Trailer manufacturer Kögel organises international workshop for associations

§  Kögel workshop for associations proves extremely popular

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§  Situation in Russia: critical but not hopeless

§  Trailer aerodynamics: expensive to acquire and operate

§  An obstacle to efficient freight movement: The Alps

"We've got to get rid of the Alps!" – this was the tongue-in-cheek answer at the first Kögel workshop for associations in response to the question as to what obstacles stand in the way of efficient freight movement in Europe. A few weeks ago, the trailer manufacturer invited associations such as ASMAP, ANITA, Transfrigoroute International, TLF, and many others to exchange opinions on the current economic situation and the political framework affecting goods transportation in Europe. A total of nine association members took up the invitation to the one-day workshop.

In the first part of the workshop, Bernhard Bayer, Head of Research & Development at Kögel, spoke on the topic of "Trailers today and tomorrow". As well as talking about the requirements placed on trailers, he dealt with topics such as the environment, infrastructure, and political framework. In the ensuing discussion, it became clear that city logistics constitute a particular challenge for transport companies. Whilst Dr. Thomas Baumgartner, President of the Italian Association of Forwarders ANITA, named London as a particular problem zone, Sergej Baklitskiy the spokesman of the Russian Association of Forwarders ASMAP mainly complained about Moscow. Willem Zonnevijlle, President of Transfrigoroute International, commented that environmental regulations not only apply to city traffic; they now also apply to industrial areas. For example, at the Maasvlakte port in Rotterdam, a recent rule change means that only Euro 6 trucks or Euro 5 trucks which are no more than five years old can enter the port.

Situation in Russia

The next agenda point saw Sergej Baklitskiy talking about the current situation in Russia. According to his remarks, many trucks are lying idle at the moment due to the economic crisis and political situation. Due to this, the forwarders are forging new routes via Iran, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkey. There are also a lot of transport routes to China, particularly in Siberia. "We want more freedom and globalisation," said Baklitskiy. "We also need reliable vehicles for our climate," he added. He went on to point out that telematics is a highly topical issue in Russia. Around 70% of vehicles are now fitted with GPS, as it is virtually impossible to get a load otherwise.

Trailer aerodynamics – does it make sense?

Alexander Süßmann from the Chair for Automotive Engineering of the Technical University of Munich gave a talk on his thesis topic, "Aerodynamics for Trailers". Süßmann put the extremely diverse specifications of the fuel savings that different aerodynamic parts manufacturers provide into perspective using a standardised measurement procedure. In real driving situations, he was also able to prove that the fuel savings are considerably less than specified by the manufacturers and to demonstrate that real savings can actually only be made at a constant speed of 90 km/h. In some cases, it takes an extremely long time to recoup the acquisition costs. Alexander Süßmann therefore recommends independent, customer-specific analyses of potential savings. The experiences of the association representatives in attendance confirmed Alexander Süßmann's findings. A further problem: All fittings are extremely susceptible to requiring repair in normal traffic conditions. As Willem Zonnevijlle pointed out: "The problem is that trailers with aerodynamic fittings cost a fortune as they have to be repaired every couple of months."

We've got to get rid of the Alps

The final point on the agenda was a question and answers session moderated by Volker Seitz, Director of Marketing/Communication and Business Development at Kögel, who had also issued the invitations to this workshop. The topics were "In your opinion, what obstacles are there to efficient freight movement in Europe?" and "What would you like the European Parliament to do for you?"

Answers to question 1:

• Country-specific regulations: Customs, holiday, permitted driving hours, permitted length/height/weight etc.
• High costs: Personnel, fuel, taxes etc.
• The Alps

Answers to question 2:

• Standardisation of the country-specific regulations mentioned above
• Increase in permitted weight, height, and length
• Licensing extended trailers and long trucks
• A willingness to listen to road haulage companies and not only the railway lobby