How we care for the environment

Transport takes its toll on the environment. There is no denying it, but we’re working to minimise that burden as much as possible. You'll see a green dot in our logo: this dot symbolises our efforts to achieve more sustainable transport and a better environment. 

At AB Texel, we dare to experiment and innovate. 95% of our CO2 emissions come from actual physical transport movement, so needless to say, the biggest gains will come from making our transport more sustainable. We do this by working to reduce our fuel consumption, focusing on technical innovation in our fleet, and optimising our planning. We also talk to our clients about how we can work together to further improve sustainability.

In recent years we have implemented a number of successful initiatives to reduce our emissions. And with results! Below you can find out more about some of the initiatives we have launched, plus innovations and developments for the near future.

Driving style coaching 

In 2017, we made a start on improving our drivers’ driving style. A data analyst works full-time to analyse the driving style scores of our drivers in the various countries, and provide them with feedback. Our drivers now receive driving style data and fuel consumption figures digitally via AB Connect and are able to view them in real time on the on-board computer. Drivers see not only their own score, but also how they score relative to their colleagues.

In 2020 we took a big step towards conducting this coaching in practice, with our two in-house driving style coaches. These coaches know everything about driving economically, and they give our drivers on-the-job coaching to help them achieve a more sustainable driving style.

The results speak for themselves: our employees’ driving style scores increased by almost 1.5 points between 2017 and 2022. Average fuel consumption fell by around 6% over the same period, 2% of which can be attributed to our driving style coaching. That's equivalent to around a million litres of diesel per year!

By the way, the economical-driving training, with two in-house instructors, not only reduces fuel consumption. It also helps reduce unnecessary wear and tear and promotes safety in traffic.

Sustainable fleet   

A young fleet
AB Texel has a very modern fleet, in comparison with other companies in the transport sector. Our fleet is an average of just four years old and, in addition to having a minimum of a Euro-6 standard, it has the latest innovations and systems for driving efficiently. 

DAF trucks states that the fuel efficiency of its vehicles has increased by an average of 1% (per year of manufacture) over the past 20 years, thanks to technical innovations. For example, a major step has been taken to reduce fuel consumption by modernising the vehicle fleet.

In 2021, AB Texel, as a partner of DAF trucks, started practical tests of the New Generation DAF truck model. Initial field tests and results show a substantial reduction in fuel consumption: as much as 5 to 7% less than the old model.

LHV (long heavy vehicle) 
LHV combinations allow and permit you to transport more freight than you can with a regular combination, and an LHV consumes only slightly more diesel than a standard combination does. Roughly speaking, an LHV consumes up to 30% less fuel (offset against the cargo being transported). 

AB Texel Group's fleet now includes several LHVs. Unfortunately we’re not able to use many LHVs, because this combination isn’t always appropriate for our work due to the dimensions and manoeuvrability. We are scaling up in LHVs where possible.

Electric equipment 

• Belt bulker trailers
  For bulk agricultural transport we use belt bulker trailers with unloading belts that are 100% electric-powered. We don’t use the combustion engine, meaning that we don’t need to use a vehicle when unloading. We work much more efficiently that way.  
  
  

• Truck-mounted forklifts
  To transport bagged goods we use curtain-siders with electric-powered truck-mounted forklifts. 
  
  

• Refrigerated trailers
  At AB Texel Fresh Transport we use refrigerated trailers with generators. Braking energy is converted into charging current, which then drives the axle. The refrigeration system also runs on energy from a power pack. Not only does this technology save fuel, but it also means a major noise reduction. 

Alternative fuels 

The most common route in energy transition is from diesel to (bio) LNG and/or HVO, and then in the longer term a move to hydrogen (electric) transport.

As a first step, as long ago as 2016 AB Texel decided to purchase a series of five LNG-powered trucks, to be gradually expanded. We currently have 15 LNG trucks. These trucks emit 19% less CO2 than diesel trucks. Making the switch to (non-fossil) bio-LNG will enable us to reduce CO2 emissions by as much as 95%. Bio-LNG’s availability is improving, which has a positive effect on reducing our CO2 emissions.
   

Limiting empty kilometres 

Avoiding empty kilometres is obviously the aspect with the biggest impact on reducing CO2 emissions. The dense and close-knit network within our transport group and our growing fleet allow us to deploy our equipment increasingly efficiently, in turn reducing empty kilometres more and more.  Our data analysts also map load factors, and they advise on possible optimisations when drawing up the planning.

GreenFlow app  

With the GreenFlow app we use at AB Texel, in many cases the truck driver is given priority at traffic lights. Where this isn’t possible, the driver receives a timely notification that the traffic light is red and will remain so. The GreenFlow app gives drivers more comfort and peace of mind while driving. It also reduces fuel consumption and wear and tear on the truck, by reducing the amount of braking and acceleration at traffic lights. A stop costs 0.5 to 1 litre of diesel. So every stop we avoid yields immediate gains.

Reuse of tyres 

Some of our used tyres are suitable for reuse and we retread them:  a great example of saving raw materials. 

Increasing sustainability with the client

Having a truly positive impact on the environment is something we achieve together. As a transport company we take various initiatives to limit CO2 emissions. We can increase our impact even more by collaborating with clients and suppliers in the chain.

This is why we at AB Texel regularly engage with our clients on conducting business sustainably. For example, if we can plan more efficiently with our clients, we can reduce empty kilometres significantly. Our clients’ production planning, and therefore our order input, has a major influence on this.

Sustainable interventions often go hand in hand with efficiency, so it’s a win-win situation! In the coming years, our aim is to increasingly translate these discussions with our clients on the topic of sustainability into concrete actions and results.