EcoDuo transport concept

EcoDuo transport concept

June 2024 – With the EcoDuo, Schmitz Cargobull is advocating the Europe-wide introduction of a transport concept that optimally utilises the existing infrastructure, reduces CO2 emissions, takes into account current transport industry standards – in particular multi-modal transport – and represents an ideal solution for extra-urban transport.

The EcoDuo combination consists of two standard curtainsider semi-trailers connected via a dolly trailer and pulled by a tractor unit. The total articulated vehicle weight is up to 76 tonnes, in combination with a three-axle tractor unit as used in Scandinavia, or up to 70 tonnes with a two-axle tractor unit as used in Spain.

This flexible concept – based primarily on standard trailers – has a number of plus points. In conventional long truck concepts, the length of the load carriers used can differ, meaning they cannot be combined for flexible use, requiring fleets to invest additional money. This makes continuous, cross-border transport more difficult as these combinations are not permitted in every country because of differing national laws. As a result, they can only be used to a limited extent for combined transport. In contrast, the EcoDuo trailer combination can easily be split between two tractor units at border points, distribution centres or in specific regions.

Efficient and sustainable transport concept

When compared to conventional tractor units and one trailer with a 40 tonnes total articulated vehicle weight, the EcoDuo concept offers the following advantages:

  • Reduced fuel consumption resulting in lower CO2 emissions per transported tonne
  • Lower single axle loads
  • Increases road capacity or reduces traffic through the use of fewer vehicles with more capacity
  • Less strain on roads and bridges due to lower axle loads and fewer articulated vehicles
  • Solution to the driver shortages
  • One driver, two semi-trailers for long-haul journeys.


Unlike previous long truck concepts, the existing semi-trailer fleets can still be used. Using two standard trailers, the existing dimensions in the transport industry remain unchanged. There is no need for additional investments in trailers beyond the existing standard trailers and the concept is truly modular. All current infrastructure can still be used without any expensive investments. The trailers remain capable of rail loading, promoting multi-modal transport, and the loading and unloading processes also remain unchanged. When modern trailers equipped with the latest axle and brake technology are used, the EcoDuo complies with all safety standards. With the EcoDuo concept, Schmitz Cargobull offers a unified European solution to the previous national long truck approaches. Harmonising the rules governing the lengths and weights of heavy trucks in cross-border traffic also helps to reduce emissions.

More about the EcoDuo:

https://www.cargobull.com/de/unternehmen/zuverlaessig-innovativ/langstreckenkonzept-ecoduo

About Schmitz Cargobull 

Schmitz Cargobull is the leading manufacturer of semi-trailers for temperature-controlled freight, general cargo and bulk goods in Europe and a pioneer in digital solutions for trailer services and improved connectivity. The company also manufactures transport refrigeration machines for refrigerated semi-trailers for temperature-controlled freight transport. With a comprehensive range of services from financing, spare parts supply, service contracts and telematics solutions to used vehicle trading, Schmitz Cargobull supports its customers in optimising their total cost of ownership (TCO) and digital transformation. Schmitz Cargobull was founded in 1892 in Münsterland, Germany. The family-run company produces around 60,000 vehicles per year with over 6,000 employees and generated a turnover of around 2.6 billion euros in the 2022/23 financial year. The international production network currently comprises ten plants in Germany, Lithuania, Spain, England, Turkey, Slovakia and Australia.


The Schmitz Cargobull press team:

Anna Stuhlmeier:  +49 2558 81-1340 I anna.stuhlmeier@cargobull.com 
Andrea Beckonert:  +49 2558 81-1321 I andrea.beckonert@cargobull.com
Silke Hesener:  +49 2558 81-1501 I silke.hesener@cargobull.com