Transport on the road: Association: Long trucks no relief during low water levels
In view of the low water levels in many rivers, the trade association recently called for long trucks to be permanently approved. A transport association disagrees.
In Berlin, the Verband Deutscher Verkehrsunternehmen (VDV) argues that longer trucks are not a replacement for reduced barge transport. VDV CEO Oliver Wolff stated that while these measures shift cargo from barge to road during low water levels, they do not address the underlying structural issues in the freight industry. Wolff emphasized that longer trucks do not provide a sustainable solution to the growing demands of a resilient and environmentally friendly transportation system.
Furthermore, the VDV highlighted that roads are also congested and face structural limitations. The association pointed out that heavier goods and bulk cargo could potentially be transported by rail, but this would require an infrastructure capable of withstanding high loads. Meanwhile, the Handelsverband Deutschland (HDE) has recently proposed the permanent allowance of so-called "Lang-Lkw" (long trucks) to address the strained transport situation on many rivers due to low water levels.
HDE CEO Stefan Genth stressed that even if only a few retail goods were transported by ship, the industry relies on a functional logistics system nationwide. Genth urged the federal Ministry of Economy to finally permit long trucks permanently and expand the transportation network suitable for them. In Germany, long trucks are currently only allowed to be up to 25.25 meters long, which is 6.50 meters longer than conventional trucks.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
