Smart Trucks, built on Performance-Based Standards (PBS), have proved their merits in terms of improved operating costs, lower environmental impact and improved safety across various trucking sectors, from mining to timber transport. Now, regular road-going truck delivery fleets are taking advantage of the increased payload potential offered by Smart Trucks, effectively bringing enhanced efficiencies to the local trucking industry.
The latest entrant into the PBS arena is Ardagh Glass Packaging-Africa (Ardagh), with the introduction of five Smart Trucks into its glass delivery fleet.
“These PBS vehicles will strengthen our delivery fleet through a partnership with DP World,” states Paul Curnow, CEO at Ardagh Glass Packaging-Africa. “These state-of-the-art vehicles represent a major leap forward in transportation efficiency and safety for our operations. The Smart Trucks feature innovative designs that deliver improved productivity while simultaneously reducing environmental impact and infrastructure wear.”
Enhanced capabilities and environmental benefits
The new Smart Trucks offer impressive specifications – each truck can carry 100 pallets – 28 more than the existing fleet – with a 55-tonne payload capability and an overall laden length of 30m. They are equipped with advanced dual-fuel engines that use both diesel and compressed natural gas. According to DP World’s analysis, these vehicles cause approximately 50% less road wear per tonne of payload and are expected to deliver a 37% reduction in carbon emissions per pallet shipped.
“Over the next six years, we estimate these vehicles will eliminate approximately 1.7 million kilometres of travel and prevent 1 765 tonnes of CO2 emissions, supporting our sustainability strategy and efforts to reduce emissions,” adds Curnow.
Ardagh’s new Smart Trucks are equipped with advanced, comprehensive safety systems. These include EBS brakes on all trailers, auto-inflating tyres and self-weighing functionality. The vehicles also feature adaptive cruise control, dynamic and corrective steering systems, driver-alert support, lane-departure warnings and lane-change support.
A distinctive on-road presence
While the Smart Trucks represent Ardagh’s forward-looking ambitions for reduced carbon emissions, the refreshed branding that will identify these vehicles is a nod to the company’s strong legacy, with a nostalgic reference to the 2016 award-winning advert featuring the iconic Consol preserve jar, Curnow says.
“The introduction of these Smart Trucks represents a significant milestone in our commitment to sustainable logistics. Not only do they deliver impressive efficiency gains and carbon reductions, but they also demonstrate how innovation can simultaneously benefit business operations, environmental objectives, and road safety. We’re proud to be leading the way in adopting transport solutions that align with our sustainability pillars,” concludes Curnow.
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