AFKLMP Cargo, Jan de Rijk Logistics introduce new HVO-powered long heavy vehicle

Photo: Jan de Rijk Logistics

Air France KLM Martinair Cargo (AFKLMP Cargo) and Jan de Rijk Logistics have joined forces to take the new long heavy vehicle (LHV) into operation. This completely new truck combination will run on 100 percent hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO100), also referred to as renewable diesel.

The big advantage of using an LHV is the huge volume of cargo it can carry. An LHV can carry six unit-load devices (ULDs) at a time, whereas a normal cargo-carrying vehicle can only take four. This means that using an LHV for two trips saves an entire truck trip, therefore substantially reducing CO2 emissions as well.

The new LHV will be used exclusively on the route between Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and Frankfurt am Main. This strategic choice stems from the high cargo volumes carried on this route. Within AFKLMP Cargo’s extensive network, Frankfurt, like its Dutch home base Schiphol, is one of AFKLMP Cargo’s larger cargo hubs.

“To achieve greater sustainability, we in the logistics sector are especially aiming to forge alliances to promote innovative and effective solutions,” said Adriaan den Heijer, executive vice president of Air France KLM Cargo and managing director of Martinair. “I’m therefore extremely proud of our partnership with Jan de Rijk Logistics in creating this sustainable combination of an LHV powered by HVO, specially developed for air cargo. This initiative contributes towards our goal of reducing CO2 emissions further.”

Fred Westdijk, CEO of Jan de Rijk Logistics, added, “We’re extremely proud of AFKLMP Cargo for being the first airline to join us to invest in further reducing CO2 emissions. Jan de Rijk Logistics has actively promoted the use of LHVs and HVO in recent years and is pleased to welcome AFKLMP Cargo as a first mover. Now that the first airline has joined us, we hope that others will follow soon to reduce the impact on our climate.”

Jan de Rijk Logistics and AFKLMP Cargo have already carried out several projects together in their long history. AFKLMP Cargo and Jan de Rijk Logistics both invested in developing the LHV specifically for air cargo. Both parties have prioritized making the logistics chain more sustainable. Taking the LHV into operation therefore marks a significant milestone.

The structural deployment of an LHV means fewer trips and therefore reduced CO2 emissions. What’s more, the LHV will be powered by a different fuel. HVO can reduce CO2 emissions by as much as 89 percent. At present, the combination of an LHV powered by HVO is unique in transporting air cargo by road and, in the short term, it represents the best viable solution for more sustainable transport.

AFKLMP Cargo and Jan de Rijk will continue to take initiatives directed at achieving further sustainability throughout the logistics chain. Examples here include the development of electric truck combinations and the use of hydrogen as a sustainable fuel.

Jan de Rijk Logistics is a leading European logistics service provider. The company provides road-transport and intermodal services, contract logistics and retail distribution for its customers. Jan de Rijk Logistics operates a modern and diverse fleet of more than 1,000 vehicles, over 130,000 square meters of warehouses, and 27 establishments in 14 countries. Jan de Rijk Logistics employs around 1,400 people across Europe.

The company participates in CO2 compensation programs and, in all its proposals, offers customers an opportunity to choose a greener alternative such as HVO instead of diesel or an intermodal solution instead of road transport.