Successful EcoDuo pilot project

The project was initiated by the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) and conducted in collaboration with Sesé, Kombiverkehr, Volkswagen Group Logistics, TÜV Rheinland and Schmitz Cargobull.
Andreas Schmitz, CEO of Schmitz Cargobull AG, says: “Compared to previous long truck concepts, the EcoDuo meets all safety standards and is ideally suited for combined transport, as standard semi-trailers can be loaded onto trains without any complications. The EcoDuo is available now and without expensive investments and can make an immediate direct contribution to CO₂ reduction in road freight transport.”
Focus on efficiency and climate protection
Andreas Schmitz says: "Schmitz Cargobull will continue to campaign for the EcoDuo concept to be included in the positive network for long trucks in Germany and cross-border transport in Europe. I urge political decision-makers to pave the way for this. We must urgently create framework conditions that actively promote the transition to climate-friendly freight transport without additional burdens. Only in this way can we strengthen the competitiveness and innovative power of Europe as a business location."
Technical concept and use:
• 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 31.7 metres, and the permissible total weight varies depending on the country (44 tonnes in the German pilot project, up to 72 tonnes in Spain, and up to 76 tonnes in the Scandinavian countries).
• The weight is distributed across ten axles, which reduces the load on the road.
• 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 accolades, including the Green Truck Innovation Award 2019, the European Transport Prize for Sustainability 2020 and ‘The Future of Logistics’ award at IAA Transportation 2024.
• Effective 1 December 2023, EcoDuo will be approved for up to 74 tonnes in Sweden.
• Spain will approve the concept as a ‘duo trailer’ in 2024 with 72 tonnes.
• At the end of September 2025, the one-year pilot project in Germany, which was scientifically monitored by TÜV Rheinland, was successfully completed.
About Schmitz Cargobull
Schmitz Cargobull is the leading manufacturer of semi-trailers for temperature-controlled freight, general cargo and bulk goods in Europe and a pioneer in digital solutions for trailer services and improved connectivity. The company also manufactures transport refrigeration machines for refrigerated semi-trailers for temperature-controlled freight transport. With a comprehensive range of services from financing, spare parts supply, service contracts and telematics solutions to used vehicle trading, Schmitz Cargobull supports its customers in optimising their total cost of ownership (TCO) and digital transformation. Schmitz Cargobull was founded in 1892 in Münsterland, Germany. The family-run company produces around 60,000 vehicles per year with over 6,000 employees and generated a turnover of around 2.6 billion euros in the 2022/23 financial year. The international production network currently comprises ten plants in Germany, Lithuania, Spain, England, Turkey, Slovakia and Australia.
The Schmitz Cargobull press team:
Anna Stuhlmeier: | +49 2558 81-1340 I anna.stuhlmeier@cargobull.com |
Andrea Beckonert: | +49 2558 81-1321 I andrea.beckonert@cargobull.com |
Silke Hesener: | +49 2558 81-1501 I silke.hesener@cargobull.com |
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Image 1: Andreas Schmitz_CEO Schmitz Cargobull
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Image 2: EcoDuo pilot project closing event
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Press Release: Successful EcoDuo pilot project