Titel:
Improved performance of European long haulage transport (The EXTRA project)

Abstract:
In international long haulage transport within the EU articulated vehicles, usually called semi-trailer
combinations, are dominant. Their regular loading capacity, of about 85 m 3 and 26
tonnes is provided by a 13.6 metre long semi-trailer (the maximum total weight being 40
tonnes or 44 tonnes if the cargo consists of a 40-foot ISO container). Also road trains,
consisting of a lorry and a centre-axle trailer, are used. The maximum loading capacity is
approximately 96 m 3 and 26 tonnes.
The modular concept practised in Sweden and Finland since 1997 is based on the CEN
standardised 7.82-metre long unit load carrier and the 13.6-metre long semi-trailer being the
longest single vehicle allowed in EU. The maximum length of this combination of "modules"
is 25.25 metres. All cargo units in the system are well adapted for rail transport in combined
transport either as single vehicles or as separate load carrier units. The combination is built on
existing vehicles and load carriers available in large quantities on the European continent.
This study shows that the modular concept will change and improve the logistic system on the
European continent. To fill up the extra loading capacity co-operation between hauliers and
forwarders will be performed. Cargo units for the intended destination can be exchanged
between companies.
Authentic transport data was used in the study as basis for the analyses. The established
utilisation ratio of the loading units was applied as a restriction in the main analyses of the
effect of modular concept. In practise this means that the loading units were reorganised but
not the cargo.
On average the reduction of number of trips was approximately 32 %, fuel consumption was
reduced by approximately 15 % and the cost savings about 23 %. Also the NOx would drop
by about 15 %. The variation of the results from the studied companies is small.
The consequent advantage concerning environmental aspects, congestion, road wear and road
safety is also described in the report.
The goods transportation by road in Europe was recently estimated to increase by at least 38
percent until 2010 in the EU White Paper "European transport policy for 2010: time to
decide". This was considered to be the outcome even if all listed measures to increase the
market share of rail and sea transport were implemented. Improved efficiency in all transport
modes is crucial. New more efficient ways to combine already existing transport modules
could be one of the solutions to improve the road freight system and to curb its social costs. It
will also become a tool to limit the growth of the road traffic product.

Forfatter:
Anders Lundqvist, Vägverket Rolf Nordström, TFK, Transport Research Institute

Danske Keywords:
modulsystemet, effektivare godstransporter, långa fordon

Engelske Keywords:
the modular concept, improved performance,long vehicle

År:
2003

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