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Nieuwsblad Transport reported this week that a year-long pilot project in Spain and Germany has shown that the 32-metre super-ecocombi (SEC) can be successfully deployed in combined road–rail transport. The trials, supported by VDA, Schmitz Cargobull and Spanish logistics provider Sesé, tested the operation of the extra-long truck both on the road and on rail connections. During the pilot, the SEC operated from Wolfsburg to Lehrte, where the trailers were loaded onto a train to Barcelona. In Spain, the trailers were picked up again by a tractor unit for the final leg of the journey. The truck combination was able to transport up to 44 tonnes of cargo.

According to the project partners, the next step will be to move towards regular deployment. For this, adjustments to traffic regulations will be required in Germany, where rules for extra-long vehicles remain restrictive. Spain has proven more accommodating for the use of SECs. Since summer 2025, transport companies no longer need special permits to operate the combinations. This regulatory flexibility has encouraged uptake: the number of SECs in Spain has nearly doubled in the past two years, from 600 to 1,100 vehicles. Operators point out that the use of SECs enables significant savings on driver costs, as fewer tractor units are needed to move the same volume of goods.

The SEC used in the Spanish-German trial consisted of a 4x2 tractor unit pulling two standard trailers connected by a dolly. This differs from the Dutch SEC concept due to be tested later this year, which will require a 6x2 tractor and a front trailer with a steered rear axle.

The findings from the pilot underline the potential of longer truck combinations to contribute to more efficient and sustainable freight transport when integrated into intermodal operations, while also highlighting the need for regulatory harmonisation across Member States.