assembling, and now as one of the leading manufacturers of trailers, tankers and frigo bodies, in the Middle East and North Africa.

“When I arrived in the Middle East there were almost no manufacturers at all and trailers were imported from Europe,” he recalled. “Slowly local manufacturing began, supported by the growth in the construction industry, as well as it being di cult and expensive to get trailers shipped to the Gulf. e preference became local manufacturing.”

e Middle East’s growing population, urbanisation, and its economic development, present opportunities for the trailer manufacturing industry, but analysing and predicting

the transportation market in the Middle East can be more di cult than other jurisdictions. Among these reasons are regulatory changes, economic uctuations and geopolitical instability.

“I would say the market is currently doing okay,” he said. “Last year was good, but the year before there was a drop in oil prices, political problems in Yemen and boycotting of Qatar, which all created

Owner and Chairman, Ivan Fornazaric.

NEW PRODUCTS

Over the past year, GORICA has developed and launched several new bodies, catering to speci c demands and applications. These include:

• A street washer featuring both high and low pressure, with a hydraulically operated washing nozzle system, suitable for both medium and heavy-duty chassis.

• A tunnel cleaner with a hydraulically operated roller arm, suitable for tunnel cleaning, under pass cleaning and large signage cleaning.

• Multi compartment refrigerated bodies catering to grocery deliveries combining ambient, chiller and freezer temperatures in single body.

• Ice cream delivery bodies with the required temperature of -30°C

a bit of a struggle and then there was post-COVID which was actually more di cult than during COVID.”

GORICA arguably has one of the largest range of trailer products in the Middle East, born primarily out of market need in a rapidly growing country with robust and varied industries. Fornazaric explained that this position is both a challenge and an advantage.

Advantageous because GORICA isn’t dependant on one particular industry to sell its products, but on the other hand, a lot goes into design and development and industry demands change quickly.

“We might have a year where construction products sell heavily, and then the trend slows to general transportation, or to waste collection, so we have to be ready for anything,” he said.

Currently GORICA’s top vehicle output is for the waste management industry –transporting both liquid and solid waste bodies.

is is closely followed by the perishable goods industry, especially among pharmaceutical companies in need of refrigerated bodies, as well as the construction industry, due to large scale projects in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

GORICA considers all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to make up its local market. is includes United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain. In all but Bahrain, the company has its own workshop, where bodies are locally mounted and delivered to clients.

For more than 30 years, its international market has been made up of East Africa, West and Sub-Saharan Africa and Iraq, while more recently it has opened up in Commonwealth of Independent State (CIS) countries such as Azerbaijan, Armenia and Kazakhstan.

In general terms, the trailer market in the Middle East is currently doing well, and while there is still some political unrest to contend with, as well as economic uctuations, it is still be buoyed by ongoing investments from both within and outside the Kingdom into transportation infrastructure, including roads, railways and ports. ese are all driving demand for trailers used in construction, logistics and transportation sectors.

e region’s growing population and urbanisation are also leading to increased demand for goods and services, which in turn also requires e cient transportation and logistics solutions.

As for future growth, Fornazaric said GORICA is currently on an organic growth path, eyeing Saudi Arabia as well India, as well looking to invest in more local infrastructure. In terms of any future partnerships, he said GORICA is open to the concept down the track, but in the meantime, will continue doing what it does best – building trailers.

www.goricagroup.com

Just one of Gorica’s many o erings.

Images: Gorica Group.

SOLUTIONS RAZOR SHARP

WITH MORE THAN 20 YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY, RAZOR INTERNATIONAL HAS A RANGE OF ELECTRIC PRODUCTS ALL AIMED TO MAKE DRIVERS’ JOBS EASIER. AMONG THOSE PRODUCTS, LANDING LEGS HAVE BECOME THE COMPANY’S STAR PRODUCT. IN FACT, THE TECHNOLOGY IS SO GOOD, IT’S CAUGHT ATTENTION FROM SOME UNIQUE PLACES.

From li ing semi-trailers, to keeping zoo animals safe in their enclosures, Razor has spawned a product capable of adapting to many di erent applications and o ering a multitude of solutions.

Blue and Gold Fleet, a marine service company in Canada, wanted a product to raise and lower ramps when the local ferries dock. Razor was able to provide a solution, giving the operators one less manual job to worry about.

Zookeepers at Melbourne Zoo needed help li ing heavy gates in the gorilla enclosures, and Razor adapted a system which removed manual cranking, preventing injury and saving time.

Meanwhile, Ag company, Aricks Australia, needed a product to hold farming machinery o the ground, and Razor’s landing leg product was perfect for the job. With a Razor in each corner, the equipment could be levelled and cleaned conveniently.

Razor International was founded in Melbourne, Australia by Geo rey Watson and Darryl Baird a er developing a concept for winding semi-trailer landing legs through an intelligent electronic system. ey created the system a er being approached by a company looking to automate its processes because of increased injuries.

“Slowly and surely, it gained traction over the years from people needing solutions for manual processes,” said Razor International’s General Manager, Salvatore Calcagno.

From there, the concept eventually spawned other products, including tarp systems and roller doors. Razor’s mandate is simply to make a positive di erence in the lives of drivers, through labour-saving products that prevent injury and promote a safer work environment.

Razor is currently establishing itself in the American market, making its foray overseas with its electric landing gear system. In Australia, its main distributor is JOST Australia, which has o ces in ve states.

e system makes li ing a trailer as simple as pressing a button, removing the manual labour involved.

“Typically, a driver has to crank a big handle to raise and lower the trailer,” Calcagno explained. “Quite commonly this leads to shoulder injuries and for inexperienced operators in can be worse with head, jaw and chest injuries.”

Across the Razor International product suite, the same principles apply – safety keeps operators healthy and active. ere is also time and cost saving, as an operator can attend to other jobs with a Razor doing the hard work. e Razor product is considered a necessity for the operator, for the eet and for the industry.

www.razorinternational.com

Razor’s ag ship product is its landing legs. Images:

technology

RAZOR CONNECT

The mobile app called Razor Connect, allows users to operate the Razor system from mobile phones via Bluetooth. The app provides real-time information on the status of the system, including battery condition, current AMP readings, temperature, as well as other helpful statistics. The application can log multiple systems, act as a remote, adjust tension and provide contact information if assistance is required.

Razor International.

Razor’s

at work on a ferry ramp.

DATA DEPENDABLE

SCHMITZ CARGOBULL BELIEVES

COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORT DATA IS CRUCIAL FOR A TRANSPARENT SUPPLY CHAIN. THE TRAILER BUILDER’S CHIEF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, MARNIX LANNOIJE, SAT DOWN WITH GLOBAL TRAILER TO TALK ABOUT WHY.

TRAILERCONNECT BENEFITS

Here are just a few of the advantages dispatchers, eet managers and drivers have using the TrailerConnect system.

• E cient route planning and monitoring

• Remote access to refrigeration and trailer

• Optimal selection of the right vehicle and equipment

• Central monitoring of transport orders

• Constant communication between driver and dispatch

• Timely warnings of breakdowns and malfunctions

Telematics data is currently the hottest information in road transport, and making sure that transport data is comprehensive, is crucial for a transparent supply chain.

While there is so much to telematics, especially considering the technology is rapidly evolving, in simple terms, the high-quality technical components and sensors record a trailer’s data and transmit it directly to the telematics datacentre.

For Schmitz Cargobull, its priority is to ensure that the system o ers value to the customer.

One of the best ways to do that, says Chief Research and Development O cer, Marnix Lannoije, is by providing the customer with their own data.

“We provide a data service that allows you accessibility to your own data because we believe that if you buy the vehicle, the data belongs to you, and you should be able to share that data with anyone you want to,” he said of the Schmitz Cargobull’s TrailerConnect telematics system. is is especially relevant when it comes to refrigerated transport, as it doesn’t matter what brand cooling machine is being used. Schmitz Cargobull has its own transport refrigeration unit, but if the customer prefers another brand’s portal, the data can still be shared.

As for Schmitz Cargobull vehicles, where TrailerConnect is fully integrated into the vehicle, it is completely cyber secure and includes a service agreement that ensures data will be sent wherever it is required. is is done via the system’s Data Management Center, which works like a lter between the transport data and Real Time Visibility platforms.

“ is means customers can decide for themselves where they want their data sent,” he said. “For example, as a carrier you need to share your data to a shipper. With our Data Management Center, the operator controls the data and can share it by using our open platform.”

Proactive vs Predictive

Telematics provides customers with real-time data on the condition and performance of the trailers, and the historical trailer data is used to determine and plan maintenance stops, in order to further optimise the availability and predictability of the vehicles

Fleet Managers have a big job of constantly monitoring their vehicles. at monitoring can include being proactive or predictive. With Proactive Monitoring for trailers and refrigeration units, managers get an error warning which might turn into an alarm, telling them that they are not to send the vehicle out because there is an issue and it needs maintenance.

Predictive Monitoring is available for the transport regrigeration units, and means the system will communicate, for example, seven days in advance that the battery needs replacing, saving any possible risk of downtime.

Market landscape

With 110,000 vehicles currently using the system, the market is spreading. e job now is to manage all of the di erent locations where legislation and restrictions can vary. Lannoije said the most interested markets are currently in Europe, primarily Germany, France and Spain, while South Africa has shown recent interest thanks, in part, to the security the system can o er. While there is no current registration system, meaning it is hard to monitor how TrailerConnect is fairing compared to others on the market, Lannoije is very con dent.

“I can’t measure it exactly, but I can tell from the sales and I hear it from the customers which shows me that TrailerConnect is the strongest product, and its endeavour is to improve day by day,” he said.

e goal going forward is to go from 110,000 active systems and grow that to 250,000 within Schmitz Cargobull’s own vehicles, and up to 500,000 including others.

e key for customers, regardless of what country or jurisdiction they are in, he said, is to understand the backend of the system and what it can do. Once that is discovered, that is when the savings begin.

“ is is really what it is all about,” Lannoije said. “It is about increasing uptime as much as possible, because that is where the saving is.”

www.cargobull.com

Schmitz Cargobull Chief Research and Development O cer, Marnix Lannoije. Image: VDA/IAA Transportation 2024

ROBOT WORLD

TRAILER BUILDERS CAN EXPECT TO CUT PRODUCTION COSTS AND MAXIMISE EFFICIENCY FOLLOWING A NEW PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN NETHERLANDSBASED AUTOMATION COMPANY, VALK WELDING, AND ARCNC, A SOFTWARE PROVIDER IN BELGIUM.

The trailer manufacturing industry has proven to be especially resilient in recent years amid somewhat challenging economic conditions. As the freight task continues to grow, so too does demand for higher productivity heavy vehicles and trailing equipment. For some OEMs, the nancial constraints of innovation and labour can a ect a business’s bottom line and so a decision must be made – do you invest in people or invest in technology? It is a paradoxical situation – you need a workforce to design and produce yet you need access to state-of-the-art equipment to remain competitive.

Fortunately, Valk Welding has the answer to this conundrum.

ARP, powered by ArcNC, is a groundbreaking collaboration between Valk Welding and ArcNC. Although ArcNC is focused on the general industry, the so ware has become incredibly user-friendly for trailer manufacturing, thanks to input and questions from numerous trailer manufacturers. is partnership leverages the strengths of both companies to o er trailer manufacturers a unique opportunity to drastically reduce production costs using welding robots, while still providing the exibility to meet individual customer requirements. Notably, ARP powered by ArcNC is fully adapted to the unique and high performance of the Panasonic welding robots. e advantages of a real welding robot, compared with general robot arms, are signi cant when it comes to arc welding.

Valk Welding has been a key player in the trailer manufacturing sector for years. With a strong focus on arc welding and a deep understanding of the industry’s needs, Valk Welding has consistently delivered high-quality robotic solutions that enhance production e ciency and quality. eir expertise in welding automation is unparalleled, making them a trusted partner for many trailer manufacturers. Valk Welding’s very close relationship with Panasonic

has spanned more than 35 years, underscoring its commitment to using only the best welding robots. ArcNC, on the other hand, brings cutting-edge technology and innovation to the table with advanced so ware solutions that complement Valk Welding’s robotic systems, creating a seamless integration that maximises productivity and exibility.

e combination of Valk Welding’s robust and fully calibrated hardware, and ArcNC’s sophisticated so ware, results in a powerful solution that addresses the unique challenges of the trailer industry.

Valk Welding has forged a new partnership with a Belgian software provider. Images: Valk Welding.

The system at work for MaxiTRANS in Australia.

e ARP powered by ArcNC system is designed to o er several key bene ts:

• Cost Reduction: By automating the welding process, trailer manufacturers can signi cantly reduce labour costs and increase production e ciency. is is particularly crucial in an economic downturn, where every penny counts.

• Flexibility: Despite the automation, the system allows a high degree of customisation. Trailer manufacturers can easily adapt the production process to meet speci c customer requirements, ensuring that each trailer is tailor-made to perfection.

• Quality Assurance: Valk Welding’s expertise in arc welding ensures that the highest quality standards are maintained throughout the production process. is is essential for building durable and reliable trailers that meet industry standards.

• Scalability: e ARP system is scalable, allowing trailer manufacturers to expand their production capabilities as needed. is exibility is vital for adapting to market demands and staying competitive.

In addition to these bene ts, the development of a Management Information System (MIS), is also a key advancement for real-time performance and quality control. is MIS is a special in-house development by Valk Welding, enabling trailer manufacturers to monitor and register every aspect of the production process, ensuring optimal use of manufacturing resources. e system provides valuable insights into production e ciency, helps identify areas for improvement, and ensures that quality standards are consistently met.

e ARP powered by ArcNC system represents a signi cant advancement for the trailer manufacturing industry. By combining cost reduction with exibility, quality assurance, and real-time performance monitoring with the Valk Welding MIS so ware, this innovative solution empowers trailer manufacturers to navigate the current economic challenges while meeting the evolving demands of their customers.

Valk Welding and ArcNC’s collaboration is a testament to the power of innovation and partnership in driving industry transformation.

www.valkwelding.com

Valk Welding client Reisch GmbH in Germany.

CARE CUSTOMER

SHOWCASING A VAST RANGE OF PRODUCTS AT IAA TRANSPORTATION 2024 UNDER THE BANNER OF ‘SAFETY, SUSTAINABILITY AND PARTNERSHIP’, SAF-HOLLAND PRESIDENT EMEA, CHRISTOPH GÜNTER, TALKS TO GLOBAL TRAILER ABOUT HOW IT ALL TIES TOGETHER, AND MAKES THE CUSTOMER THE PRIORITY.

SAF-Holland’s IAA stand. Image: VDA/IAA Transportation 2024.

COMPANY SNAPSHOT

In addition to axle and suspension systems, SAF-Holland Group’s product range also includes brake, steering and coupling systems, fth wheels, kingpins and landing gear.

It markets under the brands SAF-Holland, Haldex, Assali Stefen, Axscend, GreenSteering, KLL, Neway, SEM, Tecma, V.ORLANDI and York. It supplies original equipment manufacturers on six continents, and works closely with eet operators and freight forwarders.

In the aftermarket sector, the company delivers spare parts to the manufacturers’ service networks and wholesalers, as well as to end customers and service points through an extensive global sales network.

SAF-Holland has more than 6,000 employees worldwide, and its shares have been listed in the Prime Standard of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange since 2007 and are part of the SDAX stock market index.

Today, the Group has a broad international base and is represented in most markets worldwide.

The Tecma Swivel. Image: SAF-Holland.

The SAF-Holland IAA Transportation stand spoke for itself, presenting a clear narrative of growth through partnership.

Of the 13 product displays at the show under the SAF-Holland Group umbrella, seven of them were not there at the last expo, two years ago.

“I nd that quite an interesting number,” SAFHolland EMEA President, Christoph Günter said, pointing out new brands like Haldex, Assali Stefen and Tecma.

It has been a busy few years for SAF-Holland Group, as Günter suggests, bringing on no fewer than ve new product brands in the last ve years.”

Important to the company, however, has been ensuring those companies come into the fold, maintaining the characteristics that sets SAFHolland apart.

“I think one of the things that di erentiates us from other industry players apart from product innovation, is our close customer relationships,” said Günter, who studied industrial engineering and was appointed EMEA President and CTO of the company in 2019.

“We are bringing that to all of our new acquisitions, to ensure that when they come on board, they are o ering the customer service as anyone within the SAF-Holland Group.”

Arguably, braking systems are the most safetycritical part of any vehicle. SAF-Holland Group’s purchase of Swedish company, Haldex, in 2023 really helped solidify their brake o ering. With full mechatronic brake & chassis control systems on the one hand and high quality and proven air disc brakes on the other hand, SAF-Holland and Haldex are one of the leading suppliers for

SAF-Holland’s central site in Bessenbach, Germany. Image: SAF-Holland

braking technology in the commercial vehicle industry.

According to SAF-Holland Vice President of R&D in EMEA, Sebastian Quick, the base for that success can be broken down into three main parts – design, manufacturing and maintenance.

“We create the right product by design from requirements, the right prerequisites for manufacture and the right product in use,” he said. “And making sure to maintain the function of the product throughout their lifetime with a widespread service network.”

Haldex is making the design and installation of electromechanical braking systems for trailers (TEBS) simpler for trailer manufacturers with its new, modular EB+ 4.0 platform. e EB+ 4.0 incorporates several modules which allow for the use of di erent types of ABS and EBS in both 12- and 24-volt systems. e platform is described as “future-proof,” and ready to ful ll the newest regulations with their So ware Update Management platform presented at the IAA in Hanover and the extensive work that has been done to comply with Cyber Security regulations in the past months.

e Haldex air disc brake ModulT, which was initially developed for trailers in 2011 and has seen unprecedented success in the market, is being extended to the truck market and was presented in Hanover. A major milestone for SAF-Holland and Haldex is the SOP at the rst customer in the road truck sector from Q3 2024 onwards on medium and light duty trucks. To ful ll the higher torques and duty cycle requirements compared to the Trailer brakes design changes have been made to the highly reliable eld proven technology. Due to the modular design, several components have been reused in order to increase reliability and ensure a timely go to market.

Meanwhile at the beginning of this year, SAF-Holland announced the acquisition of the Italian company Tecma Srl and later Assali Stefen. Both companies have specialized for many years in the development and production of customer-speci c axles and suspension systems, such as steering axles or swivel and pendelum axles.

e companies work closely with vehicle manufacturers to develop more customized solutions for special-purpose vehicles and heavy-duty applications. Its products are tailored to the speci c requirements of their customers, such as axles with a high load capacity for handling loads of 80 tons and more.

is expansion of the product portfolio, in the eld of special-purpose axles, enables SAF-Holland to act as a one-stop-shop supplier for suspension-related applications and to further strengthen its market position and expertise in the commercial vehicles industry.

Much of the future for SAF-Holland, according to Günter, will be to continue combining the newly acquired companies, but also ensuring the individual products are melded in, which has some exciting potential.

“ is is really one of the things we will focus on for the next years,” he said. “We will look at things such as what we can do with combining trailer EBS with excellent axle & suspension and telematics, and additional customer value add that we can create.”

Reiterating his earlier comments about what makes SAF-Holland standout in the industry, Günter goes back to his point about the customer.

“We have a really close relationship with our trailer builders,” he said. “Whether it’s a small special vehicle trailer builder, or bigger and more standardized vehicle manufacturer, we know them well.”

Being so inclined isn’t as hard as it might seem, considering the nature of the industry and its unique character, he said.

“ e trailer industry is very personably in that it is many times made up of familyowned businesses with longevity,” he said. “I think SAF Holland is living the truck and trailer industry perfectly.”

www.safholland.com

FULL C I R CL E

THE EUROPEAN TRAILER MARKET IS DOWN, BUT NEVER HAS THERE BEEN SO MUCH INNOVATION, AS THE INDUSTRY FORGES TOWARD DIGITISATION AND SUSTAINABILITY. SO HOW DOES ONE OF EUROPE’S LEADING COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SYSTEMS AND SOLUTIONS COMPANIES NAVIGATE THESE CONFLICTING WATERS? BPW’S MANAGING PARTNERS TELL GLOBAL TRAILER HOW THEY ARE APPROACHING IT.

Thanks to a range of di erent factors including legislation, research and development, as well as investment, Europe is arguably at the forefront of a move towards a more sustainable commercial transport industry.

While this is exciting in concept, BPW’s Personally Liable Managing Partner, Markus Schell says legislators need to remember that market demand is what matters.

“You can try and educate the world on the bene ts of sustainability and its technology, but it won’t work if the market can’t a ord it,” he said. “But if you have good solutions and the market thinks it is good for the wallet, then you will see action.”

e nature of BPW’s research, development and o erings – a vast product lineup that includes trailer axles, brakes and steering systems among others – means its sustainability and CO 2 reduction plan is made up of small, but consistent approaches and applications, that are easy for manufacturers and vehicle operators to implement.

Fellow Managing Partner, Achim Kotz, points out that weight and digitisation are always part of the sustainability discussion, and for good reason.

“It is about the tools you use, which then help you become more sustainable as a eet,” he said. “Getting real data every 15 minutes means you can adjust your processes whether

NEW MANAGING PARTNER

BPW announced it is adding another personally liable partner to the company.

Tobias Wiedeking will join Achim Kotz and Markus Schell at BPW Bergische Achsen KG from 1 January, 2025.

The 42-year-old, who has been responsible for nance in the management team since 2019, brings extensive experience and expertise to his new role, the company said in a statement, adding that with this decision, BPW is focusing on continuity and strengthening the company’s long-term orientation.

From 2025, the trio will be jointly responsible for the management of BPW Bergische Achsen KG, and the leadership of the entire BPW Group. The management of BPW Bergische Achsen KG will remain unchanged, carried out by the three partners, together with Barbara Höfel.

Images: BPW Group.

Tobias Wiedeking.

that involves loads or tyre pressure. All of these little things add up and make a big di erence.”

Case in point is BPW’s newly unveiled HESTAL FLowMaster. Launched at IAA Transportation 2024, the simple solution for improving the aerodynamics of trailers comes with some good results and statistics to back it.

From BPW’s Group’s HESTAL brand, the aerodynamically optimised end beam promises to signi cantly increase e ciency in commercial vehicle tra c. Simply put, it is a folding end element of the trailer roof to the rear frame, and acts as an integrated roof spoiler, with a protrusion of just 55 mm beyond the end of the vehicle. It shi s the air turbulence far behind the semitrailer and thus reduces air resistance.

For trailer manufacturers, it makes a signi cant contribution towards VECTO certi cation with a CO 2 saving of up to 1.4 per cent without requiring signi cant design changes to the vehicle or the assembly process.

e fact that it can be retro tted is a hugely important aspect for BPW, as part of its sustainability mission is to reduce the number of spare parts a vehicle needs over its lifetime and to continue to use that same vehicle for as long as possible.

Another solution that can be retro tted is BPW’s new running gear generation iC Plus. e new iC Plus retro t kit means transport companies can quickly and cost-e ciently retro t their existing

trailer axles from the ECO Air and Airlight II series, with telematics and intelligent functions for eets and predictive maintenance, in line with demand. is makes it possible to bring an entire existing eet to new levels of e ciencies, without having to wait to purchase a new trailer.

BPW also hasn’t taken its eye o the important aspect of reducing carbon emissions when it comes to their own production and manufacturing processes.

“Amongst others we are taking a close look at the supply chain,” said Schell. “About 95 per cent of the materials used in our foundries are already recycled and 86 per cent of our supplier parts come from Europe, so that we have short transport routes and strengthen the European economy.”

Together with various partners, BPW has now reached a milestone where it can source running gear components, like the axle beam and suspension, from CO 2 -neutral prefabrication. is option is even available for one of BPWs’ latest solutions, the LightTube lightweight trailing arm.

“We can then optionally provide corresponding certi cates at the customer’s request to prove the CO 2 neutrality of these products,” Schell added.

Another important step towards reducing carbon emissions is the issue of remanufacturing. In April BPW launched the BPW Reman Line, with a rst product being remanufactured brake callipers for the BPW trailer disc brake series ECO Disc TSB. is enables vehicle operators to carry out economical, safe and sustainable repairs on their trailer at the familiar level of quality and safety in line with the current value of the vehicle.

“In addition, CO 2 emissions in the manufacturing process are reduced by around 70 per cent, as the CO2-intensive production of a new cast part is eliminated,” said Kotz.

He admits that these are small measures in the scheme of things, but is con dent that with time, the circular economy within the industry will ourish.

“It’s just a small aspect of the whole circulation, but it is a relevant point in our holistic approach to make the products economical and sustainable for the customer and for us as a company,” he said.

www.bpw.de

BPW Personally Liable Managing Partners, Achim Kotz and Markus Schell.

IN TECHNOLOGY TOGETHER

PRODUCTS AND PARTNERSHIPS WENT HAND-IN-HAND AT THE BUSY JOST STAND AT THIS YEAR’S IAA TRANSPORTATION WHERE CEO, JOACHIM DÜRR, WAS ON HAND TO PROMOTE THE ‘ON THE ROAD WITH TECHNOLOGY’ THEME.

Investing in technology has long been a JOST priority, but as a world-leading producer and supplier of safety-critical systems for the commerical vehicle industry, this also includes investing in partnerships.

In recent times, JOST has taken huge strides forward in the elds of autonomous driving, electri cation and the reduction of emissions. And, always open to new ideas and innovative solutions, the company has put its e orts into nding the right collaborations to get its goals across the line.

“For us IAA is an ideal opportunity to showcase our innovations as well as our high-quality and proven products. We are proud to contribute to solving the commercial vehicle industry’s challenges such as driver shortages and emissions reductions,” said CEO, Joachim Dürr.

“Our mission is to support technological change towards better connected, environmentally friendly and intelligent commercial vehicles. To achieve this technological change, we have developed many products, but also established strategic partnerships to advance highly automated and autonomous logistics solutions, as well as electri cation and sustainable resource management in the commercial vehicle industry.”

The power of partnership

JOST has recently begun investing in start-ups Aitonomi and Trailer Dynamics, as well as collaborating with Bet Motors and FERNRIDE. All are doing innovative work in the area of autonomous driving and electri cation. With these company collaborations, experience

in the eld of systems and components within the commercial vehicle industry, married with new and innovative solutions, form the basis for combined research and development addressing driver shortages, CO2 reduction and the transition to e-Trailer technology.

Aitonomi – Founded in 2014, the scale-up is focused on developing autopilot so ware for the autonomous outdoor navigation of commercial vehicles with payloads of up to 55 tonnes. Its product portfolio includes autonomous electric towing vehicles with smart semi-trailers and autonomous delivery robots. JOST is developing ways to integrate the Aitonomi AutoPilot system into its automatic coupling system and steering and axle systems.

Trailer Dynamics – Founded in 2018, the start-up has developed a smart electric powertrain located in the trailer itself, achieving an average 40 per cent reduction in both CO2 emissions and diesel consumption. e partnership facilitates

The JOST stand at IAA Transportation 2024. Image: JOST.

decarbonisation and enhanced e ciency within the transport sector, and advances the development of plug-and-play systems for zero-emission logistics.

Bet Motors – Founded in 2023, the start-up focuses on developing the next generation of electric trucks. Its novel vehicle architecture, speci cally designed for electric powertrains, gives rise to a chassis platform that optimises both range and payload. JOST is working on the new vehicle architecture with the goal of achieving a more e cient and weight-optimised integration of h wheel couplings and axle systems in transport vehicles.

HYVA ACQUISITION

The CEO of JOST, Joachim Dürr, announced at IAA Transportation 2024 that the company had agreed to purchase Dutch hydraulics company, Hyva.

“Hyva is a highly recognised brand with a strong market leading position,” he told Global Trailer. “These capabilities strongly support JOST’s strategy to become the number one supplier for on- and o -highway commercial vehicles worldwide. The intended addition of Hyva will expand JOST’s product portfolio and o erings for customers in the transport, agriculture and infrastructure industries.”

Founded in 1979, Hyva has a global market share of more than 40 per cent, and is the market leader for front-end tipping cylinders worldwide. Hyva’s global manufacturing footprint encompasses 14 production facilities across China, India, Brazil and Europe, servicing the transport, agriculture, construction, mining and environmental industries.

Dürr expects Hyva’s strong brand will enable JOST to replicate its successful push-and-pull sales strategy. Its broad product portfolio and wide customer network of blue-chip OEMs, body builders, dealers and end-users will complement and expand JOST’s o erings and strengthen the group’s position as a global supplier for the commercial vehicle industry.

#jostassist

JOST develops smart systems that seamlessly combine safety technology and driver safety in one. Real-time monitoring and user guidance throughout the entire coupling process are combined with ergonomic design features to protect the health of truck drivers. e intelligent design of the JOST products guarantees and maximises the synergy between functionality and e ciency.

Its products under the #jostassist banner include:

• Automatic coupling system KKS and KKS-U Connector

• JOST King Pin Finder

• Rockinger Drawbar Finder

• Modul E-Drive

#jostgreen

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. ese innovations aim to minimise environmental impact, decrease carbon footprint, and promote sustainability within the transportation sector. Its products under the #jostgreen banner include:

• JOST Modul landing gears

• LubeTronic 1Point and re llable cartridge

• Organic lubricant for h wheel couplings

• DCA Weightmaster PLUS axel

• E-Axle

• JOST CSA and TRIDEC EF-S Command Steer Axle with electronic steering system

• DCA-L7-2 disc brake

• TP-O swivel axle suspension

#jostdigital

JOST ensures a seamless connected product experience by providing real-time information and services across multiple channels. At IAA Transportation 2024, the JOST Truck Stop Corner was a highlight for visitors, demonstrating the importance of preventative maintenance. Daily animations showcasing the replacement and mounting of parts on JOST products, the company aimed to underscore the value of prevention in not just avoiding breakdowns, but in cutting costs by minimising part replacement and downtime.

e JOST Truck Stop video series is available on YouTube.

www.jost-world.com

Image: VDA/IAA Transportation 2024.

JOST CEO, Joachim Dürr. Image: JOST.

WAVE RIDING THE

A SECURE LOAD IS A TOP DRIVER PRIORITY, BUT DELIVERY EASE AND SPEED IS IMPORTANT AS WELL. THIS IS WHY VERSUS-OMEGA’S NEW ADDITIONS TO THE PENTA WAVE SYSTEM WERE SUCH POPULAR PRODUCTS AT THIS YEAR’S IAA TRANSPORTATION EXPO. COMPANY FOUNDER AND CEO, ERIK ROGIERS, WAS AT THE EVENT, DEMONSTRATING IT FIRST-HAND.

It’s a great system by all accounts. e Penta system, which has been around for ten years, allows operators to open and close curtainsiders quickly and seamlessly without cumbersome buckles. But Erik Rogiers could see that improvements were possible.

“If an operator makes a delivery and takes out two or three pallets, they need to be strapped in again,” he said. “What we did was come up with tracking system for the oor and the roof, so goods will always be secure.”

e Penta Wave Pro and the Penta Wave Wall are the two new variants of the existing Penta Wave side sliding system. e Penta Wave Pro features steel hinges that form a continuous chain, ideal for securing cargo in the direction of travel. e steel hinges lie at and serve as a guide when loading from the rear.

A bottom view of the Penta Wave Pro,

The Penta Wave Wall in combination with an omega sliding roof. Images: Versus-Omega.

Meanwhile the Penta Wave Wall variant uses full aluminium panels connected with hinges. is system prevents cargo from getting between the stanchions and o ers strong rearward cargo securing capabilities.

“ ese systems open like a curtain and slide like a curtain, but when closed, they hold the product like a closed van,” Rogiers said.

Because the Versus-Omega engineers are expanding and improving on a product that has already existed in the market for some time, the new systems have been well-received and sales are strong. e company has had strong interest from Australian OEMs who are dealing with slightly stricter load security rules than other jurisdictions.

“ ey have and know the Penta system, but they

have to strap their load each time they stop,” Rogiers said. “ is is the solution they need.”

IAA Transportation 2024 in Hanover was where the two new systems were o cially launched, with the Versus-Omega team on hand to demonstrate to attendees.

Another bene t to the new systems, Rogiers explained, is that all the parts are exactly the same as the original Penta. For trailer builders who use the original version, they already have the fundamentals and only need to choose the option they require.

“For them it is as simple as choosing A, B or C, similar to choosing a car with air conditioning or no air conditioning,” he said. “ is makes things a lot easier for trailer builders.” e beverage industry is the market where the Penta system is currently most popular, simply because drivers o en need to make many stops, dropping small amounts, and the time spent unloading can add up.

Tyres are also another product that is helped by the system.

“Tyres are almost always in curtainsiders and they are loaded loose, not in boxes,” Rogiers said. “It can be very di cult to x tyres in, but with this solution they can.”

www.versus-omega.com

VERSUS-OMEGA PRODUCTS

Among the company’s other o erings are:

• The 35mm Roof

• The Brooklyn Tarpaulin

• The Oxo-Strap Cargo Securing System

• The Scala Sliding Stanchion

• The Oxo-Tyre

• The Hydraman Pump in aluminium

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.

The Penta Wave Wall.

The new version in the Penta Wave series.

is uncertainty, he said, makes it tricky for operators to prepare, though, as with past regulations, enforcement is likely to catch up over time.

“ e Periodical Technical Inspection (PTI) is mandatory for trailers across the EU, but it must be carried out in the trailer’s country of registration, which is ine cient for international operators and adds unnecessary emissions from extra travel,” said Laan.

“While the Mobility Pack introduced in 2022 requires trucks to return to their home base every eight weeks, trailers are thankfully exempt, allowing more cross-border exibility. However, the PTI requirement still limits e ciency.”

Fortunately, mutual recognition of PTI standards is gaining traction according to Laan. “Belgium and the Netherlands are leading the way, with a Belgian workshop allowing PTI inspections for Dutch-registered trailers,” he said.

“ eir cross-border collaboration, along with similar e orts between Spain and the Netherlands, is paving the way for more streamlined and eco-friendly inspections across Europe.

“Organisations like the European Transport Board (ETB) and the Technical Road Transport Association (TRTA) are also sharing valuable insights that highlight need to re-evaluate the norms. Imagine being able to get your trailer inspected in any member state in the future. is change would reduce emissions, enhance e ciency, and simplify operations.”

Laan said embracing new tech is key to staying on top of evolving regulations.

“Current PTI procedures require the vehicle to be physically present for inspection, but adopting digital solutions can help overcome this barrier,” he said. “For instance, telematics allows remote monitoring of vehicle performance, whether it’s tyre pressure or brake e ciency, improving safety and operational e ciency. A great example is the UK’s integration of Electronic Brake Performance Monitoring System (EBPMS) technology into legislation, streamlining inspections and compliance. But the adoption varies across countries. Germany is leading the way with recuperation axles for instance, but others lag behind.”

budgeting for potential cost increases will ensure a smoother transition. Proactive steps now will help companies stay competitive and meet future sustainability standards.”

Also, trailers o en run empty on return trips. By improving cooperation between international operators, Laan said those trailers could be lled to reduce emissions and boost e ciency.

“ e driver shortage across Europe (about 230,000 short across the EU, Norway, and the UK), highlights the need for e ciency,” he said.

“Super Eco Combinations – two trailers towed by one truck – could be part of the solution. ese combinations can increase capacity by 100 per cent, cut emissions by 40 per cent, and help with the driver shortage. Rolling out this approach on selected European roads could o er quick, practical bene ts while the industry works on larger, longterm solutions.”

As active participants of the European Transport Board, Laan said it is crucial to advocate for industry with practical solutions.

www.tip-group.com www.europeantransportboard.com/contact

Image: Donatas Dabravolskas/ stock.adobe.com

FENATRAN

4-8 NOVEMBER

San Paulo, Brazil

Fenatran is an international trade fair for transport and logistics held every two years, presenting the latest products and services to the market. www.fenatran.com.br

Image: Damian/stock.adobe.com

INTERMODAL AFRICA 2024

26-28 NOVEMBER

Serrekunda, The Gambia

The conference will feature two days of transportation and logistics speakers addressing challenges in global and regional trade.

www.transportevents.com/product/intermodalafrica-2024-2/

Image: gnoparus/stock.adobe.com

12-14 NOVEMBER

Rotterdam, Netherlands

Europe’s leading event for container transport and logistics across road, rail and sea. www.intermodal-events.com

Image: noppasinw/stock.adobe.com

28 NOVEMBER - 1 DECEMBER

Berlin, Germany

The largest automotive presentation, sales and commercial vehicle trade fair in the region.

www.transportertage-berlin.de

Image: dudlajzov/stock.adobe.com

LOGISTIK & TRANSPORT 2024

14-15 NOVEMBER

Gothenburg, Sweden

The Nordic region’s leading conference and trade fair on the future of logistics and transport solutions. https://en.logistik.to/

Image: re 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

KEEP A LOOK OUT

Breakbulk Middle East 2025 10-11 February Dubai www.middleeast.breakbulk.com/home

Work Truck Week 2025 4-7 March

Indianapolis, Indiana www.worktruckweek.com

TMC 2024 4-7 March

New Orleans, Louisiana www.tmcannual.trucking.org

Transport Scandinavia 2025 3-5 April Herning, Denmark www.transportscandinavia.com

Bauma 2025 7-13 April Munich, Germany www.bauma.de

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

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

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

EVENT HORIZON

Almost 150,000 visitors went through the IAA Transportation doors this year. Images: VDA/IAA Transportation.

IAA TRANSPORTATION BY NUMBERS

This year’s event delivered everything it promised with its nal statistics speaking for themselves.

• 1,700 exhibitors from 41 countries, a 21 per cent increase.

• 72 per cent international participation.

• 145 premieres presented.

• 145,000 visitors.

• 1,400 journalists from 52 countries.

• 80 press conferences.

• 45 per cent of trade visitors were international with the Netherlands, China and Sweden the most represented.

• 50 per cent of trade visitors held executive positions.

• 50 per cent of trade visitors planned to invest within the next twelve months.

The next event is scheduled for Sept. 15-20, 2026.

from 41 countries were on hand this year.

WITH RECORDS BROKEN, TOUGH ISSUES BROACHED, AND AN INDUSTRY LOOKING POSITIVELY TO THE FUTURE, IAA TRANSPORTATION 2024 ORGANISERS ARE DECLARING THIS YEAR’S EVENT A ROUSING SUCCESS.

IAA Transportation 2024 in Hanover, Germany brought together manufacturers, industry stakeholders and business leaders from around the world to discuss the latest clean-energy solutions for the transportation industry.

e number of attendees jumped to 145,000, about 10 per cent more than the last event in 2022. e conference also set a new record for the number of test drives — 6,300, a 15 per cent increase over 2022. Visitors took emission-free commercial vehicles out on the event grounds and on public roads. Manufacturers o ered test drives in 60 vehicles.

Exhibitors

INTERNATIONAL TRAILER AWARDS

Several prominent trailer builders, suppliers and truck OEMs were recognised as “Stars of the Year” for outstanding innovation and achievement in transport and logistics at the International Trailer Awards.

“The ‘Stars of the Year’ awards not only honour the best products and innovations, but also inspire the entire industry to further pursue their visions for the future,” said German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) President, Hildegard Müller.

Here is a list of the winners:

Category: Body

1. Schmitz Cargobull: Electric refrigerated semi-trailer S.KOe COOL.

2. D-TEC: D-TEC Flexliner FL-3-S-Coil.

3. TMT International: TMT Scrigno Intermodal. Category: Chassis

1. Kässbohrer: Kässbohrer 12-15 Flexi Curtainsider.

2. Schmitz Cargobull: S.CS MEGA DB.

3. Krone: Automatic coupling system.

Category: Components

1. Fliegl: Türfeststeller ‘D-Lock’.

2. Kögel: Ferry Flex Guard / Ferry Swing Guard.

3. Lamilux: LAMILUX SUNSATION.

Category: Concept

1. Kögel: Kögel Cool Liteshell.

2. Schmitz Cargobull: Curtainsider S.CS X-TOUGH with EcoFIX-Body.

3. OKT Trailer: Aerostep.

Category: Environment

1. Thermo King: A-500e Spectrum AxlePower.

2. Kiesling: Power House.

3. Hestal (F.Hesterberg & Söhne GmbH & Co. KG): Aerodynamic End Beam.

Category: Safety

1. SDG modular technology: Foldable and telescopic underrun protection(TKU).

2. Aspöck: RADC 2.0.

3. Schmitz Cargobull: Safety equipment according to TAPA standards.

Category: Smart Trailer

1. Krone: SmartAssistant.

2. Kraker: K-Force Moving Smart.

3. BPW: iC Plus.

“Here at IAA Transportation, the industry shows that we have already developed and are producing products for climate-neutral mobility,” said President of the German Association of the Automotive Industry, Hildegard Müller, in her opening speech. “Now it’s about getting these production-ready vehicles on the road.”

Presenters speaking during the event made it clear that policymakers must develop and implement a concrete action plan focusing on infrastructure.

“ e biggest obstacle to a swi , successful and widespread adoption of climate-neutral drives is the necessary infrastructure — especially in terms of charging stations and forward-thinking grid expansion, as well as hydrogen refuelling stations,” Müller said.

She added that equipment manufacturers have already created climate-neutral and digital solutions to address many of the industry’s various challenges.

“Freight forwarders want to convert, want change and then face reality. e local grid operator o en reports several years of waiting time to provide the necessary capacities,” she said. “It’s clear and evident that something is going wrong here and decisive countermeasures are urgently needed.”

roughout the event, component and vehicle manufacturers displayed their latest o erings.

Volker Wissing, Germany’s Federal Minister for Digital and Transport, said IAA Transportation “provides a prominent stage for the latest technologies and developments in the commercial vehicle industry” and is a “great showcase for the innovative power of the transport sector and related industries.”

Going forward, Müller said all relevant stakeholders must now be held accountable, with a clear road map, regular monitoring and opportunities for adjustments.

e next IAA Transportation is Sept. 15-20, 2026, in Hanover.

Displays were found indoors and outdoors.

POWER PARTNERS

WITH TRAILERS BEING INVOLVED IN CARRYING MORE THAN 70 PER CENT OF AMERICA’S FREIGHT, SUSTAINABILITY INNOVATIONS CAN MAKE A HUGE IMPACT. RESEARCHERS AT INDIANA’S PURDUE UNIVERSITY KNEW THEY HAD SOME GOOD IDEAS, BUT THEY NEEDED A TRAILER.

When you need a trailer for research purposes, you can’t get any luckier than Purdue University engineering researchers. e largest trailer manufacturer in the United States just happened to be a 15-minute drive away.

e engineers took advantage of the opportunity and have teamed up with Wabash to investigate an experimental trailer that recaptures its own electricity from vibrations, heat and air ow.

e donated trailer is part of a three-year collaborative research project between Wabash, which is headquartered in Lafayette, Indiana, and Purdue University’s College of Engineering.

e trailer was recently showcased at an open house at Purdue’s Herrick Labs, where the rst experiments are taking place.

Michael Bodey, the Director of Technology Discovery and Validation at Wabash, said the goal is to nd cost-e cient sustainability solutions that also take advantage of the available waste energy from both vehicle movement and payload. at usable energy, he said, could be used for things like propulsion, lights and electric TRU systems.

“When you think of a trailer in transport, the weight and speed of the system itself have a lot of potential energy available from the sheer motion of the trailer,” Bodey explained. “Now, if you add in all the di erent factors that would a ect how much energy could be collected – the wind going around it, the amount that it takes to start and stop, the natural

James Gibert and his team of researchers will turn this Wabash-donated trailer into a rolling laboratory. Image: Purdue University photo/Jared Pike.

vibrations of movement – it is all being wasted. at led us to propose the question; what if we could turn that energy into something usable? What would it look like?”

Leading the project as one of its principal investigators is Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, James Gibert.

“Wabash has been a dream to work with,” he said “ ey’re actively engaged, they’re supportive, they’re exible, and they’re immediate in giving their feedback,” he said. “ e best possible outcome for any engineer is having an impact on the world, and Wabash certainly shares that vision.”

Gibert’s eld of expertise is smart materials, especially in the realms of dynamics and vibration. His previous work has included embedding triboelectric generators into cardboard packaging, whose natural movement during the delivery process generates enough electricity to power sensors embedded in the boxes. Scaling up that process to something the size of a semi-trailer was the next logical step.

In broad terms, the collaboration is investigating ways to harvest electricity from a trailer’s normal operation. ose modalities could be the vibration of the suspension system, aeroelastic vibrations of the composite panels or harvesting the air used in the braking system.

“ e scale is much bigger than anything we’ve worked with before,” said Gibert. “But that’s a good thing. A semi-trailer has lots of mass, which

means lots of opportunities for that mass to be utilised in ways it hasn’t before. Plus, there’s an increasing regulatory push for these vehicles to be more energy e cient.”

Currently in phase one of the project, the team is focused on understanding what exists on the trailer and in research. Tasks involve, retro tting the trailer with displacement sensors, accelerometers, anemometers, pressure gauges and many other measurement tools.

A er Gibert and his team at Herrick Labs have turned the trailer into a mobile data acquisition system, Wabash personnel will take the truck onto the highways of Indiana for some short-haul and long-haul test drives. Once the Purdue team have collected data from the test drives, they will coalesce around the energy-harvesting methods that are most promising.

rough Purdue’s research, the Wabash team has been able to look at how other industries are tackling very similar problems and exploring how to apply that to a trailer.

“We plan to conduct trials with a fully instrumented trailer rst,” Bodey said. “ en as we progress, we will collect data with the trailer on roads representing di erent regions of the country. For example, driving on at roads compared to mountainous terrain has very di erent road conditions and implications.”

In terms of outcomes, Gibert said that reducing a trailer’s electrical load, even by a little bit, is a success.

“By diversifying the load, we can reduce the size of the batteries required,” he said. “Lighter batteries mean less weight, which leads to even more e cient operation. So, it becomes a positive feedback loop.”

For Wabash, being involved from the beginning has had a number of advantages, and the two sides – commercial and research – meet regularly to review and talk through their learnings.

Bodey said the best part, however, is taking the research and putting it into real terms.

“ is isn’t a research project that’s only going to produce PowerPoint slides,” he said. “We’re developing a full 53-foot instrumented energy harvesting trailer to explore the potential of energy utilisation for electri cation, with the end goal of investigating how such technology can contribute to the decarbonisation of the industry.”

In the nal phase, Purdue and Wabash plan to collaborate on a deliverable product that can be scaled up and deployed to trailers around the world.

Senior leadership from Purdue University and Wabash kick o the collaborative research project. Image: Purdue University photo/Jared Pike.

Into E-Mobility with SAF-HOLLAND

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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