Road transport in Spain, responsible for moving 93% of goods according to the latest report from the Transport and Logistics Observatory, has received a new protagonist: the Duo-Trailer. This vehicle, recently authorised by the DGT after five years of testing, is positioned as the largest and most efficient in terms of load, with a maximum length of 32 metres and a total weight of up to 70 tonnes.
Key Features of the Duo-Trailer
The Duo-Trailer is a Euro-modular set made up of two semi-trailers joined by a dolly, a device that allows them to be connected safely and efficiently. Its dimensions and capacities are impressive:
- Maximum length: 32 meters.
- Maximum width: 2,55 meters.
- Maximum height: 4 meters.
- Maximum Authorized Mass (MAM): 70.000 kilograms.
- Maximum length of each semi-trailer: 13,80 meters.
This design makes it an ideal vehicle for transporting large volumes, reducing environmental impact. According to the Association of International Road Transport (ASTIC), this configuration can reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions by 25% to 30% compared to traditional trucks.
Traffic restrictions and regulations
Despite their advantages, the circulation of Duo-Trailers is strictly regulated to ensure road safety:
- Meteorological conditions:
- They cannot circulate on conventional roads if there is not sufficient visibility 150 metres in front of and behind the vehicle.
- They are prohibited from driving when the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has activated meteorological warnings for wind in traffic areas.
- Restrictions on single carriageway roads:
- They cannot overtake vehicles travelling at more than 45 km/h, limiting their manoeuvrability on these roads.
- Special authorization:
- They require specific permits from the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) to travel on specific routes. If they wish to operate in the Basque Country, Catalonia or Navarre, they must obtain additional authorisations from the respective administrations.
- Mandatory equipment:
- Lights on at all times, especially on single-carriageway roads.
- V-2 light signals (yellow car lights, yellow, R65 approved.) on the front and back.
- V-23 reflective tapes (white or yellow on the sides and red on the back).
- V-8 signs on the back to warn about its length.
- Mirrors and blind spot detectors to improve driver visibility.
- Advanced ADAS systems: lane keeping, autonomous emergency braking and stability control.
Logistical advantages and challenges
The Duo-Trailer represents a significant advance in road transport, as it can transport the equivalent of two traditional trucks with less environmental impact. However, its implementation comes with logistical challenges:
Increased complexity in route planning due to regulatory and visibility restrictions.
Access restrictions to loading and unloading areas, refuelling areas and parking lots due to their length and turning radius.
The future of freight transport
After five years of rigorous testing, the Duo-Trailer has been validated as an efficient, safe and sustainable solution for transporting goods in Spain. This new road giant is positioned as an important step towards the modernisation of the logistics sector, combining capacity, efficiency and lower environmental impact.
Source: Directorate General of Traffic (DGT)
https://www.dgt.es/comunicacion/noticias/20240628-duo-trailer-grande-entre-los-grandes/
