High Capacity Transport (HCT)
As of 1 December 2023, 34.5-metre-long lorries have been permitted to operate on parts of Sweden’s road network.
The introduction of longer vehicles is a journey that began as far back as 2012, when the High Capacity Transport (HCT) programme was launched at CLOSER. Since then, CLOSER has been the hub for the research conducted within the programme.
The journey continues; appropriate road networks are now to be opened, which calls for collaboration between all road authorities
It is highly encouraging that, after 15 years of research, we have now taken the first vital step in the implementation of 34.5-metre vehicles, particularly given the environmental and economic benefits they offer.
However, to fully realise these benefits, it is essential that the vehicles can reach the terminal directly. Here, local councils play a crucial role, as that final stretch is almost always on municipal roads.
Thomas Asp, CLOSER
The road network designated by the Swedish Transport Administration for longer vehicles represents a major first step towards implementing longer vehicles in our daily operations. However, to achieve this, we are dependent on municipal roads being opened up for this traffic; we therefore hope that all local councils will establish a clear and streamlined process for permitting longer vehicles.
Ylva Öhrnell, Sustainability Manager, DHL Freight.
In 2022, the Government decided that 34.5-metre-long lorries would be permitted on Swedish roads a decision made possible by the extensive work within the CLOSER network, which became a reality on 1 December 2023. This offers opportunities for significant environmental and cost savings, not only for the Swedish transport industry but for the country as a whole.
Initially, the network was opened to two different vehicle combinations across nearly 6,000 kilometres of the state road network. To manage the first and last mile, a municipal road network is also required. Further road networks have since been opened, and in connection with this, the Swedish business community and other stakeholders have had the opportunity to propose additional routes to local councils and the Swedish Transport Administration. Regarding the municipal road network (and occasionally the state network), it is vital to assess whether the load-bearing capacity of roads and bridges needs to be upgraded, as they should ideally be BK4-rated and at least BK1.
The section of the road network that was first opened consisted primarily of median-separated roads. To explore the possibilities of opening further networks, a series of tests will continue, focusing primarily on road safety issues; however, research is also underway regarding the potential to electrify HCT vehicles.
Requests for additional state access roads
There is still the opportunity to supplement the network with further state access roads. The Swedish Transport Administration is continuing its dialogue with local councils adjacent to the designated road network.
For a road authority, such as the Swedish Transport Administration or a municipality, to be able to stipulate the allowance of long lorries (vehicle combinations) up to 34.5 metres, it is also necessary for vehicle requirements to be officially established, a responsibility held by the Swedish Transport Agency. These vehicle requirements underwent a consultation process during the spring of 2023 and entered into force on 15 September 2023. See the link below for further information regarding the Swedish Transport Agency’s vehicle requirements.
Certain research questions remain outstanding. To enable the opening of further road networks, pilot projects focusing on road safety are required, alongside studies on how 34.5-metre vehicles can best be integrated into logistics operations.
Thomas Asp, CLOSER
The innovation work continues
The innovation journey for HCT
Take part in the innovation journey for the HCT project where several actors played and still play a major role in the development and implementation of HCT on the Swedish roads. You can do this either in video format or in report format.
HCT Duo Demo
Projects within the HCT program implemented.
In the Duo2 project, two parallel pilots are underway between Gothenburg and Malmö with the goal of reducing vehicle fuel consumption by up to 20%.
What are the impacts of HCT for transport to and from intermodal terminals?
This study, a continuation of the joint HCT programme by CLOSER and the Swedish Transport Administration, analyses the potential efficiency, environmental, and financial gains of increasing HCT use at intermodal terminals. By surveying the industry and interviewing operators and experts, the research also identified barriers to wider implementation. The results demonstrate significant emission reductions and transport cost savings of up to 15%.
To control the HCT program, we have a working group that convenes four meetings annually in which both those responsible for each work package and other members of CLOSER participate.
We have also developed a roadmap for HCT with a series of measures to be implemented in the coming years.
Work packages within HCT. (English version will be available soon)
If you want to know more about High Capacity Transport, get in touch with
