Longer trucks on Spanish and Argentinean roads

Longer trucks on Spanish and Argentinean roads

Jan 29, 2016  | Transport 

Longer trucks on Spanish and Argentinean roads
(Photo by: Scania)

The European Modular System, which increases transport efficiency through longer and heavier tractor and trailer combinations, is gaining ground.

Spain is the latest country to adopt new regulations that will open roads for 25.25-metre and 60-tonne truck and trailer combinations.

“It is highly pleasing to note that more and more countries have realised the economic and environmental benefits of permitting longer truck and trailer combinations,” says Erik Dahlberg, Head of Vehicle Regulations at Scania. “We have for many years advocated legislative changes to pave the way for longer vehicles and are now starting to see results. With longer trucks and trailer combinations, we can achieve a substantial reduction of CO2 emissions without compromising economic growth and the need for transport.”

The legislation, which was approved by the Government in December, opens for longer trucks travelling at a maximum speed of 80 km/h on highways and motorways, in other words the same limitations as for all heavy vehicles.

There will be a requirement for a special permit issued by the Dirección General de Tráfico, the National Traffic Authority, or from the Traffic Departments in Catalonia and the Basque Country. These permits will only be granted if the total route exceeds 150 kilometres. They will also be required to carry an XL sign at the trailer rear.

Two instead of three trucks

The European Modular System has been in use in Sweden and Finland since decades and is also permitted in Denmark and the Netherlands. The advantages are obvious when three trucks on the road can be replaced by two.

Longer truck and trailer combination are estimated to require some 10–15 percent less energy per tonne-km of freight transport. Carbon emissions per transported tonne can, according to the Dutch experience, be lowered by 11 percent. The Dutch experience also shows that transport costs for operators can be reduced by between 25 and 40 percent for specific routes.

Green light for B-doubles in Argentina

Meanwhile, Argentina in October 2015 amended regulations to permit the use of B-doubles of up to 30.25-metre tractor and trailer combinations with 75 tonnes of gross weight. Argentina thereby joins countries such as Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, South Africa, Uruguay and the United States in permitting these longer combinations.

A bi-train is defined in the Argentinean Presidential Decree as “a vehicle formed by a tractor unit and two semitrailers bi-articulated by a B-couple (or fifth wheel)”. These “bi-trains” can drive on authorised corridors and to qualify drivers must attend a 16-hour training course to obtain a B-double Training Certificate in addition to having held an articulated truck driver’s license for more than five years.

The B-double trucks will not be permitted to drive in convoys, especially on bridges, and must be equipped with a GPS navigator that registers speed and compliance with the route. Both trucks and trailers must have an Anti-Locking Braking System (ABS), Electronic Braking System (EBS), Stability Control System (ESC) and have a minimum power-to-weight ratio of 5 kW/tonne. The trucks are also required to have a weighting device system with digital readings of the weight per tandem of axles. Finally, the bi-trains will be electronic limited for a maximum speed of 80 km/h.

Will benefit Scania

“We at Scania Argentina have been working for many years to open roads here for B-doubles,” says Sales Engineering Manager Guillermo Hughes. “To transport grain from many parts of the country to the ports, you need to travel some 1,000 kilometres. Costs can be substantially lowered with a more efficient B-double. This represents a great positive development for Argentina and if it helps the country’s economy, then it will be very good for us at Scania as well.”

Via Scania
Image,video ©: Scania