A large-scale logistics experiment is beginning on one of Ukraine's key transport arteries — the Kyiv — Odesa highway. Authorities have permitted the movement of long-haul vehicle combinations, which were previously banned due to strict weight restrictions. This step is intended to change the rules of the game in the freight transport sector and synchronize Ukrainian logistics with European standards.
What is a three-axle vehicle combination?
The focus of the project is on three-axle vehicle combinations. This is a specific type of freight transport consisting of one tractor unit and several trailers or semi-trailers connected in sequence. The main feature of such vehicles is their increased length and, consequently, significantly greater cargo capacity.
Compared to standard trucks, one trip of a long-haul vehicle allows for the transport of a much larger volume of goods. Furthermore, the Ministry of Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine notes that the structural features of such combinations contribute to a more even distribution of load on the axles, which theoretically reduces the negative impact on the road surface.
European experience and the Ukrainian market
The idea is not new to developed logistics systems. Similar solutions are already successfully implemented in several European Union countries, including Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, and Denmark. There, long-haul vehicles are used to optimize transport, reduce transport costs, and preserve infrastructure.
Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration, Minister of Communities and Territories Development, Oleksiy Kuleba, emphasized that launching the project is a direct response to business requests and an important step towards integrating the Ukrainian transport system into the pan-European market.
Conditions of the experiment
According to the Cabinet of Ministers' resolution, the experiment will be conducted for two years. The movement of three-axle vehicle combinations is permitted exclusively along two routes: Kyiv — Odesa and Odesa — Kyiv.
It is important to note that Ukrainian legislation currently restricts the use of such vehicles due to weight parameter requirements. Therefore, within the framework of the pilot project, carriers will be able to use long-haul vehicles only after obtaining special permits and conducting necessary technical safety studies of the routes.
Ecology and the future of the project
One of the expected effects of implementing the initiative is an improvement in the environmental situation. Since one long-haul vehicle can replace several trips of regular trucks, the total number of trips may decrease, leading to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
At the end of the two-year experiment, the authorities plan to evaluate the effectiveness of introducing long-haul vehicles. If the results are positive, such logistics solutions may be scaled to other routes throughout Ukraine.