TruckTower -
The truck park
The truck park
Solving the truck parking space deficit
Anyone frequently visiting motorway services in Europe will be familiar with the sight of many trucks parking on rest areas or deceleration lanes of service facilities due to a lack of parking spaces. The consequences can be fatal. Experts estimate that Germany alone is missing up to 30,000 truck parking spaces, and the deficit keeps growing.
The Truck Tower concept
A consortium comprising Vollert, software company ABONA Deutschland, and drive specialist SEW-EURODRIVE is planning to change this with a new idea. It is an unshakable fact that there are limitations to the land available for setting up new truck parking places. A conventional car park is not a realistic solution for large transport vehicles, however, in light of the high demand of parking spaces and the limited availability of space. The TruckTower concept is using a new approach here.
Thinking vertically
The basic idea follows that of a high-bay warehouse in logistics. It has the advantage of being able to stack up to 20 trucks on the footprint of 5 slanted parking spaces. Depending on demand and build, this makes it possible to place three to five times as many trucks on the same floor space, not only rendering parking smarter but also adding further advantages in environmental and safety aspects with this new parking system.
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less floor space needed
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less time to find a parking space
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less CO2 emissions per truck and year
Reducing CO2 emissions, lowering costs
The uncertainty that drivers will be able to find a parking space at the relevant times renders carriers unable to plan their tours effectively and economically at the moment. Long detours trying to find a parking space puts a considerable strain on the environment. The TruckTower concept with booked parking spaces thus also helps to reduce CO2 emissions and frees the time no longer needed for searching for the actual transport order.
Thinking into the future
The TruckTower also is more environmentally compatible to operate, as building cladding with solar cells produces most of the energy it needs. Charging stations for e-trucks are considered in this, too.
Greater safety and comfort
At the moment, drivers are spending time in unguarded, dark parking zones with their vehicles, and at times expensive cargo. The number of thefts of goods right from the truck has increased steeply, with damage reaching the millions. The TruckTower with its permanent video surveillance and access controls will prevent such theft and the related vandalism.
Integrated motel concept
Another advantage is that truck drivers can spend their prescribed breaks in appropriately furnished premises in an affiliated motel. Truck manufacturers are no longer forced to produce vehicles that integrate a sleeping place, potentially enlarging the cargo area, which can increase payload and reduce the number of transport vehicles needed at the same time.
How it works
The drivers of the respective trucks need to indicate their expected parking times when entering. The system will then assign an ideal parking space to them using its smart software. This is not necessary if the booking was placed by the carrier or the driver in advance, which will be possible via the ABONA app, in the online portal, or by calling a hotline.
Optimal parking processes
This ensures that vehicles will be placed on ground level again after the end of the parking time, easily allowing the driver to exit. The ABONA software considers the most efficient and energy-saving placement and movement of vehicles at the same time.
