Courier company Deutsche Post DHL has added to its fleet in Belgium one new truck powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), as well as two so-called teardrop trailers. The vehicles will be operated by DHL partner Ninatrans.
The LNG truck, built by Iveco, and the teardrop trailers, built by Don-Bur, will contribute to the continuous efforts of both DHL and Ninatrans to save on fuel costs and reduce pollution. The LNG truck has a reach of about 700 km and will refuel at an LNG station in the city of Tilburg. Overall, DHL says the use of natural gas will help to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 5% to 10%.Â
In addition, the company says the aerodynamic form of the teardrop-shaped trailers featuring a curved roof reduces air resistance, cutting fuel consumption by 5% to 10% compared to regular heavy-load trucks. In the U.K., DHL already deploys more than 1,100 teardrop trailers, which have been further developed and modified over the years.Â
‘Green transport solutions are a vital part in modern logistics operations,” states DHL Express' Patrick Boone. “We have been working with our partners and customers to create tailor-made answers to their transport needs.”Â
DHL says it has been involved in many alternative drive system projects over the years, including hybrid engines, electric vehicles, both natural gas and biogas vehicles, as well as dual-fuel and aerodynamic modifications.Â
Most recently, the company acquired StreetScooter GmbH, a developer of tailor-made electric vehicles. The first StreetScooter was introduced to DHL's fleet in 2012. Today, over 100 electric StreetScooters deliver letters and parcels in Germany.
