Introduction
Many breweries that start working with tank beer — or that have only a limited number of tank beer customers in a specific region — struggle to deliver to these customers efficiently and cost-effectively. Dedicated tank beer trucks are often expensive to operate when customer density is still relatively low.
Our client AB InBev Belgium faced exactly this challenge in the Belgian coastal region. From their distribution center in De Pinte, they needed to supply hospitality customers along the coast with tank beer while also delivering their broader product assortment.
AB InBev therefore asked Duotank to help design a solution that would allow them to serve both tank beer customers and regular customers in the most efficient way possible.
The Challenge
The objective was clear: enable combined deliveries without requiring dedicated tank beer transport.
AB InBev wanted to convert two existing rigid trucks with enclosed cargo bodies so they could handle tank beer deliveries alongside standard beverage logistics. However, the trucks still needed to maintain enough cargo space for their regular distribution activities.
The requirements were therefore quite specific:
Each truck needed to be capable of combined deliveries of tank beer, bottled beer, and keg beer, allowing AB InBev to serve all customers in a single route rather than organizing separate trips for tank beer deliveries.
The Solution
To meet these requirements, Duotank designed the Narrow Delivery Unit (NDU).
The NDU is a compact MID-certified tank beer delivery system that can be installed in almost any standard rigid truck with an enclosed cargo body. Thanks to its vertical, high-profile design, the system occupies only 50 cm of cargo space, leaving sufficient room in the truck for kegs, crates, and returnable packaging.
Despite its compact footprint, the NDU includes all the functionality of a dedicated tank beer delivery truck. This means operators do not have to compromise on usability, efficiency, or automation.
The system provides the same professional features expected in specialized tank beer trucks, ensuring accurate delivery and easy operation for drivers.
Additionally, the delivery unit is equipped with a 60-meter beer hose, allowing drivers to easily reach taps and cellars even when access points are further away from the vehicle.
Impact
With the implementation of the NDU systems, both trucks now travel daily to the Belgian coastal region carrying combined loads of tank beer, kegs, and returnable packaging.
Instead of performing separate trips for different product types, the trucks can now serve all customers in a single route.
This approach significantly improves operational efficiency and cost effectiveness, reducing unnecessary transport movements while maximizing the use of each delivery vehicle.
At the same time, the solution gives AB InBev the flexibility to gradually grow their tank beer customer base in the region without requiring major upfront investments in new transport fleets or additional infrastructure.
By integrating tank beer delivery into their existing distribution model, AB InBev can scale sustainably while maintaining efficient logistics operations.