Sustainability in logistics – Double Deck as a response to ESG challenges

Challenges related to environmental protection, corporate social responsibility and increasing regulatory requirements (ESG) are becoming a daily reality in the transportation industry. Companies that want to remain competitive must look for solutions that not only optimize costs, but also minimize environmental impact and support sustainability goals. One such solution that is gaining popularity in Europe is Double Deck transportation, an innovative method of transporting goods that simultaneously reduces CO₂ emissions and improves operational efficiency.

What is Double Deck transportation?

Double Deck is a specialized type of semi-trailer or transport body that allows loading goods on two levels. By using an additional platform inside the trailer, it is possible to increase the cargo area by up to 60-100% compared to standard transport. In practice, this means that one Double Deck course can replace up to two traditional rides.

Double Deck trailers are particularly suitable for high-volume but lightweight goods – such as FMCG products, packaging, clothing, electronics or industrial goods. Thanks to the proper design of the system, goods are safely secured, and the loading and unloading process remains fast and convenient.

Why does Double Deck support sustainability and ESG goals?

The ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) concept requires companies to take measures to reduce environmental impact, enhance safety and social responsibility, and implement transparent governance. Transport Double Deck supports the implementation of all three areas.

1. Environmental – reduced CO₂ emissions and smaller carbon footprint By doubling the cargo space, Double Deck significantly reduces the number of trips needed to transport the same amount of cargo. Every trip saved means less fuel consumption, less wear and tear on the roads and less CO₂ emissions. It is estimated that companies using Double Deck can reduce emissions by up to 30-40% per year compared to standard transportation.
2. Social – improved safety and better working conditions Fewer trips mean fewer hours spent on the road by drivers, which translates into less fatigue, better safety and a better work-life balance. In addition, specialized loading systems reduce the risk of damage to goods and injury to workers.
3. Governance – Transparency and process optimization Companies implementing Double Deck gain better control over their supply chain – the reduction in odds makes it easier to monitor the fleet, allows for more accurate carbon footprint reporting, and provides data required by increasingly stringent ESG regulations, both at the national and EU level.

Business benefits – not just for the environment

While Double Deck is a solution that fits into ESG strategies, its benefits are also strongly felt in companies’ bottom lines.

• Operational savings – fewer trips means less fuel consumption, lower vehicle operating costs and reduced tolls.
• Greater logistics efficiency – speeding up deliveries and optimizing route planning.
• Responsible Partner Image – Working with companies that use Double Deck is increasingly becoming a requirement for large retail chains and corporations, which are themselves held accountable for meeting ESG goals.

Will Double Deck work in any industry?

This solution is particularly effective for companies transporting light, voluminous goods or those requiring secure stacking. In industries such as e-commerce, retail, industrial production and FMCG, Double Deck can revolutionize the way transportation is organized. Companies in the automotive or construction sectors, where heavy loads predominate, can also benefit from this system – in combination with appropriate builds and route planning.

Why is now the best time to change?

EU directives impose increasing obligations on transportation companies and their customers to report emissions and implement environmental measures. What’s more, rising fuel prices and increasing cost pressures mean that transportation optimization is no longer a choice but a necessity.

Double Deck is a solution to simultaneously meet ESG requirements, reduce costs and gain a competitive advantage. For companies that want to prepare for the future and build a more sustainable supply chain, this is a technology worth investing in today.

Want to learn how Double Deck can optimize your company’s transportation and help you meet your ESG goals? Contact XL LOGISTICS – we’ll show you how to put sustainable logistics into practice.

Production waste and logistics – how to organize transportation in accordance with regulations?

Transportation of production waste is a topic that has grown in recent years to become one of the key challenges in industrial logistics. On the one hand, we have regulations that are increasingly restrictive. On the other – the need to take care of brand reputation, operational efficiency and… the environment.

So how do you organize the transportation of production waste so that it complies with regulations, safely and efficiently? The answer is experience, procedures and responsible logistics. This is what we will talk about in this article.

What is production waste?

Production waste is any material generated during manufacturing processes that no longer has a use in further production. These can range from out-of-date raw materials, chemical residues, used parts, to packaging waste, process oils or dust and chips.

Depending on the industry, they have different forms, properties and levels of risk – and therefore also different transportation and disposal requirements.

Regulations, documentation, records – obligations of the entrepreneur

The organization of waste transport in Poland requires compliance with the Waste Law, as well as the obligation to register with the Waste Database (BDO). Every shipment must be documented – from records to waste transfer cards to receipts.

Importantly – a lack of entry in BDO or incorrect data can result in fines of up to one million zlotys.

Hazardous waste (classified according to ADR) requires additional procedures: proper vehicle markings, trained drivers, and compliant containers and packaging.

Why is it necessary to do it right? Risks and consequences

Improper waste transportation is not only an environmental risk issue, but also a real financial and image loss.

• Administrative fines for illegal transportation can range from several thousand to hundreds of thousands of zlotys.
• Loss of quality and environmental certifications, such as ISO 14001.
• Supply chain problems, delays and conflicts with customers.
• Criminal liability of the board of directors in cases of gross misconduct.

So it’s worth trusting a partner who knows the realities of industrial logistics and can adapt to the specifics of each industry.

Who should be especially careful? Industries most vulnerable

At XL LOGISTICS, we serve a number of sectors that must operate under strict waste transportation regulations. Here are some examples:

Chemical and agrochemical industry

Here we are talking about flammable, toxic, corrosive substances – in other words, hazardous waste. Transportation must meet the requirements of the ADR Convention. Any oversight can threaten an environmental disaster – and huge losses.

Automotive and metal industry

Spent parts, engine oils, coolants, grinding dust – all require proper storage, labeling and transportation. The automotive industry cannot afford downtime – so waste logistics must be as well planned as production deliveries.

Cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry

Waste generated in the production of drugs or cosmetics is often classified as hazardous waste or bio-waste. Out-of-date ingredients, active ingredient packaging – all require a precise plan for removal and disposal.

Furniture and woodworking industry

Although it seems less problematic, post-production waste (such as MDF, packaging, foils or cutting dust) can pose serious logistical challenges. It is worth taking care of their regular collection and safe transportation.

Have an audit and plan for safe waste transportation

If your company generates production waste, don’t leave this issue to chance. At XL LOGISTICS, we not only organize safe and compliant transportation, but also help you audit, prepare a logistics plan and complete the paperwork.

Make an appointment with us for a free consultation – together we will find the best solution for your industry.

👉 Check out how we support industrial companies

What is two-floor transportation and how does it work?

Double-deck transportation, also known as double-deck or double-deck transport, involves the use of specially constructed trailers that have two levels of cargo loading. With this design, the vehicle’s capacity can be almost doubled, which translates into a significant reduction in logistics costs by reducing the number of necessary trips.

Benefits: economy, capacity, ecology

• Savings: the use of two-floor transportation allows for a significant reduction in operating costs. The number of trips is reduced, resulting in lower fuel costs, less wear and tear on rolling stock and lower tolls.
• Capacity: With two loading levels, it is possible to carry more goods at a single trip, optimizing the use of cargo space.
• Green: Fewer courses also means reduced carbon dioxide emissions and other harmful substances, which promotes environmental protection and is in line with the environmental policies of many companies.

Examples of application and technical conditions

Two-floor transportation is best suited for transporting goods that are light but occupy a large volume. Double-deck trailers are usually equipped with a movable floor, making it easy to adjust to the type of goods being transported. A technical prerequisite is the adjustment of loading infrastructure, such as ramps or docks, to allow efficient loading and unloading.

Who stands to gain the most from this solution?

✅ Retail chains (retail)

Retail chains can especially benefit from two-floor transportation, as they regularly need large one-time deliveries of products to their stores. More capacity means less frequent runs, and therefore significant savings.

✅ E-commerce

In e-commerce, the use of double-floor transportation reduces the number of courier runs, thus reducing logistics costs, while speeding up the processing of large orders, which is crucial during seasonal sales spikes.

✅ Apparel industry

The apparel industry is characterized by lightweight, high-volume goods. As a result, double-floor transportation allows maximum use of cargo space, which translates into savings in transportation costs.

✅ Food industry (packaged)

The food and beverage industry, especially dry goods, beverages and prepackaged products, is also benefiting from the use of dual-floor transportation. The higher payload capacity makes it possible to deliver larger quantities of products at a time, significantly reducing logistics costs.

You should also consider the specific logistics solutions tailored to different industries that XL LOGISTICS offers.

Contact us

If you’re wondering exactly how double-deck transportation could optimize your company’s costs, it’s worth conducting a cost simulation or a detailed analysis of your logistics needs.

Contact us today, to find out how to successfully implement two-floor transportation in your company.

Efficient logistics for the agrochemical industry

The agrochemical industry is characterized by specific logistics requirements, involving frequent and regular deliveries between factories, warehouses and customers. Due to the need for continuous supply and cost optimization, two delivery models have become popular: shuttle delivery and Milk Run.

What are shuttle deliveries?

Shuttle deliveries consist of regular, fixed courses made between two designated points. In the agrochemical industry, such a model is extremely effective, especially when there is a need to deliver raw materials or semi-finished products between two production sites multiple times a day. The main advantages of this solution are optimal use of the available transport fleet, shorter waiting times for deliveries, and lower transport unit costs due to the regularity and predictability of courses.

What is Milk Run?

Milk Run is a method of organizing transportation that involves planning a single route involving multiple pick-up or delivery points within a single transportation cycle. Analogous to a dairyman who visits several farms to collect milk, trucks in the agrochemical industry can collect raw materials from several supplier points and transport them to one main factory. The benefits of such a model are significant: fuel savings, reduced traffic, regularity of deliveries and better use of cargo space.

Comparison and model selection

Choosing the right delivery model depends on the specifics of your business. Shuttle deliveries will work perfectly when there is a large volume of goods being transported between two points. Milk Run, on the other hand, will be a better choice when suppliers or consignees are dispersed and the volumes transported from individual points are not large enough to justify separate courses.

Case study: Milk Run for fertilizer manufacturer

Consider the example of a fertilizer manufacturer that has implemented the Milk Run model to collect chemical ingredients from several smaller production facilities to a central production point. Implementation of this strategy has enabled the company to achieve fuel savings of 20%, reduce overall logistics costs by 15%, and improve delivery frequency to one cycle per day, ensuring consistent availability of raw materials for production.

The role of the logistics operator

An experienced logistics operator such as XL LOGISTICS plays a key role in the implementation of these logistics models. This company specializes in precise route planning, load synchronization and providing continuous service for transportation fleets. With its knowledge and experience, XL LOGISTICS is able to efficiently organize both shuttle and Milk Run deliveries, providing its agrochemical customers with cost optimization and production continuity.

Summary

Implementing appropriate logistics models can significantly improve operational efficiency and reduce costs for agrochemical companies. We encourage companies operating in this industry to consult the experts at XL LOGISTICS to optimize their logistics processes.

Contact us today and learn more about our logistics offerings!

The transportation of hazardous materials (ADR) is not limited to carrier responsibilities. The shipper also has to meet certain requirements to make the process safe, legal and hassle-free. So how do you properly prepare your company to ship such materials? Here is a practical step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Classification of goods

The basis of any shipment of hazardous materials is their correct classification. To do this, you must:

• Check the Material Safety Data Sheet (SDS) – this is the primary document that determines whether a material is considered hazardous.
• Identify the UN number (UN Number), which clearly identifies the type of hazard and the handling of the goods.
• Identify the ADR class, e.g., explosives (Class 1), flammable substances (Class 3), toxic materials (Class 6.1), etc.

Step 2: Packaging and labeling

The next step is to properly secure and label the goods:

• Use only approved ADR packaging adapted to the hazard class (drums, canisters, cartons, bags).
• Place appropriate warning stickers on packages to indicate the class of danger.
• Prepare orange signs that must be placed on transport vehicles (trucks, tankers).

Step 3: Documentation

Preparing complete documentation is the key to success in ADR transportation. Remember:

• Shipping document with the exact UN number.
• Safety instructions, or special safety data sheets designed for ADR transport.
• CMR waybill, which should include an endorsement for ADR carriage.
• Report the transport to the Inspection of Road Transport (ITD), if required by law.

Step 4: Select a carrier with authority

Choosing the right carrier is a key decision. The company you entrust with ADR transportation should:

• Have certified drivers trained in ADR carriage.
• Have specialized equipment and experience.
• Have adequate insurance for emergency situations.

XL LOGISTICS meets all of the above criteria, guaranteeing professionalism and safety of your ADR shipments.

Download our checklist!

To make the process of preparing an ADR shipment easier for you, we have prepared a practical checklist to make sure all requirements are met. Download it now and be sure that nothing will surprise you!

Summary

ADR transportation requires diligent preparation on the part of both the carrier and the shipping company. By using the services of XL LOGISTICS, you are assured that all procedures will be completed, avoiding stress, mistakes and potential costs.

Contact us today – transportation of hazardous materials with XL LOGISTICS is a guarantee of safety, professionalism and peace of mind.

We had the pleasure of attending a unique industry event – the presentation of the DAF XG anniversary model at the manufacturer’s headquarters in Eindhoven. This is not only a showcase of the latest technological advances of the DAF brand, but also an inspiring meeting that confirms that the future of transportation is just happening.

Modernity that impresses

During the presentation, we were able to get an up-close look at how DAF is consistently developing its line of premium vehicles. The DAF XG is the answer to the growing needs of trucking companies for driver comfort, fuel efficiency and smart solutions to support daily operations.

The technologies used in it, the aerodynamic lines of the cabin, increased space and driving assistance systems are just some of the elements that set this vehicle apart from the competition.

Thank you for the invitation

Participation in this event was more than just an opportunity to test innovative solutions – it was also an opportunity to exchange experiences and look at transportation from a broader perspective.

We are grateful for the invitation and the professionally prepared presentation. Meetings such as this reinforce our belief that the development of the XL LOGISTICS fleet towards modern and environmentally friendly solutions is the right way to go.

Innovations that inspire

The presentation of the DAF XG not only aroused our admiration for advanced technology, but also inspired us to go further. We believe that the future of logistics is smart, sustainable and reliable mobility – and DAF is constantly raising the bar in this regard.