OREANDA-NEWS. January 08, 2015. Deutsche Post DHL, the world's leading postal and logistics group, further expands its fleet of about 11,500 vehicles with alternative drive systems and aerodynamic modifications. DHL introduces two so-called Teardrop trailers as well as one LNG-Truck for the first time in Belgium.

The vehicles will be operated by DHL partner Ninatrans. The aerodynamic form of the teardrop-shaped trailers featuring a curved roof reduces air resistance, cutting fuel consumption by 5 to 10 percent compared to regular heavy-load trucks. The LNG-Truck, which runs on natural gas, in addition supports the green transport solution.

By adding to its green fleet, Deutsche Post DHL not only acts on its environmental responsibility but also benefits from decreased fuel use. The teardrop trailers, built by Don-Bur, and the LNG-truck, built by Iveco, will contribute to the continuous efforts of both DHL and Ninatrans to reduce CO2 emissions.

“Green transport solutions are a vital part in modern logistics operations. We have been working with our partners and customers to create tailor made answers to their transport needs. The teardrop trailer and the LNG-truck perfectly represent this approach and will help to reduce the environmental impact of the operations,” said Patrick Boone, Vice President Road Network Europe, DHL Express.

This approach is also in line with Deutsche Post DHL’s overall strategy, called “Strategy 2020”. One aspect is the continuous emphasis on green business solutions and carbon efficiency improvement. The Group pursues the overall aim to improve CO2 emissions by 30 percent by 2020. In the UK, DHL already deploys more than 1.100 Teardrop trailers, which have been further developed and modified over the years.

The two new teardrop trailers follow the initial launch of this vehicle – the first one in mainland Europe at all - in June 2014. Here, DHL introduced the new design and technology as part of a customer project. The trailers all contain key features such as a distinctive curved roof to reduce resistance and increase fuel efficiency, a maximum four meter vehicle height in line with European legislation, a forward-swept front bulkhead to reduce turbulence as well as new lightweight recyclable blade panels to help reduce fuel consumption. The LNG-truck has a reach of about 700 km and will refuel at a LNG station in the city of Tilburg. Overall, the use of natural gas will help to reduce consumption and CO2 emissions by 5 to 10 percent.

Deutsche Post DHL has been involved in many alternative drive system projects over the years, including hybrid engines, electric vehicles, both natural gas and biogas vehicles, as well as dual-fuel and aerodynamic modifications. Most recently, Deutsche Post DHL acquired StreetScooter GmbH, a developer of tailor-made electric vehicles. The first StreetScooter was introduced to the Group’s fleet in 2012. Today, over one hundred electric StreetScooter deliver letters and parcels in Germany and as part of a pilot project in the city of Bonn. Here, Deutsche Post DHL is currently transforming Bonn into Germany’s first city with a carbon-free vehicle concept for mail and parcel delivery. For heavy load transport the Group uses hybrid engines, dual-fuel trucks and Teardrop trailers.