EcoDuo – for sustainable and efficient freight transport

EcoDuo – for sustainable and efficient freight transport

The 31.7 m long EcoDuo combination with two standard semi-trailers is a practical transport solution that combines environmental awareness and economic efficiency. It enables road freight transport to be carried out more efficiently while also making an active contribution to climate protection through reduced CO2 emissions and lower road load per axle.

Benefits for environment and economy 

  • Contribution to climate protection
    • Reduction in CO₂ emissions per tonne-kilometre by up to 25%
    • Plus: reduced road congestion
       
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  • Increase in efficiency
    • Total fuel consumption falls
    • Transport volume doubles
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  • Complete flexibility
    • The existing logistics infrastructure can be used without restriction as before
    • Transport of semi-trailers by rail or ferry is fully possible
       
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  • Reducing dependency
    • The concept replaces two conventional truck journeys with just one driver
    • Alleviating the driver shortage
     
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EcoDuo Trailer
Copyright: VDA

EcoDuo – pilot project

  • Since 2018, the EcoDuo concept has been tested and further developed in various European countries.
  • Following successful pilot projects in Finland, Sweden, Spain and Germany, the concept has received several awards, including the Green Truck Innovation Award and the European Transport Prize for Sustainability.
  • The pilot project in Germany, which was scientifically monitored by TÜV Rheinland, was completed at the end of September 2025. 
EcoDuo project

Outlook

Following the one-year pilot project in Germany, Schmitz Cargobull is committed to incorporating the EcoDuo concept into the positive network for long trucks in Germany and cross-border transport in Europe. This will set a new standard for sustainable and economical transport solutions and corresponding competitiveness in Europe.

Overview

Technical concept

A ground-breaking long-distance concept

EcoDuo Bahn
Copyright: VDA
  • The EcoDuo consists of two standard three-axle semi-trailers connected by an unsteered dolly.
  • It is compatible with any tractor unit and rail transport.
  • The total length is 31.70 metres, and the permissible total weight varies depending on the country (44 tonnes in Germany, up to 72 tonnes in Spain, and up to 76 tonnes in the Nordic countries).
  • The weight is distributed across ten axles, which reduces the load on the road.

Background

  • CO2 reduction, infrastructure and rising transport volumes present major challenges for the legislature, transport industry and commercial vehicle manufacturers.

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  • Climate change and CO2 emissions in particular require a rethink in the entire industry, increasing demand for innovative solutions.

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  • New concepts are needed to prevent further pressure on infrastructure, despite higher transport volumes on roads, railways and waterways.

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  • At the same time, the existing equipment can only be used to a limited extent due to the declining number of well-trained and qualified drivers.

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  • Concepts like EcoDuo and the interplay of all modes of transport are urgently needed to reconcile requirements to reduce CO2 emissions and impact on infrastructure with higher transport volumes.

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Awards

Multiple award-winning long-distance concept

2019:
Green Truck Innovation Award
Awards
2020:
European Transport Journey for Sustainability
Awards
2024:
Best of Transportation ‘The Future of Logistics’
Awards

From daily life

Reich transport company

Reich transport company takes over curtainsider semi-trailers for EcoDuo combination. Philipp Reich, owner of Reich transport company from Vimfow, took ownership of two new vehicles equipped with a POWER CURTAIN.
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Download

  • Flyer: The EcoDuo long-truck concept
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