First “super trucks” on Belgian roads

Brewer AB InBev and transport company Ninatrans are the first in Belgium to receive a permit to deploy a Longer and Heavy Truck – also known as an ecocombi or “super truck” (pictured). The super trucks will drive between Ninatrans base in Leuven and the port of Antwerp on a daily basis.

The first permit is part of a trial project by the government of Flanders. In the coming months, five other companies are expected to receive a permit. The government wants to examine the advantages and disadvantages of super trucks in terms of safety, mobility and the environment. After two years, a special commission will carry out an evaluation of the system.

Super trucks can be up to 25.25 metres long, instead of the usual 16.5 metres and can transport up to 60 tons instead of the normal 44 tons. “Two super trucks can replace three regular trucks,” Benny Smets, CEO of Ninatrans, told Het Nieuwsblad. “It is not the purpose to transport more goods along the route but to transport the same amount with fewer trucks, which reduces traffic on roads.”

Although the ecocombi trucks are much bigger, they consumer only a fraction more fuel than regular trucks, according to Smets, which will lead to a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.

In order to limit their impact on traffic, super trucks are not allowed to drive through built-up areas or to use routes heavy in pedestrian and cycle traffic. They are also required to avoid certain crossroads and roundabouts.

photo by HBS/Het Niewsblad