Efficient and optimized line haul transport paves PostNord's path towards low-emission logistics

The efficiency and optimization of line haul transport between cities and terminals is one important tool in PostNord's toolbox as the company aims to reduce the carbon dioxide emissions of its transport. The whole is part of the goal set by PostNord, where it intends to cut 40 percent of its carbon dioxide emissions by the end of 2025 from the level of mid-2020.

In simplified terms, the efficiency and optimization of frame transports enables the transport of a larger amount of goods with fewer kilometers driven.

– In 2023, approximately 48 percent of PostNord's transport carbon dioxide emissions were caused by line haul transport. This year, the corresponding number has dropped to 42 percent. In addition to lower emission fuels, various transport efficiency measures have enabled positive development and reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, comments PostNord's Chief Operating Officer Jussi Broberg.

More freight per kilometer driven

The efficiency of line haul transport is based on the increased filling rate of line haul trucks. In practice, efficiency means more compact loading of line haul trucks, which has been made possible by new types of transport cage solutions. The transport cages are filled in the terminals, after which they are stacked on top of each other and loaded onto the truck.

– During the last four years, we have invested heavily in new types of transport cages for trucks. The cages enable cargo to be loaded in two layers, increasing the filling rate of the trucks considerably. Along with the cages, we have also invested in monitoring the loading and other loading functions. In this way, we ensure an even more precise stacking of the transport pallets, which also increases the filling rate of the trucks, Broberg explains the measures taken.

Improving the efficiency of body transport is also linked to the cargo being transported. Today, PostNord's frame transport trucks transport more and more e-commerce packages that end up for consumer customers. Uniform cargo enables more compact loading.

– Thanks to the efficiency work, we have been able to increase the filling rate of frame transport trucks by an average of 30 percent compared to four years ago, Broberg says.

HCT trucks enable the optimization and minimization of driving kilometers on line haul lines

By optimizing line haul transports, PostNord aims to reduce driving kilometers on line haul lines. The most effective way to reduce the number of kilometers driven is to transport more cargo at once. This is best achieved by increasing the size of the transport fleet.

PostNord is a pioneer in the optimization of line haul transports, as the company is one of the first to introduce licensed HCT trucks (High Capacity Transport) in Finland. Already in 2017, PostNord piloted a 19.6 pallet meter long HCT truck between the Turku and Vantaa terminals, which exceeded the length standards at the time.

– We did the first pilots subject to a permit, that is, we applied for a special permit from Traficom for transports considered too long at the time. With the help of the tests, we were able to prove that the longer trucks are well suited for trunk lines between cities, says Broberg.

During the last four years, PostNord has put into use HCT trucks with up to 28 pallet meters in length.

– I am proud of the fact that we have been able to reduce the emissions caused by line haul transports by making the transports more efficient and optimized and thus offer our customers lower-emission logistics services. However, the work continues, because as early as next year we will start using a new electric truck on the line between the capital region and Turku. In the new truck, efficiency and optimization are combined with emission-free driving power, Broberg says happily.