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Modular vehicle transport

What are modular vehicles? The Modular vehicles are designed for transport of heavy loads in very versatile vehicles. What is a megatruck? A megatruck is a large articulated vehicle consisting of a tractor unit with a 7.8 m trailer and an additional 13.6 m trailer. What is a duo trailer? The duo trailer It is a set of vehicles from the Nordic areas, which consist of transporting goods of 31.75 m in length and 70 tons of GVW. Why are we bringing this new way of driving to Spain? The DGT wanted to implement a new experimental project to authorize the circulation of clients who have these trucks as a test and investigation. This type of vehicle is competing with the mega truck category, which is legal in Spain. The megatrucks have more than 6 axles, 25.25 m in length and 60 tons of GVW. This vehicle also needs a special authorization, as we have commented in previous posts.

What advantages do modular vehicles offer?

The advantages offered by this type of vehicles are the following:
  • Cost reduction, with 25% fuel savings
  • Better weight distribution per axle with a total of 70 tons per delivery
  • Fewer CO2 emissions2 per ton and km
  • Less amount of noise emissions
  • Fewer vehicles on the road
  • Greater quantity of cargo transported, as well as volume to be transported
  • The Tractor units continue to be used, without change
  • No costly investments are required investments .
  • Possibility of combining with railway transport

What does the transport sector think about the transport of modular vehicles?

With the aim of promoting the use of the mega truck, the Organizacion Mundial de la Carretera (IRU), wants to promote decarbonization by including standards in cross-border operations, something that is not yet being implemented in the European Union. The mega truck transports much more merchandise than a standard vehicle, so if instead of three traditional vehicles we make a trip with two mega trucks, it reduces not only the number of vehicles on the road, but also the fuel consumption per kilometer. This consumption can be reduced by up to 35%, depending on several factors such as weight and adverse conditions. This means that, if the use of modular vehicle transport is implemented over time by 30%, CO emissions will be reduced.2 in a total of 237 million tons per year. According to the IRU, with the transport of goods by road, if the implementation of these modular vehicles triples until 2050, emissions may increase to a total of 700 million tons.

Implementation of modular vehicles in Spain

And more than 100 duo trailers circulating on Spanish roads. In Spain, the General Directorate of Traffic carries out rigorous and thorough monitoring for research projects on the operation of modular vehicles that are carried out in universities and laboratories of R&D. With this, they manage to obtain data rigorous and thorough monitoring for research projects on the operation of modular vehicles that are carried out in universities and laboratories of R&D With this, they are able to obtain clear and significant data on emissions, routes, consumption and itineraries. Request your quote in less than 3 minutes at just one click.

Frequently Asked Questions about Modular Vehicle Transport

What is a modular vehicle and why does it need special transport?

Modular vehicle = mobile structure made of assemblable prefab modules (sanitary modules, modular offices, modular houses, mobile hospitals). Requires special transport because: 1) Dimensions exceed standard (above 2.55m wide, above 4m high). 2) Variable weight 5-25t per module. 3) Torsion-sensitive structure during transport. 4) Special permits per section. 5) Driver trained in oversized cargo securing.

What type of vehicle is used to transport large prefab modules?

Three options by weight and dimensions: 1) Extendable trailer: up to 20m long, up to 30t. 2) Low-loader: for tall modules, weight 24-44t. 3) Platform with integrated crane: enables load/unload without extra crane. For standard sanitary modules (12x3x3m, 12-15t): extendable trailer is the most cost-effective option. Cost: €800-1,500/module by distance.

What permits and costs does oversized prefab module transport have?

Typical costs and permits: 1) DGT complementary circulation permit: €200-1,000 per trip. 2) Route Viability Study (RVS) if exceeding 4m height: €600-1,500. 3) Pilot vehicle if above 3m wide: €600-1,200/day. 4) Guardia Civil escort if above 5m wide: €200-500/h. Permit processing: 7-15 days. For businesses with several modules per year, annual generic authorisation cuts cost 30-50%.

What specific risks does prefab module transport carry?

Five critical risks: 1) Structural damage from torsion in turns or hard braking. 2) Moisture damage if open transport without protection. 3) Collision with low clearances (bridges, tunnels) if RVS poorly done. 4) Falling if insufficient securing (UNE-EN 12195). 5) Damage in load/unload without proper crane. Mitigation: 1) Vehicle with air suspension. 2) Protective tarp. 3) Detailed RVS. 4) Expert load/unload personnel. Mandatory all-risk insurance.

How do I plan logistics for a modular project with multiple modules?

Five-phase logistics plan: 1) Module inventory with dimensions, weight, assembly sequence. 2) Individual route studies (each module may have a different route). 3) Coordinated site calendar (no stock build-up before assembly). 4) Pilot vehicles and permits in batch. 5) Communication with local authorities (some require 48h advance notice). Construction company with modular project: contract specialist agency with prior similar experience. Planning lead time: 3-6 weeks ahead.

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