Since December, the Dutch company Angvik Auto Holland has been driving to and from Norway with two LHVs. These 25-meter combinations mean the carrier can transport 60 tons on more than 50 euro pallets and 60 tons. "That increases our fleet's capacity. So in this tight labor market, we can carry more cargo, at least one extra load per week,'' says Remco van der Spruit.
These Longer Heavier Vehicle combinations became an option last year when the Eemshaven-Kristiansand connection began. "Weight restrictions prevented us from ever driving LHVs through Germany. This ferry service makes that unnecessary. When that became known, I'd just ordered new trucks but could still convert one to a motor truck with a center-axle trailer. We now have several fixed weekly spots on that ferry."
Heiwo body shop and Scania Westland supplied three triple-axle steered trailers, a dolly and an isothermal truck body on a Scania, and a center-axle trailer. Angvik can thus form various LHV configurations. The dolly and trailer truck has since been approved as a German LHV, though still with weight restrictions. "We're eager to see if that holds up, but, for now, at least we can drive back across Germany as a backup," continues Remco.
He says the biggest gain is that they can transport more cargo. "Time-wise, there's not much difference, but it does save plenty of miles on the Oslo trip. Whether it will genuinely save us fuel remains to be seen, but being able to carry more cargo is an advantage. We're now taking goods in one go, which would usually take three vehicles."
Some of Angvik's drivers have taken LHV driving courses. "Norway's well equipped for LHVs, even better than the Netherlands. We have several customers where we can get around well with the LHVs. And if we need to disconnect, we can always continue with the motor truck and trailer," Remco explains.
© Angvik Auto Holland BV
"We've been driving the LHVs for a month now, and it's been great. We have more trailers we can use, so we can always buy another one." Remco is confident about 2023. "Thanks to a new Norwegian customer for to and fro loads, we can, fortunately, keep going very well, despite the recession," he concludes.
For more information:
Remco van der Spruit
Angvik Auto Holland BV
Tel: +31 (0) 174 510 050
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.Angvikauto.nl
