New15.65-metre long semi-trailers are enabling TNT Express to remove partly-filled trailers from its network, the company reckons.
It is running the LSTs as part of the Department for Transport trial. The trailers, which are 2m longer than standard offer a 15 per cent greater load capacity.
Operations director Simon Harper said: “This means we can reduce the number of trips required to deliver the same number of parcels which, in turn, helps to reduce our fuel consumption, hence saving costs.
“Using fully-loaded LSTs on long distance routes means we can remove partly-filled trailers from the network which is already driving efficiencies.”
TNT is currently running two of its DfT allocation of LST’s between one of its main hubs at Kingsbury in the Midlands and its Llantrisant Depot in South Wales.
“The Llantrisant route is part of Phase 1 of the trial and is under constant review by the project team. We are now moving to Phase 2 of the plan with the introduction of more trailers – perhaps even double deck LSTs,” said Harper.
However, it has concluded that the vehicles should not be used in towns or cities.
“Despite rear steering axles and similar manoeuvrability to standard trailers, they do ‘behave’ differently, so we are not planning urban routes for LSTs,” he said. “They are very much trunking trailers designed for long-haul, bulk deliveries.”
