GAP has been selected by the Department for Transport (DfT) to take part in testing for Longer Semi Trailers (LST’s). Measuring 50ft long, rather than the standard 40ft long, LSTs are bigger articulated lorries that are capable of carrying a greater load.
This new type of longer trailer is being specially tested by the Department for Transport (DfT) to determine if they deliver the anticipated environmental and economic benefits for the country that they expect, due to being able to carry more loads. The scheme has been running for several years already with some of the larger fleet operators involved, but has recently been expanded to increase the number of LSTs on Britain’s roads from 1,800 to 2,800.
The trial will involve GAP feeding data back to the DfT for analysis, before a final decision is made by the UK Government on the wider release by 2027 to all road hauliers.
What does this mean for GAP?
The extra length of the trailers allows GAP to utilise space on the lorry more effectively to lower our carbon footprint, reduce costs and make deliveries more efficient.
It equates to being able to carry six more stillages on the same vehicle, which increases the capacity by 25%. To put this into perspective, the same vehicle will be able to transport an extra 170 lengths of 150mm fascia board, or 3168 extra lengths of D-Section.
Charles Greensmith, GAPs Joint MD, commented, ‘Being asked to be involved in this trial is quite a compliment to the business overall, but especially to the team involved in the daily transport operations within GAP. This is recognition of their hard work over the years to give us the platform to be offered this unique opportunity by the DfT. The environmental and efficiency savings, together with the tangible benefits we will be able to pass onto our customers through improved stocks levels, will hopefully provide us with the edge we need in a competitive market.”
