Logistik Schmitt, based in Bietigheim in Baden, is undoubtedly one of the pioneers of electromobility in the transport sector. The company has been electrifying its fleet since 2019 – today, 55 of its approximately 100 tractor units are electric, including one of the very first eActros 600 vehicles.

“At first, we thought sustainability was our main motivation. But for the past two or three years, we have known that it also offers a clear economic advantage,” says Rainer Schmitt, Managing Partner of the third-generation family business.

However, the transition presented a challenge that only became apparent in day-to-day operation. Although the EU permits zero-emission vehicles a higher gross vehicle weight of up to 42 tonnes, the axle load limits have remained unchanged. For projects involving heavy goods, such as transmission components for the automotive industry, the high weight of the high-voltage batteries combined with the standard load distribution of a conventional trailer would have resulted in the permitted axle load on the drive axle of the electric tractor unit being exceeded. The consequence: reduced payload – at the expense of economic efficiency.

“We actually had to sacrifice payload capacity when using conventional trailers in order to avoid exceeding the legally permitted axle load.”
Rainer Schmitt, Managing Partner, Logistik Schmitt

60 centimetres that make all the difference

The fleet experts at Logistik Schmitt therefore began looking for a trailer manufacturer willing to modify the axle spacing. “We approached the trailer manufacturers, and Schmitz Cargobull was the only one prepared to move the axles this far forward,” recalls Christian Bommert, Driver Manager at Logistik Schmitt.

The result is the BERGERecotrail Performance LTOe: its axles are positioned around 60 centimetres further forward than on a standard trailer, thereby specifically taking load off the drive axle of the tractor unit when fully loaded. This is combined with an extremely lightweight chassis and the Schmitz Cargobull curtainsider body, including the POWER CURTAIN load securing system – resulting in an unladen weight of just 4.8 tonnes.

“Schmitz Cargobull was the only manufacturer willing to move the axles this far forward.”
Christian Bommert, Driver Manager, Logistik Schmitt

40 of these trailers are now in operation at Logistik Schmitt. What initially began as a customised solution for Logistik Schmitt is now offered by Schmitz Cargobull as a series-production solution.

The payload loss caused by the heavier electric tractor unit has not been completely eliminated – according to Schmitt, around 400 kilograms are still lost – but the decisive improvement has been achieved: “The key point is that we can essentially return to full utilisation. With the new lightweight trailer from Berger and Schmitz Cargobull, we can once again carry out our customers’ transport orders at full capacity,” says Rainer Schmitt.

More than just weight

The lighter trailer also has an impact on energy consumption – and therefore directly on the economic efficiency of the electric fleet. Logistik Schmitt currently calculates with an energy consumption of around one kilowatt hour per kilometre and hopes that the weight saving will bring this figure closer to 0.9 kilowatt hours.

“Electricity will be our new gold,” says Rainer Schmitt.

Drivers also had to adapt initially. Due to the modified wheelbase, Logistik Schmitt provides targeted training on the different handling characteristics when turning, driving through roundabouts and reversing. Overall, however, the company reports that drivers are very satisfied with the new trailers.

Solving the axle load issue is now even opening up new business opportunities for Logistik Schmitt. The company recently carried out its first electric transport operations for a new customer in Austria – an order it would not have secured without its electric fleet. Concepts are also already being developed for new customer projects in Switzerland.

For other transport companies now looking to enter electromobility, electric transport pioneer Rainer Schmitt has one clear piece of advice: “Start today, not tomorrow.”

More about the BERGERecotrail PerformanceEco LTOe for electric trucks

With the new BERGERecotrail® PerformanceEco LTOe, Schmitz Cargobull offers a lightweight semi-trailer specifically designed for use with electric tractor units. The background is a common practical challenge: with electric tractor units – particularly those with an e-axle – the permitted rear axle load can quickly be exceeded.

The PerformanceEco LTOe provides an effective solution. Thanks to the shorter wheelbase, both the kingpin of the curtainsider and the drive axle of the tractor unit are relieved.

“The low weight of the BERGER vehicle provides additional potential,” adds Matthias Muffert, Head of Product Management, General Cargo Product Line. Together, the low unladen weight from 4.7 tonnes and the adapted wheelbase enable a higher payload per trip and therefore up to ten per cent fewer journeys for the same transport volume – with correspondingly lower energy consumption, vehicle wear and CO₂ emissions.

Efficient loading and unloading

The PerformanceEco LTOe body is certified for the transport of beverages – including single-layer palletised beverage crates and barrels – as well as general cargo in accordance with DIN EN 12642 Code XL, DIN EN 12195-1 and VDI 2700, allowing maximum payload utilisation.

The vehicle can optionally be equipped with the additionally weight-optimised POWER CURTAIN body from Schmitz Cargobull. Without side slats and instead featuring integrated aramid belts for certified body strength, the vehicle can be loaded and unloaded quickly and easily.

More about the customer project: Logistik Schmitt: full payload for the electric truck fleet

About Logistik Schmitt

Behind Logistik Schmitt is Walter Schmitt GmbH, a third-generation family business headquartered in Bietigheim, Baden, with additional locations including Mannheim, Karlsruhe, Rastatt, Durmersheim and Germersheim.

The contract logistics provider is managed by Rainer Schmitt together with Managing Director Volker Klemm and Fleet Manager Christian Schmitt. Around 360 employees serve customers in the automotive, paper production, packaging, beverage and retail sectors.

Schmitt is one of the industry’s pioneers in electromobility. The company has been operating electric vehicles since 2019, was the first German logistics company to use an eActros 300 and was also among the first to operate the eActros 600. Today, 55 of its approximately 100 tractor units are electric.

Logistik Schmitt – Transport and Contract Logistics