Actros 2545 - FreshLinc (25)

Temperature controlled logistics firm FreshLinc has ordered 14 Mercedes-Benz Actros tractors after just four weeks of test driving a demonstrator.

The first trucks will arrive at the firm’s Spalding headquarters in October, joining FreshLinc’s 400-strong fleet.

The vehicles, which are on contract hire from Mercedes-Benz, are 6×2 Actros 2545 models with flat-floored BigSpace cabs and 12.8-litre, in-line six-cylinder engines.

Inspections and maintenance will be provided by supplying dealer Intercounty Truck & Van in Boston.

Andy Marchant, FreshLinc fleet engineer, said: “The Actros has also been well accepted by our drivers. They appreciate its general comfort, while the early feedback on features such as MirrorCam and the new dashboard is entirely positive.”

The trucks also come with Active Brake Assist 5 which now employs a combination of radar and cameras to give full braking – as opposed to the 50% achieved previously – when encountering pedestrians crossing its path.

FreshLinc handles more than 6,000 loads each week, across its chilled and ambient food and drink, container, crane, bulk transport and horticultural operations.

The company trialled an Actros for six months last year, putting it on double-shifts and running it fully loaded in both directions. It was so impressed with the performance that after just four weeks the firm put in the order for 14 more Actros.

Marchant said: “We were keen to utilise the new truck’s full potential and very quickly established that its mpg returns were in line with our expectations, which sealed the deal.”

Video conferences with Mercedes-Benz Trucks key account manager James Venables and staff at Intercounty Truck & Van team were also appreciated by the FreshLinc team.

“Good communication will be crucial to the success of our new relationship, and I’m pleased to say that we’ve made a very good start,” Marchant said.

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