FDBusiness.com

Cargill’s cocoa & chocolate business has introduced two new Eco-Combi trucks to replace three conventional vehicles – reducing CO2 emissions from transport by 30 per cent. The vehicles are being used to transport the company’s Gerkens® cocoa powder on 3,250 journeys per year, from Cargill’s plant in Wormer, the Netherlands, to its ultra-modern 50,000 square metre warehouse facility operated by DSV in the port of Amsterdam.

The new vehicles mean that 2,000 fewer journeys per year are now undertaken – 3,250 compared to 5,250 previously – which means a reduction of 100,000 kilometres per year travelled.

“As well as lowering CO2 emissions, and reducing fuel use by 30 per cent, residents in the Wormer area are also pleased with the reduced number of vehicle movements, which has created a more pleasant environment,” explains Karel Seinen, Logistics Manager,Cocoa, for Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate.

The Eco-Combi vehicles are longer than the vehicles they replace, 25 metres compared to 18 metres. They are also heavier, and have upgraded braking systems and adapted axles to aid steering and turning.

“Our old vehicles had a 50-tonne maximum weight limit, which meant we could transport 25 tonnes of powder. The new ones have a 60-tonne limit, but can transport 40 tonnes of powder as a result of better weight distribution across the increased length,” continues Karel Seinen.

“Safety is extremely important to Cargill and we undertook a thorough trial before purchasing the vehicles. We also researched the safety records of such vehicles in other countries, which demonstrated that Eco-Combi trucks actually have a better safety record than conventional heavy vehicles.

“The move to Eco-Combi trucks is working well for us, producing the environmental benefits which we seek as well as cost savings,” concluded Karel Seinen.