We traditionally use walking floors for the efficient and cost-effective transport of bulk goods on a national and regional level. Our logistics division has over 40 of its own walking floor vehicles. When it comes to fast, flexible delivery in small daily quantities, preferably just-in-time and with small warehouses at the customer’s premises, trucks are particularly suitable.
But the more internationally we operate with the Brüning Group, the more diverse the logistics. Starting with dumper trucks and containers, our solutions also include the use of sea containers. We also rely on intermodal solutions that combine the use of trains, containers and trucks.
Conventional Rail Transport
For the transport of large quantities, we use conventional rail transport in freight wagons, both in block train and single wagon transport. Block trains are suitable for regular large quantities (900 – 1500 tonnes per week), offer planning security and protect the environment by shifting truck transports to rail. Single wagons are ideal for short-term high volumes or smaller transport quantities. However, rail transport requires special terminals for departure and arrival and often a pre- and onward carriage. In individual cases, trains can be loaded directly at the consignor’s or consignee’s premises, with only the shunting required on site.
Ship Logistics
For a long time, we have also relied on sea and inland waterway transport for bulk goods. Our seagoing vessels in the short-sea sector and inland waterway vessels (barges) for inland transport make it possible to transport large quantities of between 5,000 and 50,000 cubic metres. This method offers cost advantages (economies of scale), as larger vessels have lower costs per unit. However, this solution requires access to harbours and is less flexible, with seasonal fluctuations in freight costs, which are also subject to (global) political decisions.
Container Transport
Container transport offers a high level of standardisation, e.g. through internationally uniform dimensions, as well as cost efficiency through the possibility of using containers in sea, rail and truck transport. The goods are loaded directly into the container at the supplier and only unloaded again at the end customer, which reduces handling costs. The flexibility of this method allows us to combine different means of transport in order to utilise the advantages of each one. A wide range of containers enables us to transport a wide variety of goods.
Intermodal Transport
Intermodal transport combines at least two different modes of transport without handling the goods themselves. This method utilises, for example, the flexibility of trucks in pre- and onward carriage and combines it with the cost efficiency and reliability of rail or sea transport. Up to 44 tonnes can be transported within a radius of 150 km around a loading station or port. In addition, the ban on travelling on Sundays and public holidays is lifted. Overall, intermodal transport is an environmentally friendly method, but the load carriers must be specially suitable, which is not the case for all vehicle types.
Our aim with this wide range of customised logistics and transport options is to be able to adapt to all customer requirements and wishes. The diverse and flexible solutions enable us to respond optimally to market conditions or seasonal peaks, for example. In addition, we can handle almost any type of transport volume and optimise transport in terms of environmental impact. If our power plant customers primarily want large volumes from long distances with maximum cost efficiency, we deliver by ship or rail. This is also the most important means of transport from an environmental point of view, in terms of the CO2 balance. We also develop our own solutions: We are currently having special containers developed for the transport of RDF (Refuse-Derived Fuel), allowing the material to be easily unloaded during tipping. This flexibility and innovative strength make us a reliable partner.