Peder Olsen & Søn Invests in More Efficient Road Transport
With a history spanning more than 100 years, transport company Peder Olsen & Søn of Odense has long focused on environmental responsibility, employee well-being and innovation. It is therefore no surprise that the company has embraced the opportunity to increase freight capacity on Danish roads by operating double-trailer combinations on designated sections of the motorway network.
"Our core business is general cargo transport, which is ideally suited to improving efficiency through higher payloads – both in terms of weight and volume," says Michael Mertov, Operations Director at Peder Olsen & Søn.
As part of the Danske Fragtmænd network, the company's operations include local collection and distribution, primarily of palletised freight, as well as linehaul services between Danske Fragtmænd terminals using larger vehicle combinations.
"Most of our terminal transport takes place during the evening and night, when there is plenty of capacity available on the motorway network," says Michael Mertov.
More Efficient Transport Is the Way Forward
Michael Mertov has worked in the transport industry since 2008, holding positions including Transport Manager and Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser. Since 2020, he has served as Operations Director at Peder Olsen & Søn.
In his view, improving vehicle utilisation is the obvious way forward. Technological advances, increasing freight volumes and growing pressure on the road network make efficiency improvements essential wherever possible.
"We have been operating 25.25-metre, 60-tonne EMS combinations for many years, so moving to 34-metre, 74-tonne DUO2 combinations was not a major challenge. The biggest obstacle is that the authorities are taking time to approve additional suitable routes and establish the transfer facilities required. The sooner that happens, the sooner more DUO2 combinations can be put into operation."
Preparations are already well underway at Peder Olsen & Søn. The company is investing in additional semi-trailers fitted with rear coupling devices, as well as more dollies for the second trailer.
Simple Technology – Significant Benefits
From a technical perspective, the solution is relatively straightforward. Combined with three-axle tractor units delivering sufficient engine power—at least 5.2 kW per tonne of gross combination weight, equivalent to approximately 509 hp for a 74-tonne DUO2 combination—the vehicles are ready for operation.
Drivers also need to be prepared for the new operating concept. In Denmark, operating a DUO2 combination—known as EMS2 within the vocational training system—requires only one additional day of training beyond the standard qualification for articulated heavy vehicles.
"We expect the coupling of the dolly and preparation of the DUO2 combinations to be handled by terminal tractors. That means our drivers won't have to deal with those tasks. They simply connect the tractor unit to the front semi-trailer and check the lights and air systems, just as they do today," says Michael Mertov.
As part of its sustainability strategy, Peder Olsen & Søn also plans to deploy battery-electric trucks for DUO2 operations.
Electric Transport Requires the Right Charging Infrastructure
The company already has experience operating battery-electric trucks, both in local distribution and with conventional 25.25-metre EMS vehicle combinations.
"Our philosophy is simple: we charge the truck in order to drive—we don't drive in order to charge. Charging infrastructure must fit the transport operation, not the other way around. Trucks should be charged while they are already stationary during mandatory driver rest breaks, either at charging stations along the route or while vehicles are being reconfigured at terminals. If transport operations are delayed because of charging, a significant part of the efficiency gains is lost," says Michael Mertov.
The DUO2 Trial in Denmark
In April 2022, the Danish Parliament approved a five-year trial allowing double-trailer combinations on selected parts of the Danish road network. Within the European Union, the concept is known as EMS2 (European Modular System 2), while DUO2 is the Danish designation.
The trial commenced on 1 January 2024 and will be evaluated after five years.
Its purpose is to enable more freight to be transported with fewer vehicle movements by coupling two semi-trailers behind a single tractor unit. This increases transport efficiency while reducing CO₂ emissions per tonne of freight transported.
DUO2 Vehicle Requirements
To operate on the Danish road network, DUO2 combinations must comply with several specific requirements:
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Maximum overall length: 34 metres
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Maximum gross combination weight: 74 tonnes
Additional technical requirements include:
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Advanced emergency braking systems
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Lane keeping assistance
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Cameras covering turning manoeuvres and blind spots
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Sufficient engine power relative to the vehicle's gross weight
Approved Routes
DUO2 combinations are permitted only on designated sections of the Danish road network and at approved rest areas and transfer facilities.
Approved motorway sections include:
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E45 between Aarhus Vest and Skærup motorway interchanges
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Østjyske Motorway between Skærup and Fredericia
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E20 between Fredericia and the Øresund Bridge
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Ring 4 (Copenhagen) between Ishøj and Taastrup
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Route 21 between Tåstrup and Brøndby
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E47 between Brøndby and Avedøre
Vehicles may also use the Kildebjerg North and South service areas on the E20 near Vissenbjerg, together with the approved transfer facilities at Rosbjergvej in Brabrand and Estland Allé in Høje Taastrup.
About Peder Olsen & Søn
Peder Olsen & Søn Fragt- og Vognmandsforretning A/S is headquartered in Odense and employs around 120 people. With a large and versatile fleet, the company is an important part of the nationwide Danske Fragtmænd transport network.
The company was founded in 1919 by Peder Olsen, who began operations with two horses and a single wagon. The horses were replaced by trucks in 1936, and the company name was expanded to include "& Søn" ("& Son") when his son Ejvind joined the business. In 1980, the company secured its first scheduled freight route, while the third generation, Henrik Olsen, took over the business.
Today, the company operates more than 65 trucks on a daily basis. Around 40 of these distribute general cargo across the island of Funen on behalf of Danske Fragtmænd, while the remaining vehicles carry out a wide range of transport assignments throughout Denmark.
During the afternoon and night, the company also operates linehaul services between Danske Fragtmænd terminals, primarily linking Odense, Aarhus, Aalborg and Høje Taastrup. More than 20 vehicle combinations operate on these routes every night.
In addition, the company operates 14 vehicles overnight, distributing plumbing supplies, electrical equipment and automotive spare parts.
