Wielton Logistic reduces maximum speed to 85 km/h in truck tractors

22 czerwca 2023

The Wielton semi-trailer manufacturer, as an environmentally conscious company, is taking active measures to reduce the negative impact of transportation on the environment. For this reason,
it has initiated a project to reduce the speed to 85 km/h of all truck tractors in the Wielton Logistic fleet. Thanks to its implementation, truck tractors consume about 0.7 liters less fuel per 100 km, which translates into a reduction of more than 5,500 kg of CO2 each month.

The transportation industry, with particular emphasis on road transport, is responsible for more than 25% of the carbon dioxide emissions generated in Europe. This problem is noted by the European Union, which has set ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. According to them, it aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, with an interim step of reducing gas emissions by 55% by 2030, as enshrined in the European Climate Law. Accordingly, vehicle manufacturers and transportation companies are striving to reduce the fuel consumption of their products, among other things reduce tare weight and use alternative drives. These companies are constantly looking for innovative low-emission solutions. Wielton can also be counted among this group, which out of concern for the environment and reducing its carbon footprint, has reduced the maximum speed in its fleet of more than 30 sets from 90 km/h to 85 km/h. Wielton Logistic carried out tests that confirmed that the tractor-trailer burns 0.7 liters less fuel per 100 km thanks to a 5 km/h speed reduction. The speed reduction implemented not only translated into a reduction in fuel consumption and operating costs, but also reduced CO2 emissions into the atmosphere by more than 5,500 kg per month, a reduction of 66,000 kg of CO2 per year. Assuming the average wholesale price of fuel in a given month and the route taken by each tractor-trailer during that period, it turned out that in total Wielton Logistic could save more than PLN 14,000 per month, which is already more than PLN 170,000 in annual savings.

"We conducted numerous calculations and simulations that led us to reduce the speed of the fleet from 90km/h to 85 km/h. This change has not adversely affected our capacity. Invariably, we are completing all orders on time and without delays. At the same time, the change has had a positive impact on reducing fuel consumption and making our drivers drive more economically. We are pleased that our project has a positive impact on the environment, while generating financial savings."

- said Błażej Walkowiak, CEO of Wielton Logistic Sp. z o.o.

Wielton Logistic was established in 2003 and has been operating under its current name since 2011. It is responsible for transporting components and finished products between Wielton Group companies and delivering orders to customers. The company also handles international transportation throughout Europe. The company has reduced the maximum speed of its fleet vehicles as of October 2022.

"We tested and analyzed various options for reducing the speed limit. A greater reduction would adversely affect the efficiency of our operations. Reducing the speed limit to 85km/h is therefore the optimal solution from the perspective of the speed/fuel consumption ratio while maintaining the expected efficiency of the fleet."

- added Paweł Piekacz, Logistics and Transportation Manager of Wielton Logistic Sp. z o.o.

Wielton Logistic's fleet currently consists of 33 truck tractors. At the end of last year, the fleet was joined by 7 modern IVECO S-WAY trucks, which are characterized by lower fuel consumption thanks to, among other things, improved aerodynamics through the use of an A-pillar cover and additional deflectors on the corners of the cab. Lower combustion in these vehicles has also been achieved through the use of technologies that make driving easier for the driver, for example: active ACC cruise control with radar sensor, automatic engine extinguishing during prolonged idling, Driving Style Evaluation (DSE) and Driver Attention Surveillance (DAS) systems, and the downhill disengagement function - ECO-ROLL.

Wielton Logistic's truck tractor speed reduction project is one of 150 ideas submitted as part of Wielton S.A.'s 49+ program. From April this year until the end of January 2024, Wielton employees can submit further savings ideas as part of the 100+ project.