Keeping asphalt warm during transport: The ThermoTOP heating system from amtec and what will change from 2027 onwards

Asphalt does not tolerate the cold. Anyone who has driven a mix over a long distance or had to wait at a construction site because the paver isn’t ready yet will be familiar with the problem: the material cools down first at the edges and under the cover, the load becomes uneven, and in the worst-case scenario, the site management rejects it. From 2027, this issue will become even more acute, as significantly more low-temperature asphalt will be laid in Germany – with less of a temperature buffer for transport. With the ThermoTOP heating system, the manufacturer amtec abt from Bad Laasphe is launching an active heating solution for asphalt skips and containers. This guide explains why temperature during transport is so important, what will change in 2027, how ThermoTOP works and for which businesses it is a worthwhile investment.

Why temperature is crucial on the way to the construction site

Rolled asphalt must be laid within a narrow temperature range to ensure it can be compacted. In its latest circular on temperature-reduced asphalt (ARS No. 13/2025), the Federal Ministry of Transport specifies 130–150 °C for base and binder courses and 140–155 °C for surface courses as guideline values for discharge into the paver. According to research by the asphalt industry, deviations of around 25 degrees already have a significant negative impact on quality.

The mix does not cool down evenly. The greatest heat loss is caused by the airflow, particularly at the front corners of the tipper body. The edges and the surface cool down first, whilst the core remains hot for a long time. According to industry figures, without insulation, the outer layer falls below the permissible range after around an hour at the latest. That is why thermally insulated skips with covers are now standard in road construction.

2027: What the limit value for bitumen vapours means for transport

Since 2019, there has been an occupational exposure limit for vapours and aerosols from bitumen: a maximum of 1.5 mg/m³, averaged over eight hours. This limit has been suspended several times for road construction – most recently until 31 December 2026. From 1 January 2027, it will apply without exception. As emissions rise with temperature (according to the BG BAU industry solution, exposure is roughly halved for every 10 Kelvin drop), the industry is turning to low-temperature asphalt, which is laid at a temperature at least around 20 °C cooler than traditional hot mix.

For transport, this means less of a margin. Anyone setting off at a lower temperature has less leeway before the material becomes too cold at the edges. ARS 13/2025 therefore stipulates that low-temperature asphalt must be transported in thermally insulated skips with covers or in closed thermal containers – with a thermal resistance of R ≥ 1.65 m²K/W. BG BAU also recommends avoiding journeys lasting longer than 60 minutes and raising the mixing temperature by 5 K if there is a gap of more than 45 minutes between loading and unloading. This is precisely where active heating comes into play – long journeys, waiting times, little margin for error.

How the ThermoTOP heating system works

According to the manufacturer, ThermoTOP is a new development for asphalt containers and asphalt skips. The principle:

• Diesel pulse burners in various power ratings generate a stream of hot air at temperatures of up to 160 °C.
• The warm air is distributed evenly into the cavities of the skip or directed at so-called heating panels on the inner skip. This is designed to prevent heat from escaping from the mix into the steel of the skip.
• The trough can be preheated whilst en route to the mixing plant. During longer periods of inactivity, a control unit automatically maintains the heat.
• According to amtec, a side effect of this is that condensation collecting in the insulation chamber is evaporated – which is intended to extend the service life of insulated hoppers.

Key technical specifications according to the manufacturer: 12 V on-board electrical system, 3,000 to 5,000 W heating output, 1 to 2 litres of diesel per hour. The system is approved in accordance with UN Regulation ECE-R 122 (heating systems for vehicles) and has EC type-approval. It can be fitted as standard or retrofitted to existing tipper bodies – amtec specifies roll-off tippers, body-mounted boxes, front-loading press bodies and tipper bodies for this purpose. The manufacturer positions ThermoTOP as a more cost-effective alternative to gas burner systems, which require regular monitoring. Fitted as standard, ThermoTOP is available, for example, in the amtec Asphaltbox 3 t with ThermoTOP heating (2.0 m³, 3,600 kg payload).

ThermoTOP is now available factory-fitted in four amtec asphalt boxes: Asphaltbox 3 t (2.0 m³, 3,600 kg payload), Asphaltbox 5 t (3.5 m³, 6,300 kg), Asphaltbox 8 t (5.1 m³, 9,200 kg) and the two-chamber TWINBOX 6 t (3.7 m³, 6,600 kg, 60/40 chambers). For the 5 t, 8 t and TWINBOX versions, the listings state approx. 5 to 6 kW heating output at 24 V, warm air up to 120 °C and around 0.5 l of diesel per hour – i.e. different figures from the general manufacturer data above. The data sheet of the respective box is what counts.

Who would benefit from active heating?

Not every operation needs a heating system in the hopper. Good insulation is sufficient if the mixing plant is nearby and the material is laid directly. ThermoTOP becomes an attractive option if at least one of the following questions is answered with ‘yes’:

1. Long journeys: Do journeys between the mixing plant and the laying site regularly take more than 45 to 60 minutes?
2. Downtime: Does the vehicle often have to wait at the construction site because the paver, milling machine or traffic control are not ready?
3. Small quantities, frequent stops: Do you transport mix for repairs, work crews or local authorities, which remains in the hopper for hours?
4. Low-temperature asphalt: Will you be carrying out works from 2027 onwards for public sector clients who require low-temperature asphalt?
5. Cold season: Do you work early in the year or late in autumn, when wind and cold cause the edges to cool down quickly?

To put consumption into perspective: at 1 to 2 litres of diesel per hour, one hour of heating costs just a few euros – significantly less than a load rejected or requiring rework due to sub-temperature. What pays off in each individual case depends on the tipper body size, usage profile and purchase price; amtec only provides these figures on request.

Which solution for which task

Information on holding times and performance figures is provided by the manufacturer; the client’s specifications and the measured mix temperature are decisive.

What the manufacturer says – and what you should clarify before purchasing

The product page is still missing some details that are important for making a decision. We recommend requesting the data sheet before obtaining a quote and having these points clarified in writing:

• Tank and size: amtec features ThermoTOP on its asphalt boxes (thermo-containers up to 5 m³) and also offers it for asphalt skips from 9 m³ upwards. The manufacturer should confirm which combination is available for your vehicle.
• Heating and holding times: How long does it take for the skip to reach operating temperature from a cold start, and for how long does it maintain the temperature of which mix at which outside temperature?
• Vehicle electrical system: How much strain does the 12 V system place on the vehicle battery during long periods of inactivity with the engine switched off?
• Temperature measurement: According to amtec, the bodies are equipped for temperature measurement systems and telemetry – a continuous record is advisable for documentation purposes under the TA-Asphalt regulations.
• Retrofitting: Does ThermoTOP fit your existing mix drum, and who is responsible for installation and acceptance?

Where to look

On machinery-market.eu, you’ll find new and used amtec Asphaltboxes in the Asphalt Processing category – including the new 3 t Asphaltbox with ThermoTOP diesel heating, where the heating system is fitted and functionally tested at the factory, and the 5 t TC Asphaltbox (optionally with electric heating). These are joined by models ranging from the compact ATB 3 for 3 t, through the twin-chamber TWINBOX 4D 8/10, to the TWINBOX 4D 12/14 for 14 t, offered by GSK Baumaschinen, amongst others. The advert for each box includes details of its volume, payload, dimensions and photos. Your enquiry goes directly to the dealer – via WhatsApp, Telegram or message. You can find suitable vehicles and bodywork under ‘Tipper lorries’.

All boxes with factory-fitted ThermoTOP at a glance: 3 t · 5 t · 8 t · TWINBOX 6 t. In each case the heating is installed and function-tested at the factory; prices, dimensions and photos are in the respective listing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ThermoTOP heating system?

ThermoTOP is a heating system from the manufacturer amtec abt for asphalt skips and containers. Diesel pulse burners generate hot air up to 160 °C, which is channelled into the cavities of the skip or to heating panels on the inner skip. This allows the skip to be preheated and automatically reheated during downtime.

How much diesel does ThermoTOP consume?

According to the manufacturer, 1 to 2 litres of diesel per hour at a heating output of 3,000 to 5,000 watts. The system runs on the 12 V vehicle electrical system.

What changes will come into effect in 2027 regarding asphalt laying?

From 1 January 2027, the occupational exposure limit for bitumen fumes of 1.5 mg/m³ will apply without exception. Consequently, more low-temperature asphalt will be laid, which is processed at a temperature at least around 20 °C lower. This leaves less temperature reserve for transport.

Which skips are prescribed for temperature-reduced asphalt?

According to the General Circular on Road Construction No. 13/2025, temperature-reduced asphalt must be transported in thermally insulated skips with covers or in closed thermal containers. The insulation must achieve a thermal resistance of at least 1.65 m²K/W at 20 °C.

Can ThermoTOP be retrofitted to existing skips?

According to amtec, yes: the system is fitted as standard at the factory or retrofitted to existing skips, including roll-off skips, body-mounted boxes, front-loading and tipper bodies. Whether it is suitable for a specific skip should be clarified with the manufacturer in advance.