An Australian logistics operator is enjoying a 25% improvement in diesel consumption since it recently took delivery of a new generation Mercedes-Benz Actros to its fleet.
A member of the Perth-based CTI Logistics operation, GMK Logistics has been delivering flooring products to customers since 1962.
Based in Sydney, GMK Logistics operates nationally, with depots in Brisbane, Newcastle, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth and runs express and linehaul services between all capital cities.
GMK uses subcontractors for its interstate work but also operates an owned fleet of 53 small and medium trucks, as well as one prime mover, for local duties.
When it came time to update that prime mover, parent company CTI Logistics decided it would be best for GMK to replace the American-style unit with a new-generation Mercedes-Benz Actros.
After a few weeks on the road, the numbers show it was the right decision.
“The fuel economy figures they are getting represent a 25% improvement in fuel economy over the old truck,” says CTI Logistics commercial manager, Glenn Brown. “That is significant.”
CTI Logistics has a fleet of 630 vehicles (including 230 company owned and 400 provided by sub-contractors), which range from small package delivery trucks to road trains, but the company has not had a Mercedes-Benz truck before.
Brown says he decided to take a closer look at the Mercedes-Benz due to positive “industry talk” about the new product.
“We are more than happy with our decision to go with the Mercedes-Benz,” he says.
The 2651 Actros has been put to work hauling a B-Double trailer set delivering floor coverings around Sydney during the day with one driver before setting off for a run to Newcastle and back in the hands of another driver at night.
GMK Logistics general manager – operations, David Knagge, says the drivers have well received the truck.
“They love it,” he says. “It is a significant improvement, and the drivers like the comfort, the vision and all of the safety features.”
Knagge says the integrated safety features, which include a radar-based emergency auto brake function, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control are a big plus.
“Safety is paramount to our company, not just for our drivers but also the community,” he says.
The new generation Actros prime mover introduces a new engine family that includes 11-litre, 13-litre and 16-litre inline six-cylinder units.
The model chosen by GMK Logistics runs the 13-litre engine and has a power output of 510hp and a torque peak of 2500Nm. It operates a fully automated 12-speed transmission.
