Mercedes-Benz Trucks is marking 100 years of collaboration with German logistics operator Karldischinger Logistikdienstleister by signing a Letter of Intent (LOI) to deliver 100 zero-emission trucks over the next five years, signaling a shared commitment to reducing carbon emissions in the road freight industry.
Karldischinger, based in Ehrenkirchen near Freiburg, has been a fleet customer of Mercedes-Benz Trucks since its inception in 1924. Over the years, the company has incorporated every major innovation from Mercedes-Benz, from early diesel trucks to the latest electric models. Today, Karldischinger’s fleet includes around 120 trucks, primarily from the Actros and Atego series, all covered by full-service contracts with Mercedes-Benz CharterWay.
As part of the company’s 100-year anniversary celebrations, Karldischinger Logistikdienstleister and Mercedes-Benz Trucks have signed an agreement for the delivery of 100 zero emission trucks. The vehicles will be either battery-electric or hydrogen-powered, depending on the intended use and the development of the technology.
Jürgen Distl, Head of Operations at Mercedes-Benz Trucks, emphasised the importance of the collaboration: “For a century, Karldischinger has been known for its reliability and innovation in the transport industry. They have been a key partner for our logistics operations, and we are pleased they will contribute to the electrification of our supply chains with more battery-electric trucks.”
The Karldischinger company has been run by the Dischinger family for four generations. Karlhubert Dischinger, who took over the business in 1975, recalls the company’s early days, including its first purchase of a “Benz delivery van” in 1924 from the Benz plant in Gaggenau. Over the years, the company has embraced advancements in trucking technology, from the transition to diesel engines in 1927 to the adoption of electric trucks today.
“When I took over the company, I aimed to double the fleet from 10 to 20 trucks. We quickly achieved that, and since then, we’ve expanded our logistics services significantly. Although our own fleet now accounts for only 20% of our revenue, it remains crucial for ensuring safety and reliability,” said Karlhubert Dischinger. “The LOI for 100 climate-friendly trucks reinforces our commitment to a modern, efficient fleet.”
As part of the shift to zero-emission operations, Karldischinger Logistikdienstleister has already installed a 300 kW charging station at its facility to support the eActros 300 truck. The company is also focusing on sustainable logistics solutions, including the use of an electric trailer with a recuperation axle to power the cooling unit for fresh food transport.
Karldischinger has long been a pioneer in e-mobility, having tested an electric-hybrid truck in the mid-1990s. The company’s early experience with the Atego BlueTec Hybrid, which combined a diesel engine with an electric motor, laid the groundwork for its current commitment to sustainable logistics.
In line with their broader sustainability goals, Mercedes-Benz Trucks is working towards achieving locally emission-free inbound logistics for its Wörth assembly plant by the end of 2026. Approximately 20 eActros 300 trucks are already in use for delivery transport to Wörth, including one from Karldischinger. The company is also collaborating with Mercedes-Benz to electrify logistics operations at other Daimler Truck production plants in Germany.
