The move endorses the company’s sustainability agenda and follows the start of an exclusive block train service linking Werlte where Krone has a factory, and Wörth, which is the main production centre for Daimler Trucks. Up to 32 semitrailers can be loaded on the train while in the return direction Daimler loads its trucks on the train for destinations in northern Germany and Scandinavia.

The new service has resulted from the development by Emsländische Eisenbahn GmbH (EEB) of a new rail yard in Werlte, and by the supply of special low-floor wagons, which enable vehicles up to 4m high to be loaded, by Austria-based Vega International Car Transport. Meanwhile, a specially developed “r2L Connector” adapter system means the wagons can also transport non-craneable semi-trailers.

Heiko Isfort, head of Logistics for the Krone Commercial Vehicle Group, believes this new service will pave the way for additional intermodal and combined transport services. “By entering the field of intermodal delivery logistics for new vehicles, we are not only succeeding in reducing CO₂ emissions and significantly relieving the burden on the roads, but also in significantly increasing our efficiency,” he said. “In cooperation with our partners Vega and Eisenbahngesellschaft Ostfriesland-Oldenburg, we have therefore already set our sights on further routes.”

The town of Werlte and the district of Emsland are fully supporting the project and are planning a transhipment centre directly on the bypass track under the sponsorship of EEB. “This investment and the current developments show that the loading track is developing into a successful project for Werlte as a business location,” said city director Ludger Kewe.