In the same month that Sweden announces to abolish Aviation Tax from 01JUL25, (7 years after its initial re-introduction, because it is not really being used for environmental initiatives after all, and was preventing healthy economic competition), Swedish logistics company, DANX does its bit for cleaner skies and starts operating Duo trailers. Given that road emissions account for around 15% of all global carbon emissions, of which around a third are due to cargo trucks, this is a small, positive drop in the CO² ocean. Duo trailers are when one cab pulls two trailers, or as the press release illustrates it: a ‘Tractor+trailer+Dolly+trailer system’. They are now being deployed in DANX’s Swedish operations and should lead to emission reductions of up to 7%. Also known as Double, B-Double or road trains, this road cargo transport type is long in use across Australia, where even triple trailers measuring up to 53.5 meters in length, might be spotted. Long, open roads, so why not? A little trickier to maneuver that kind of vehicle around Europe. Nevertheless, trials have been in place on the Continent since 2014, and Spain has already enabled operations.
DANX’s move was made possible by a change in Swedish road traffic regulations. HGVs with two or three trailers and measuring up to 34.5 meters in length, are now permitted to operate on around 590 kilometers of road – part of what is called the ‘E-service’, covering the main network along with connecting roads. The release points out that: “Companies are required to apply to the E-service if they want additional roads to be added to the 34.5 million strong vehicle road network.” DANX expects not just fewer emissions through its Duo trailers, but also greater efficiency in its operations.
Martin Grauers, Managing Director, Sweden, said: “This change in the law is great news for both our customers and DANX’s ambitions to reduce emissions. It will enable DANX to help its customers reach their increasingly challenging emissions reduction targets which are a high priority right now across the Nordics and throughout Europe. Furthermore, as DANX operates between 140 to 150 heavy trucks and tractor-trailers on a daily basis in Sweden, reducing our carbon footprint is key to our own ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) ambitions. As well as being able to take advantage of the change in Swedish legislation with Duo trailer, we are already deeply invested in the use of biodiesel or biogas for linehauls, and electric vehicles for last mile distribution in urban areas which will bring further benefits to both our customers and the wider public.”
