Vehicle design innovation saves fuel and reduces CO2
DHL Exel Supply Chain and TK Maxx have partnered with manufacturer Don-Bur to design and develop a new aerodynamic front bulkhead air deflector for double deck trailers that provides both environmental benefits, carbon and cost reductions without compromising the cubic capacity of the vehicle.
Results from initial controlled trials by DHL show that the new air deflector can provide up to 3.5pct savings on fuel and can reduce CO2 by 20kg per daily trip or an equivalent of 5.25 tonnes per vehicle per annum. Following the successful trial, the air deflector has been fitted to ten of TK Maxx’s new double deck trailers and once retrofitted to the remaining 92 in the fleet throughout 2008, will provide the retailer with significant emissions and fuel cost savings.
DHL Exel Supply Chain’s specialist Department Stores and Fashion team, jointly with DHL Central Engineering, have worked with TK Maxx to develop a solution that improves fuel economy on double deck trailers without compromising load capacity and without incurring the cost of new vehicle purchases. The two companies began to investigate how to make the trailers more aerodynamic and approached manufacturer Don-Bur to design and produce a prototype that met with these key objectives and could be implemented quickly and easily.
The unique streamlined shape of the air deflector designed by Don-Bur reduces the quantity of air being forced into the gap between the tractor and the trailer, minimizing turbulence and the resultant ‘drag force’ on the vehicle.
This is the latest initiative in a series of projects developed by TK Maxx and DHL, reflecting the contractual ‘green’ clause between both companies, which outlines their commitment to working together to meet key environmental goals
DHL Exel Supply Chain and TK Maxx have partnered with manufacturer Don-Bur to design and develop a new aerodynamic front bulkhead air deflector for double deck trailers that provides both environmental benefits, carbon and cost reductions without compromising the cubic capacity of the vehicle.
Results from initial controlled trials by DHL show that the new air deflector can provide up to 3.5pct savings on fuel and can reduce CO2 by 20kg per daily trip or an equivalent of 5.25 tonnes per vehicle per annum. Following the successful trial, the air deflector has been fitted to ten of TK Maxx’s new double deck trailers and once retrofitted to the remaining 92 in the fleet throughout 2008, will provide the retailer with significant emissions and fuel cost savings.
DHL Exel Supply Chain’s specialist Department Stores and Fashion team, jointly with DHL Central Engineering, have worked with TK Maxx to develop a solution that improves fuel economy on double deck trailers without compromising load capacity and without incurring the cost of new vehicle purchases. The two companies began to investigate how to make the trailers more aerodynamic and approached manufacturer Don-Bur to design and produce a prototype that met with these key objectives and could be implemented quickly and easily.
The unique streamlined shape of the air deflector designed by Don-Bur reduces the quantity of air being forced into the gap between the tractor and the trailer, minimizing turbulence and the resultant ‘drag force’ on the vehicle.
This is the latest initiative in a series of projects developed by TK Maxx and DHL, reflecting the contractual ‘green’ clause between both companies, which outlines their commitment to working together to meet key environmental goals
