Continuing the transformation of India’s logistics and transportation industry, Volvo Trucks introduced its first ‘Road Train‘ in India. A more extensive freight transport system, popular in countries such as Australia and the United States, uses a single truck to pick up multiple trailers in one run. The initiative, also the result of a collaboration with logistics major Delhivery, is a giant leap toward modernising the country’s freight transport system, making operations more efficient and catering to the ever-growing needs of e-commerce and supply chain logistics. The Road Train aims to revolutionise long-distance freight movement in the nation.
The Genesis of the Road Train Concept
Road Trains are a concept adopted in countries such as Australia, Canada, and the United States. They allow a single truck (tractor unit) to pull multiple trailers in a train-like road configuration. The system transports more in one go, using less fuel. Considering the prospects for this system to mitigate the vast logistics demand in India, which is expected to triple in the next decade, Volvo Trucks has customised this concept to keep up with the Indian market needs.
Technical Specifications of Volvo Road Train
The volumetric part of the Volvo Road Train system is the heavy-weight class Volvo FM 420 4×2 tractor unit. An industrial-strength machine conceived to meet the challenges of moving lengthy cargo in diverse environments. Key features include:
- Engine Performance: The FM 420 has a high-performance 420 horsepower engine that can haul multiple trailers without losing speed or ruggedness.
- Trailer Configuration: Road Train comprises a 24-foot containerised intermediate trailer with a 44-foot semi-trailer. This stretches 25.25 meters long and complies with the certification provided by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI).
- Cargo Volume: The design allows for 144 cubic meters of cargo volume, 50% more than traditional single-trailer systems. In other words, a massive increase in capacity means fewer trips and better use of resources.
Safety Innovations and Technological Advancements
The concept shows the safe operation of extended vehicle configurations. To ensure the safe operation of the Road Train in diverse environments, Volvo Trucks has incorporated an array of advanced safety features:
- Electronic Braking System (EBS): Ensures accurate braking response for shorter stopping distances and improved overall control. The initial braking action is picked up by the EBS, which works in sync with other safety mechanisms and applies brakes on the whole trailer, which also takes care of the other trailers connected in case of a combination.
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP): This system continuously checks the vehicle’s driving dynamics and, if it detects potential skidding or rolling over, counteracts beforehand by reducing engine power or braking individual wheels.
- 360-Degree Camera System: Given the Road Train’s considerable length, a 360-degree camera system helps eliminate blind spots and makes for a more easily navigable driving experience.
- Self-Steer Axle: The trailers come with self-steer axles that track depending on the vehicle’s course, thus preventing tire wear and improving stability in corners.
- Dashboard Weight Distribution Monitoring: Drivers can see how the weight of the cargo is distributed via the dashboard; this enables them to make smart decisions about whether cargo needs to be shifted around to avoid damage.
- Downhill Cruise Control & Stretch Brake: The mechanism maintains speed control on steep downs and prevents trailer swing.
Collaborative Deployment with Delhivery
The deployment of the Road Train system is further underpinned by the strategic partnership between Volvo Trucks and Delhivery, one of India’s leading logistics service providers. In the first phase, we will deploy these advanced tractor-trailer combinations on routes between major hubs- Nagpur and Bhiwandi. Due to the high freight traffic in this corridor, this serves as an ideal testing location to collect and analyse data to assess system performance in real-world environments.
Suraj Saharan, Co-founder and Chief People’s Officer at Delhivery, said about the collaboration: “The addition of the Volvo FM 420 4×2 Road Train to our fleet is a milestone. It is well suited to our operation due to the high volume line-haul (throughput) aspect, which increases efficiencies and lower transit times.”
Implications for India’s Logistics Landscape
The Road Train system would have far-reaching implications for logistics and transportation sectors in India:
- Operational Efficiency: Moving increased volume per trip improves fuel economy for logistics companies, lowering per-unit transportation costs while driving competitive pricing and enhancing profit margins.
- Infrastructure Considerations: The elongated length of Road Trains requires wide and well-designed roadways. This could drive infrastructure construction to support such vehicles, especially on important freight routes.
- Reduced Environmental Footprint: With less travel comes reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions, globally aligning us towards environmental sustainability and combating climate change.
- Policy: Seeing Road Trains thrive might encourage lawmakers to revisit and refresh transportation legislation, leaping us ahead with widespread implementation of this form nationwide.
Challenges and Considerations
Though the benefits are significant, the deployment of Road Trains in India has its fair share of challenges:
- Infrastructure: Not all highways and roads are rated for vehicles of this length and configuration. It will be imperative to upgrade existing infrastructure for safe and efficient operation.
- Road Train Operation and Maintenance: Operating a Road Train requires specialised skills. These vehicles may require comprehensive training programs to ensure drivers have the right knowledge and skills to operate safely.
- Road Train Safety: To protect road train operators and surrounding road users, educating other road users about sharing highways with road trains is of utmost importance.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ongoing engagement with regulators will be required to overcome potential legislative obstacles and to develop standardised operating processes for Road Trains.
Conclusion
With Volvo’s Road Train system successfully operational, vehicles of such an innovative and efficient nature will only be a source of inspiration for more logistics companies and policymakers nationwide. Once more companies become aware of the already established success multi-trailer transport has had on moving freight faster and cheaper, one can expect multi-trailer solutions to expand in size and scope, mainly if laws regarding these transport solutions were to be refined by regulatory bodies. Moreover, with the evolution of technology, we can expect future Road Trains to embrace automation, innovative logistics systems, and improved AI-driven safety technologies, setting a new benchmark for freight transportation in India.
