Duo Trailer Transport in Spain: Two Containers or Two Loads in One Trip
Grúas y Transportes MAVI operates duo trailers from Vila-real (Castellón, Spain), next to the ports of Castellón and Valencia. A duo trailer is one tractor unit pulling two trailers: two maritime containers or two full loads in a single trip, up to 72 tonnes and 32 metres, with one driver. We use it for container transport between the ports and inland, for pipes, tubes and general freight on fixed routes, and for refrigerated loads, on the network approved for these vehicles in Spain.
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What is a duo trailer?
A duo trailer is a European Modular System (EMS) combination — also called a longer heavier vehicle (LHV) or high capacity vehicle — made up of a tractor unit and two semi-trailers linked by a dolly. It can be up to 32 metres long with a maximum authorised mass of 72 tonnes, compared with 16.5 metres and 44 tonnes for a standard articulated lorry in Spain.
Because it does the work of two trucks with one tractor and one driver, it is one of the most efficient ways to move large, regular volumes by road.
Are duo trailers legal in Spain?
Yes. Spain's traffic authority (DGT) allows duo trailers of up to 32 metres and 72 tonnes on a network of approved routes. Since the reform of the General Vehicle Regulations that came into force on 23 October 2025, they no longer need a specific prior authorisation, provided they meet the technical requirements and stay on the approved network.
Outside that network, and in countries that don't allow them, the freight continues in standard units. We plan the route so you get the savings where the duo trailer can run and a normal service where it can't.
Two containers in one trip: port container transport
The most common use of duo trailers in Spain is moving maritime containers between the ports and inland terminals, factories and warehouses. One duo trailer carries two containers per trip, so import and export flows need half the trucks and half the trips.
Our base is on an industrial estate in Vila-real (Castellón), a few minutes from the Port of Castellón and half an hour from the Port of Valencia, right on the AP-7 and A-7 Mediterranean corridor. That puts us in the right place to shuttle containers between both ports and your premises, including reefer containers.
Fixed routes and hub-to-hub linehaul
Duo trailers are also used on fixed routes between factories, warehouses, distribution centres and network hubs: pallet networks, groupage operators and supply flows to large retail platforms. When the same volume moves on the same route every day or every week, a duo trailer halves the number of trips.
What duo trailers are used for in Europe
Duo trailers and other EMS combinations are used in Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Finland and most German states. The sectors that use them most are:
• Port and intermodal container transport.
• Hub-to-hub linehaul for pallet networks and groupage.
• Retail and FMCG distribution to large platforms.
• Food and beverages.
• Automotive suppliers on fixed just-in-time routes.
• Steel, paper, pipes and tubes.
• Building materials and ceramics.
• Chilled and frozen goods (duo trailer reefer).
What we move by duo trailer
• Maritime containers between the ports of Valencia and Castellón and inland.
• Pipes and tubes on dropside trailers, strapped to EN 12195-1.
• General and palletised freight on fixed routes.
• Chilled and frozen goods in refrigerated units and reefer containers.
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When does a duo trailer pay off?
A duo trailer is not the answer for every shipment. It pays off when:
• The route is fixed, with the same origin and destination.
• The volume is high and predictable: daily or weekly flows.
• The distance is long enough, usually over 150 km.
• Both trailers travel full.
• Collection, route and delivery are on the approved network.
Then it moves the freight of two trucks with one tractor and one driver: lower cost per load, fewer trips and up to 30% less CO₂. For one-off loads or destinations outside the network, a standard truck is usually the better option, and we will tell you so.
Refrigerated duo trailer
We also run duo trailers with two refrigerated units, each with its own refrigeration unit, from −25 °C to +25 °C. Chilled and frozen goods can travel in the same trip, with continuous temperature logging.
How we plan a duo trailer route
1. Route check
We check that collection, route and delivery are on the approved network, or plan how to combine vehicles where they aren't.
2. Load plan
We spread the weight correctly across both trailers and all axles and agree loading times or port slots with you.
3. Transport and delivery
Experienced drivers, loads secured to EN 12195-1 and a single contact until delivery.
What we need to quote your duo trailer transport
• What you need to move: containers (type and size) or freight (type of goods, dry or refrigerated).
• Volume per shipment and per week or month.
• Approximate weight.
• Collection and delivery points (port terminal, factory, warehouse, hub).
• Loading and unloading conditions or port slots.
• Frequency: regular route, campaign or one-off.
Why choose MAVI for duo trailer transport
• Based next to the ports of Castellón and Valencia.
• High-power tractor units and our own fleet of trailers.
• Drivers trained and experienced in driving long combinations.
• Route planning on the approved network for every job.
• More than 20 years in special and industrial transport, including services for the Spanish Ministry of Defence.
• Our own 24-hour roadside assistance service, 365 days a year.
• One point of contact from quote to delivery.
• A fixed, no-obligation quote based on the real details of your job.
Get a quote for your duo trailer transport
Send us the route, what you need to move and the volume per week. We will tell you whether a duo trailer pays off for your flows and send you a fixed, no-obligation quote.
Call us on +34 964 534 074 or email trafico@transmavi.es. You can also use the form on this page and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Duo trailer transport: frequently asked questions
What is a duo trailer?
A duo trailer is a combination of one tractor unit and two semi-trailers linked by a dolly, up to 32 metres long and up to 72 tonnes. It carries two containers or two full loads in a single trip, with one driver.
Are duo trailers legal in Spain?
Yes. Spain's traffic authority (DGT) allows duo trailers of up to 32 metres and 72 tonnes on a network of approved routes. Since 23 October 2025 they do not need a specific prior authorisation, provided they meet the technical requirements and stay on that network.
Can a duo trailer carry two containers?
Yes. Moving two maritime containers per trip between the ports and inland is one of the most common uses of duo trailers in Spain. We run container transport from the ports of Valencia and Castellón.
What are duo trailers used for?
Mainly port and intermodal container transport, hub-to-hub linehaul for pallet and groupage networks, retail and FMCG distribution, food and beverages, automotive suppliers, steel, pipes and building materials, and refrigerated goods.
When does a duo trailer pay off?
On fixed routes with high, predictable volumes, usually over 150 km, when both trailers travel full and the whole route is on the approved network.
How much can a duo trailer save?
It moves the freight of two trucks with one tractor and one driver, so the cost per load is lower and CO₂ emissions are up to 30% lower than with two conventional trucks.
Can a duo trailer go anywhere?
No. It can only run on the network of routes approved for these vehicles in Spain. Outside that network, and in countries that don't allow them, we combine it with standard units.
Do you offer refrigerated duo trailers?
Yes. We run duo trailers with two refrigerated units, from −25 °C to +25 °C, with continuous temperature logging.
How many pallets does a duo trailer carry?
When the load is palletised, a duo trailer takes around 66 euro pallets, twice a standard truck. The exact figure depends on the trailers, the weight and the goods.