PepsiCo Germany has introduced six new Berger ecoCHAMP LTO lightweight curtainsiders into its fleet, delivered by Schmitz Cargobull, to maximise payload efficiency when paired with electric tractor units.
The company has also put an additional six Berger lightweight semi-trailers into operation via a rental agreement.
The trailers feature a shortened wheelbase to prevent overloading of the tractor’s drive axle — a critical advantage when used with heavy or electric tractor units operating at full payload.
With a tare weight starting from just 4.7 tonnes, the Berger ecoCHAMP LTO is described as a versatile all-rounder among lightweight trailers. According to Schmitz Cargobull, the increased payload can potentially reduce the number of journeys required by up to 10%, making the trailer particularly suitable for beverage transport with electric tractors.
“They offer the highest possible payload, and at the same time help us to reduce CO2 emissions in the fleet. The innovative lightweight design, along with the advantages that the shortened wheelbase offers in terms of truck manoeuvrability, perfectly fulfils our requirements for efficient and sustainable transport solutions,” said Adrian Burlacu, Transport Specialist at PepsiCo.
Jörg Irsfeld, Director of International Key Account Management at Schmitz Cargobull, added: “The ecoCHAMP LTO is an outstanding example of innovative lightweight construction, underlining our joint commitment to advanced transport solutions.”
With a keen focus on European and international freight, Zsofia Polos is a journalist specialising in road transport. She has a particular interest in the industry's transition to zero-emission operations, covering new technologies, policy changes, and the challenges hauliers face on the path to decarbonisation.View full Profile
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