Transport Engineering
12 Jan 2010

DHL launches mainland Europe's first Teardrop trailer

A pioneering new Teardrop trailer design has been unveiled by DHL Supply Chain and is now in operation between the Netherlands and Germany. The new trailer is expected to save up to 10% fuel due to its innovative design and compliance with European legislation.

The trailer is the first of its kind demonstrating DHL’s position as a market leader in innovative logistics developments and DHL is considering further expansion across mainland Europe in the course of 2010. Unveiled in Southampton (UK), the new trailer has been developed in collaboration with DON-BUR, the expert in vehicle design, and has been aerodynamically contoured to improve fuel and CO2 efficiency levels.

Paul Eden-Smith, Senior VP Consumer, Retail & Fashion Sector, EMEA, DHL Supply Chain, comments: “As businesses come under increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions new innovation is key to driving positive environmental change. This is the first trailer of its kind in mainland Europe, which we expect will provide a 10% reduction in fuel usage and save up to 25 tonnes of CO2 during the first year of operation. Our latest collaboration with DON-BUR is an important step forward and will help to ensure further innovation in aerodynamic truck design remains high on the European supply chain agenda.”

Following an 18-month trial in the UK of an early incarnation of the Teardrop trailer, DHL has built on its early success, including 10% fuel savings, with the new design specifically for use in mainland Europe. As well as adapting the materials used, the new trailer meets European legislation requirements. Key features and benefits include

• Distinctive full curved roof to reduce resistance and increase fuel efficiency
• Maximum four metre vehicle height in line with European legislation
• Forward swept front bulkhead to reduce turbulence
• New lightweight recyclable blade panels to help reduce fuel consumption
• 96.8 cubic metres of internal capacity means no reduction in goods space

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