Luís Simões is the pioneer by using mega-trucks in the Iberian Peninsula, having started in 2017 a new project, this time in Spain, in the Zaragoza region.

The Gigaliner solution, introduced by Luís Simões in the Iberian market in 2014, presents environmental gains that reduce by approximately 30% of carbon dioxide emissions per ton transported. There is a greater efficiency, resulting from the reduction of operating costs / tonne transported, due to lower fuel consumption and investment effort. Finally, there is less wear and tear on roadways, with a reduction of one third of the road pressure, taking into account that 2 Gigaliners replace 3 conventional Trailers.

Implemented in 2014 in Portugal, this system is an example of how innovation in the logistics and transport sector benefits the competitive capacity of operators in economic and environmental terms. The 10 Gigaliners that Luís Simões currently has in circulation in Portugal and Spain aim to optimize the Euro-modular system and add value to the customer’s supply chain.

“In Portugal, LS accumulates more than three years of experience and 34,000 trips with euro-modular vehicles, and the results obtained are a living proof of the advantages of using this type of equipment, with a lower environmental impact per transported tonne. In Spain, the project was carefully prepared with accessibility tests; readjustment of the operating model of some installations, training specialized for Luís Simões drivers and technicians, and also had the support and continuous monitoring of equipment suppliers. “Says Cláudia Trindade , Iberian Fleet Manager of Luís Simões.

The Gigaliner configuration in Portugal is a combination of vehicles consisting of a three-axle truck coupled to a dolly (a small chassis consisting of two axles, driven by a movable boom similar to a trailer) with a coupling plate that allows the coupling of a 13,6m semi-trailer. This solution allows to circulate with a gross weight up to 60 tons (the conventional one being up to 40 tons), and meets the legal requirements regarding the turning radius and, because it has eight axles, has weights per axle lower than the maximum allowed by law currently, allowing an estimated reduction in road wear of about 30%, compared to wear caused by conventional (5-axle) vehicles.

In Spain, LS acquired a set consisting in 2-axle, link trailer and conventional semi-trailer, and a 2-axle drive, 13.6m semi-trailer and 2-axle trailer. Once again Luís Simões counted with its partner Lecitrailer, to supply the trailers. The acquired traction units are equipped with the latest safety systems, from pneumatic suspension on two axles, dead-end mirrors, and rail abandonment warning system, emergency braking system, anti-sliding system and stability control.

“We have decided different configurations that the ones we’ve made in Portugal, since they offer more flexibility in case of flows failures. You can always use two elements of each set in an isolated way, allowing you to reduce operational inefficiencies and optimize your investment. It offers the possibility of using long combinations when allowed, and short combinations when necessary, “says Cláudia Trindade.

The implementation of the fleet of 25.25m euro-modular trucks has been operating as a cross-cutting process from creation to distribution across all areas of the supply chain. The use of modular vehicles with greater load capacity facilitates and makes transport more efficient at short distances by reducing the number of trips and, consequently, the consumption of fuel.

“The latest project at this level started in 2017, this time in Spain, in Zaragoza region, as a result of a project developed with Saica, which is a leading family company in the development of sustainable solutions for the packaging of corrugated paper and paperboard, “says Ignacio Gutierrez, Luís Simões Regional Transportation Director.

Luís Simões intends to continue betting on the strong increase of these solutions in the coming years, once its economic, social and environmental sustainability is proven. The high degree of customer commitment for productivity and competitiveness is a motivation to work firmly on this common purpose.