Since October 2024, DFDS and Volvo Trucks have been moving part of their container transport between the Volvo Trucks distribution center in Ghent and the DeepSea terminals from the port of Antwerp to the night hours. This strategic shift uses heavy electric trucks.
By operating at night, the transports avoid the usual traffic, which ensures more reliable delivery times and more efficient use of both road and port infrastructure. In addition, the electric trucks can be charged via the Milence network on parking chainis, where the loading time coincides with the compulsory breaks of the drivers. Currently, around 150 containers are transported in this way every month, a volume that was previously handled during the day.
Files
The approach receives support from sector organizations that consider night logistics as an essential part of their future strategy. “Night logistics offers a concrete answer to the structural congestion problems around the port of Antwerp,” it sounds.
Although there are challenges, such as limited night locks on some terminals and the high costs of electric trucks, DFDS and Volvo Trucks still see potential for expansion of night transport, partly due to the further electrification of their fleet.
