Since 2023, parts of the Swedish road network have been open for truck combinations up to 34.5 metres – what we call HCT (High capacity transport). But what does this mean for those planning new vehicles?
Allowing longer vehicles on the road is not a new idea. Since 2009, Sweden has been at the forefront of exploring more efficient and sustainable transport systems. From the early discussions to the decision in August 2022 to allow longer vehicles from 2023, the journey has been long – and worth reflecting on.
New analyses open up for more HCT‑approved roads
With the opening of the HCT network, a world of opportunities opened for the transport industry. The ability to move larger volumes of goods with fewer resources and less environmental impact is both cost-effective and sustainable for the future. Initially, 450 km of national road network was included. Since then,several municipalities have joined by opening their local roads, making it possible to operate HCT transport all the way to and from industrial terminals and destinations. In autumn, VTI (the Swedish national road and transport research institute) published an extensive report analysing how other road users are affected – for example cyclists and car drivers – particularly on non-motorway roads. This report has been an important basis for Trafikverket in their work to safely and gradually expand the network. Trafikverket has announced that they will continue their analyses in 2026 based on VTI’s findings and will present a new package of HCT-approved roads by autumn 2026. This means that access to the HCT network will steadily increase – and that the industry must plan vehicles and logistics solutions in line with this development.
What are the requirements foroperating a 34.5 metre combination?
Some of thekey technical requirements that must be met for using 34.5 m combinationsinclude:
- A tractor unit with at least three axles (two driven axles if the combination weight exceeds 64 tonnes)
- At least two axles on each trailer in the combination
- Stability control and an electronic braking system with automatic braking adjustment
-Indirect visibility of the right-hand side of the combination
- A steerable rear axle on the first semi-trailer or link trailer (up to 40 km/h)
- A liftable first axle on the first semi-trailer (with at least three axles),adjustable from the cab while driving
- “Long vehicle” signage at the rear
- Fixed coupling performance values for drawbar couplings and fifth wheels
Do you need calculation support?
To quickly check whether your coupling equipment is approved for 34.5 m combinations, you can use the VBG Performance Calculator on our website.
And if you have any questions about HCT applications with VBG products and systems, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
