After a successful test run, Haeger & Schmidt Logistics (HSL) uses its first electric truck for continuous operation. At the Andernach site, an electric 40-tonne truck will be used in future for pre- and on-carriage local transport. “This is not yet a fundamental directional decision,” emphasises Arne Matz, responsible for the truck concept at HSL, explaining, “but we are open to technology and will examine different variants.”
As a provider of integrated logistics solutions, especially intermodal container transport, the truck will remain an important part of the transport chain for HSL in the pre-carriage and onward carriage. That is a fact for Matz. The inferred objective for him is: “In the future, wwe want the trucks to drive as “green” as possible; in line with our sustainability concept.” HSL’s ambition aims at testing different technologies. A recent initial opportunity arose at the Andernach site within the realm of e-mobility, in collaboration with longstanding partners: Stadtwerke Andernach, Petra Risser Transporte, and Jungbluth Nutzfahrzeuge, who supplied the Volvo FH Electric for the trial. What unites the project participants is their shared commitment to a sustainable strategy.
Preparations for continuous operation
Hand in hand, the companies prepared a trial run for the electrically powered 40-tonne truck, which recently took place. In a two-day test, the electric semitrailer truck was used in the pre- and on-carriage for the container terminal in Andernach. The aim was to get and understanding on range, charging times and infrastructure conditions under real-life conditions. Matz’s impressions were very positive: “The vehicle integrated well into the operational processes and its performance was comparable to that of the diesel trucks used. We assume that the truck can be used in day-to-day business without any restrictions.” The parties involved agree to take the next step together and use an electric truck in continuous operation.
The requirements for this process are currently being established. Among other things, Stadtwerke Andernach is building the appropriate charging infrastructure to guarantee the energy supply for the ordered vehicle. Matz hopes that long-term use will provide further economic insights: “For a holistic economic and ecological understanding, all factors such as savings on building costs or the development of electricity costs must be taken into account. The question of weight capacity in combined transport, in which the e-truck is to operate, is also still pending. ” As things stand, no increase in weight load is permitted in Combined Transport , although the vehicles are about two tons heavier due to the battery,” reports Matz. He hopes that the corresponding framework conditions will be created quickly to eliminate this disadvantage.
In general, HSL is eager to test other alternative technologies, such as hydrogen or biofuels, keyword: hydrogenated vegetable oils (HVO). In the end, criteria such as availability, flexibility and costs will decide on their integration into the logistics concept, explains Matz. Even if he does not yet know exactly what the future will look like, one thing is certain for him: “We will offer our customers sustainable end-to-end transport solutions including a CO2-reduced or CO2-neutral pre- and on-carriage.” The test run at the Andernach site is part of a holistic sustainability strategy: this year, two electric truck tractors will also be used at the Kehl site by our partner Klumpp + Müller GmbH & Co. KG for local transport!
Andernach will be a Combined transport terminal for reefer containers
As from now, HSL can also load reefer containers in a truck/barge combination via the Andernach terminal in intermodal transport for the greater Andernach area. “There is now a trimodal transport solution for temperature-sensitive items in the region,” says Felix Zocher, responsible for sales and marketing at HSL. Stadtwerke Andernach recently created the conditions for this by providing power connections for reefer containers at the terminal. “The quick and uncomplicated implementation helps us to expand the range of cost-effective, high-performance and resource-saving transport solutions, a result of a well-functioning partnership,” says Zocher.
In the future, three new, quiet and energy-efficient reach stackers will be available for handling, which Stadtwerke Andernach recently put into operation. “As a logistics partner in the port of Andernach, the logistics chain of our intermodal products will also become a little more sustainable thanks to this investment,” Zocher welcomes this component, which further improves HSL’s environmental balance.