BE-COMBI: When a van isn't enough and a truck is too big

Need to transport a heavier load express, but not enough to fill a truck? We have a solution that makes economic sense, unlike a half-empty truck: BE-COMBI — a combination that combines the speed and flexibility of a van with the payload capacity of a small truck. In the Czech Republic, we were among the first to register these vehicles, and we are now gradually modernizing and rebuilding our fleet to the latest standards.

What is a BE-COMBI vehicle and how did it come about

At first glance, it may look like a classic three-axle truck. In reality, it's a well thought-out and highly efficient conversion. The base of the combination is a light commercial vehicle converted into a short tractor unit. On its fifth wheel, it carries a semi-trailer with its own braked axle. The third axle doesn't belong to the vehicle itself, but to the semi-trailer. The whole combination therefore has two registration plates and two vehicle registration certificates.

This system is compatible with all major commercial vehicle brands, but at EGT we most often build on Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, which have long best met our high standards for reliability, payload capacity, and above all, availability of service support across Europe. Our fleet operates both curtain-sided and box-body variants.

Performance and capacity in numbers

Why and when you'll appreciate BE-COMBI most

A standard van up to 3.5 tonnes has the advantage of speed, but in reality it can barely carry one tonne of cargo — the rest of its permitted weight is taken up by the vehicle itself and its body. If you need to transport a heavier load, a standard van isn't enough. A classic truck, on the other hand, requires a driver with a C/CE licence and a professional competence certificate, and operations are logistically more complex with higher costs. BE-COMBI represents the ideal middle ground:

• High payload capacity: The combination's total weight is 7 tonnes, meaning it can carry up to three times as much as a standard van.
• Lower fuel consumption: A combination built on a van such as the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has roughly half the fuel consumption of a classic large truck.
• Toll savings: The combination doesn't pay road tax. In the Czech Republic, a standard motorway vignette is enough; in Germany and the Netherlands, it isn't subject to tolls at all, because the towing vehicle itself doesn't exceed 3.5 tonnes.
• Excellent manoeuvrability: It can get where a regular truck can't. Ideal for urban distribution and efficient transport.
• Driver availability: Only a B+E driving licence is needed to drive this combination. We have our own trained crews ready for deployment, so we're not left waiting for a driver with a professional competence certificate to become available (of which there is currently a shortage).

This concept is the perfect solution where a standard van doesn't have the payload, but a full truck would be an unnecessary luxury. A great choice for international express and just-in-time transport throughout Europe and to eastern destinations.

No professional competence certificate needed, but the professional standard remains

A professional competence certificate isn't legally required for category B+E, but we leave nothing to chance — we thoroughly train our drivers specifically for this equipment, as well as in Regulation 561 driving and rest time rules and TAPA security standards. We have held Level 3 certification since 2021, and since 2023 we have also provided transport under the highest Level 1 regime for shipments with extreme security requirements. Telematics for continuous location and temperature monitoring is a standard feature. Our fleet also includes a top-of-the-line FRIGO version for refrigerated transport with all the advantages of the BE-COMBI concept.

Vehicles are also equipped with:

• an ADR package for transporting dangerous goods,
• a hydraulic tail lift for easy loading and unloading at locations without a ramp,
• a sleeping cab for maximum driver comfort on long-haul transports.

Our BE-COMBI combinations and their drivers can handle even the most demanding tasks on international routes.

The rear part can also be uncoupled and re-hitched to another tractor unit, which takes around 15 minutes. When the tractor unit needs servicing, the shipment can continue straight on its way. For transports under the strict TAPA regime, however, we do not uncouple the semi-trailer, and the shipment stays under TAPA supervision from loading to unloading.

Since the BE-COMBI combination exceeds 3.5 tonnes, the requirement for a tachograph, driver card, and compliance with driving and rest times applies, just as with large-scale freight transport. This may seem like a disadvantage, but the opposite is true: for you, it means a well-rested driver and greater safety for your shipment.

You can see for yourself that the BE-COMBI concept, as we deliver it, represents a perfect balance. On one hand, we offer you maximum operational flexibility; on the other, uncompromising professionalism. Where safety and set standards are concerned, there are no shortcuts — what we promise, and what legislation or certification requires, we follow to the letter.

Try BE-COMBI

Whether you need to transport automotive parts, electronics and valuable goods under the TAPA regime, pharmaceuticals under GDP monitoring, or refrigerated commodities, with BE-COMBI you'll appreciate:

• the speed of an express service,
• the payload of a small truck,
• a price with no tolls and no paying for empty space.

For 10 pallets, a truck is like using a cannon to hit a sparrow. BE-COMBI carries only what you actually need — at a better price, with faster deployment, and with the same professional driver standard as large-scale transport. Get a no-obligation quote for BE-COMBI.

Drivers, come along for the ride!

Are you an experienced driver, and does this kind of equipment appeal to you? We're expanding our team and we pay well. What's more, you don't need to worry about complicated paperwork or uncertainty when you start. We'll give you complete training tailored to this equipment as well as to strict TAPA security standards. From us, you won't just get the keys — you'll get full support and backing from day one. Get in touch with us and let's hit the road together.