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In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on the environment in the Netherlands. For instance, cities in our country are more often fully committed to cleaner air, liveable city centres and, of course, fewer CO₂ emissions. They do this, among other things, by establishing so-called zero-emission zones, zones where only vehicles are allowed to drive without harmful exhaust gases.
Such zones force emission-free transport in urban areas, something that has a great effect on logistics companies, among others. HST Groep from Enschede, for example, is already preparing well for this change. In this article, you can read more about zero-emission zones and how HST is preparing for them.
What is a zero-emission zone?
Chances are you have read more about zero-emission zones recently. Indeed, these zones are increasingly the topic of the day. A zero-emission zone is an area in the city where only vehicles that do not emit harmful exhaust gases are allowed to drive. These include, for example, electric vehicles or hydrogen-based vehicles that do not release CO₂. Good to know: a zero-emission zone is different from the environmental zones that already apply in many places in the Netherlands. Current environmental zones often only exclude older diesel vehicles. That while in a zero-emission zone, there really is zero emissions.
Municipalities in our country have been allowed to set up such zones since 2025. Existing vehicles are subject to a transitional regime based on their emission class and age. This means that, for example, a van with emission class 5 can drive within the relevant zone until 1 January 2027. For trucks, different rules apply for the transition period. For example, some older vehicles will not be allowed access after a certain date. The biggest reason for this, though, is clear: improving air quality, making the living environment in cities healthier.
The impact of zero-emission zones on logistics companies
Logically, this change to zero-emission zones greatly affects logistics companies that also drive and deliver in urban areas. Indeed, it affects such companies on several levels.
Fleet must be changed
In most cases, the existing fleet has to be replaced: diesel and petrol vehicles have to be replaced with zero-emission alternatives, such as electric vehicles. This requires a significant investment in both equipment and infrastructure. With electric vehicles, you also need to think about charging points and inverters.
Smarter route planning
In addition, the planning of routes and loading must be smarter. For instance, it is even more important to avoid empty journeys as much as possible and to optimise combination trips. The focus here is not only on road transport, but on a cooperation of road + rail or road + water (intermodal transport).
Inner-city logistics become critical
This involves taking a critical look at the last kilometres of transport, which in such cases often take place in an inner city. It is likely that transport companies, for example, will have to work more often with city distribution points outside the zone, where goods are transferred to small (zero-emission) vehicles or electric bikes.
Risks and uncertainties for transport companies
A critical note here is that in some municipalities in the Netherlands, there is still uncertainty about the zones, timing and regulations. As a result, some companies do not quite know where they stand yet, as they do not know how strict the obligations will become. Nevertheless, as a transport professional, it is advisable to take steps in advance to avoid surprises.
HST's approach in terms of preparing for zero-emission zones
For this reason, among others, Enschede-based HST Groep has already started preparing for zero-emission zones. The organisation is actively investing in order to be ready for the various challenges of zero-emission transport. They are doing this in various ways.
From ambition to recognition with Lean & Green star
HST, for instance, has been committed to sustainability since 2008. The company was awarded the first Lean & Green star in 2013 for their commitment to structural CO₂ reduction. In 2024, they scored their third star, meaning they are recognised for their sustainable approach. This is right in line with the core values of zero-emission zones.
Automatic tyre pressure system for lower fuel consumption
HST is also betting on various smart measures, such as an automatic tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS). This keeps the tyre pressure constantly at the right level, reducing rolling resistance. The result? Lower fuel consumption and less wear and tear. So the tyres last longer and the system contributes directly to more sustainable operations.
Other measures and investments from HST
So HST is preparing well for the arrival of zero-emission zones, also with other measures. For instance, drivers are already undergoing eco-driving training to drive more economically and cleanly and driving behaviour is continuously monitored through telematics. In addition, HST uses HVO fuel (HVO 7 and HVO 100) as a cleaner alternative to diesel. These measures are already generating substantial CO₂ reductions. In the future, the company wants to push sustainability even further with fleet electrification and emission-free alternatives. This makes HST an inspiring example for other logistics companies in our country that are also preparing for a zero-emission future.