TNT Express has bought 61 innovative trucks for its Benelux fleet to reduce fuel consumption andis simplifying returns with a new service.
The company has acquired 44 trailers and 17 hangers from manufactuer Krone to replace partof its fleet in the Benelux. The new trailers are meant to reduce fuel consumption thanks to newtechnology.
Five of the new trailers come equipped with side wings designed by Wabco. Located along thebottom of the trailer, these side skirts improve air flow under the truck and reduce aerodynamicdrag, and tests have shown they can allow a fuel-consumption reduction of 5%, TNT said. Theefficiency of side wings is best when the trailer is used on long-haul operations and at fullspeed. When used on highways, they can deliver fuel-savings of up to 1.5 litres per 100 km.
TNT Express will use the five new trailers for long-haul collection and delivery, forinstance between Rotterdam and Liege. The company will consider their fuel effectiveness and decideon a possible wider use.
Meanwhile, the company is also simplifying its return processes in the Benelux with theintroduction of e-RMA (Return Material Authorisation), a web-based tool to help manufacturersoptimise their return logistics processes.
E-RMA is a web portal that allows end customers to arrange a return shipment easily, forinstance when a product needs repair or replacement. The portal gives them easy access to TNTExpress’ service logistics services. In particular, it enables to choose where and when a shipmentwill be picked up.
TNT Express said customers can monitor the entire process from the initial RMA request to thedelivery of the package in their own portal. The e-RMA solution enables greater control oninventory management – including repairs and replacements – by tracking products through the entireprocess. This helps reduce supply chain costs and increase customer satisfaction, by allowingfaster repair or replacement services.
