Finland overtakes Sweden
Following a decision based on a Swedish study, Finland has increased the maximum dimensions and weights permitted for heavy truck transportation. Had such a change been introduced in Sweden, fuel consumption could have been reduced by 10%.
The maximum permitted height of a vehicle has been raised from 4,2 to 4,4 meters and the maximum permitted total weight has been raised from 60 to 75 tons. The supporting data for this decision derived from a Swedish study.
As in Sweden, transportation costs in Finland are higher than in many other countries due to the long distances travelled. The new regulations will generate savings of about EUR 1,6 to 3,2 billion in terms of logistics costs over the next 20 years in Finland.
Various players, including the Swedish Forest Industries Federation, are now calling for an increase in the dimensions and weights for heavy trucks in Sweden.
Carina Håkansson, Managing Director of the Swedish Forest Industries Federation, told Nordic Paper Journal that such a change would be beneficial for both the environment and the economy.
“As a result of the changes in permissible truck weights in Finland, our Finnish competitors will be able to reduce their fuel costs by about 10% while the number of trucks on the road will be reduced. This will strengthen Finland’s competitiveness, improve traffic safety and reduce the burden on the environment.”
Håkansson emphasizes that Finland observed and applied the results from Swedish research before making a decision on the matter.
“Let’s do the same. Let’s take advantage of the final research results available and take a step toward more efficient transport,” she says.
Certain areas of the Swedish forest products industry are under considerable pressure. The structural changes occurring in the publication paper industry, the weak economies in the forest industry’s primary markets and a strong Swedish krona are having an adverse impact on company profitability.
“Being able to reduce fuel consumption for truck transport by about 10% would mean a great deal for our industry,” she says.
Anders Karlsson