It’s all about length
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Mercedes-Benz has launched its new Actros and you can see the first exclusive pictures of its stylish new look on p32. The truck, which goes on sale later this year, features a new cab, drive-train, chassis and interior. However, what size trailer the Actros could be pulling is still up for debate (see p6).
As CM went to press, the Department for Transport had closed its consultation on a potential trial of longer semitrailers, which could see an increase in the maximum trailer length by 2.05m to 15.65m (a total length of 18.75m).
We have long accepted at CM that the increase in productivity gained by increasing the length of the semi-trailer (and not the weight) would be beneficial to hauliers – be they small, medium or large.
But this week’s warning that these plans could cost hauliers £18bn over five years is misleading to say the least, and scaremongering on behalf of campaign groups at best. We agree that rail will have to play a bigger part in the 21st century logistics infrastructure, but it should not be subsidised by the taxpayer to the detriment of entrepreneurship in the road haulage sector. We also agree that we have to be greener, but eliminating empty and inefficient running will go far more towards achieving that goal than transferring freight from road to rail.
The longer semi-trailer will help achieve this by partially removing the old maxim of cubing out before you weigh out.
We applaud the government for its bravery in commissioning this consultation and look forward to its findings. Christopher Walton