Fuel economy prompts haulier Vicovanu to add more pre-owned Actros to fleet

Container transport specialist Vicovanu has returned to Motus Truck & Van to purchase another three pre-owned Mercedez Benz tractor units after being impressed by the fuel returns from the first five Mercedes-Benz trucks it purchased three months earlier.

The haulage company, which also buys new trucks, also turned to the pre-owned market to avoid the long lead in times created by the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns.

All of the tractor units are pre-owned Actros supplied under the Mercedes-Benz Certified banner, which provides access to high quality pre-owned trucks and support packages and the Mercedes Benz stamp of quality.

All three units have flat-floored, 2.5m-wide BigSpace cabs, and, as 2545 variants, employ 12.8-litre in-line six-cylinder engines that produce 330 kW (450 hp).

Their specifications include the optional Proximity Control Assist driver aid, fridges, microwave ovens and sun visors.

The Actros were first registered in 2019 and have always been serviced by Motus Truck & Van. They were returned to the dealer at the end of their contract hire terms with a major fleet operator. Each had covered between 370,000 and 470,000 km.

The green and white livery, which displays the wings motif on the sides of the cabs, was chosen by the owner Sergiu Vicovanu to represent the speed with which his company delivers for its customers.

Sergiu Vicovanu established the business in 2013, two years after arriving in the UK from his native Romania.

The company operates from Grays, Essex, and runs a fleet of 30 trucks. It offers a range of transport and logistics services, with ports-related work the backbone of its business.

Vicovanu also holds Bronze accreditation from the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme and is a member of the Road Haulage Association.

The Mercedes Benz Certified scheme was launched last Spring. Under the scheme no vehicle offered for sale under the Certified banner is more than five-and-a-half years old, or has covered in excess of 550,000 km.

The first service on Vicovanu’s three trucks will not be due for at least 20,000 km and tyres will have a tread depth of no less than 6mm.

The trucks also underwent an intensive, multi-point inspection by expert technicians at the Wentworth Park complex near Barnsley - home to Mercedes-Benz Trucks UK’s remarketing operation.

The three vehicles will not need an MOT test for at least five months and the manufacturer’s warranty is valid for a minimum of 12 months.

In addition, Vicovanu has taken out Mercedes-Benz ExtendPlus warranties that provide cover for 20 months.

Inspections and servicing, meanwhile, are being undertaken at Motus Truck & Van’s newly refurbished and extended workshop in West Thurrock.

Sergiu Vicovanu said: “Our Actros are returning upwards of 8.5 mpg, which is pretty good for container haulage.

“That puts them comfortably ahead of our Swedish trucks, and on a par with the others, all of which we’ve purchased from new over the last couple of years.”

He added: “The Actros is a premium product. Ours are well specified and were nicely presented on delivery, so naturally the drivers are very happy with them.”