• 30 May 2019

Trucks powered by trolleys

The “eHighway” is almost complete on the A 1 motorway near Lübeck. Functional tests took place last week, and this week saw the first test drive with a contact truck.

The research and development center of the University of Applied Sciences in Kiel has announced that electricity can now also flow through overhead lines once the work is completed. The center is a scientific partner of the eHighway field test (FESH) in Schleswig-Holstein.

Functional tests of the overhead contact line

Accordingly, the overhead lines of both directions are temporarily subjected to stresses during the functional tests. “We perform short-circuit tests, insulation and ground measurements and inspect individual systems, such as the defrost system.” All tests are supervised by site personnel, ”says project manager Jan Bachmann. Visual protective devices would be used to prevent road users from being distracted by occasional curves. The police, fire and rescue centers are informed about the functional tests.

However, according to the scientist, the work does not pose any danger to operation, but functional tests are necessary when putting these systems into operation. In recent weeks, more than 250 police and firefighters have been trained in operational training. “So we’re well prepared,” says Bachmann.

First test drives in early June

After the successful completion of all functional tests, the first test runs with overhead trucks on the construction site are planned from 3 June. The dismantling of the construction site is planned for June 17, so that all lanes will be available again at the beginning of the summer holidays. It is expected that in September, the forwarding company Bode (based in Reinfeld) will start its own transport via overhead lines. Until then, various test vehicles will be used on the test track.

• 21 March 2019

Brexit agreement

Carriers in the United Kingdom can continue to carry goods between the United Kingdom and the EU (and Norway) using licenses for operators in the United Kingdom for the remainder of 2019 (without the need for ECMT authorization).

However, there are some new restrictions on EU (Member State to Member State) cross-border trade and cabotage.

In the first months of “Brexit without an agreement”, there are two trips within seven days of the end of the international transport – for the next three months, only one trip will be allowed within seven days. ECMT permits will be required for shipments / pick-ups to third countries.

Duncan Buchanan, Director of the RHA Strategy for England and Wales, said: “Confirmation of the agreement is very useful if there is a ‘Brexit without agreement’ option.

Most international road haulage services in the United Kingdom and the EU can move without complications due to the need for an ECMT authorization, which means that many operators will no longer need the authorizations granted to them.

“Another win is that there should be enough ECMT permits to meet the demand for transit from third countries. RHA now calls on DfT to review its allocation plans for short-term permits so that they are easily accessible to all operators who need them. “

• 13 December 2018

Marine industry expect major changes

The shipbuilding industry is facing significant changes: from 1 January 2020, ships can only use fuels with a maximum sulfur content of 0.5%. The current standard is fuels with an upper sulfur limit of 3.5%. The so-called IMO 2020 Regulation is the first in a series of measures by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) aimed at reducing marine pollution. The use of low-sulfur fuel will be a key transport solution that meets the IMO 2020 target. In the short term, it is a more environmentally friendly solution.

The introduction of this regulation will significantly improve the environmental footprint of industry. Assuming a price difference (0.5 percent LSFO) of about $ 250 per tonne between heavy fuel oil (HSFO) and low sulfur fuel by 2020, shipowners expect additional costs of about $ 1 billion in the first years. .

• 09 November 2018

Increasing tolls for trucks

At the end of October this year, the German parliament hit an increase in tolls for all trucks. The change comes into force on 1 January 2019. According to current assumptions, this could mean income to the state treasury of 2.5 billion euros (approximately 64.7 billion CZK). The new equipment will mainly concern all large and noisy vehicles, which in this case means trucks.

According to the DPA, only electric or gas trucks will be exempt from tolls. For the sake of completeness, it should be added that from July 2017, mandatory tolls were extended to all local roads in Germany. The goal of the July and October measures is quite clear – to obtain additional funding. Based on current models, this will mean 7.2 billion euros, which is about 2.5 billion euros more than now.

• 15 August 2018

Where can you visit us?

Do you want to honor us with your visit, or to meet people with whom you communicate daily by phone or e-mail? Then there is nothing easier than to approach us in person. SÜD-LOG Ltd. can be found in České Budějovice at Pekárenská 255/77 Street in the GW Jihotrans complex. You can visit us on any working day from 8:00 to 16:00.