International Truck of the Year pairing for A.F.S. Haulage
Eastleigh-based A.F.S. Haulage has replaced two older vehicles with a pair of International Truck of the Year 2013-winning Iveco Stralis Hi-Way tractor units, in the company’s striking red livery.
The flagship long-haul Ivecos were selected for the 38-strong fleet based on the performance of the customer’s existing EcoStralis tractor unit, which has consistently returned 8.6 mpg versus a fleet average of 8 mpg, and despite operating exclusively with a double-deck trailer. Other tractor units pulling double-decks in the fleet average just over 7 mpg.
A.F.S. Haulage Managing Director Andy Seagrave says: “The soaring cost of diesel means it is more important than ever before to take fuel performance into account when ordering new vehicles. You can’t presume that all trucks perform the same – a difference of just 1 mpg can have a huge impact on operating costs.
“We have high hopes for these two new Stralis’ as they feature many of the same fuel-saving features as our existing EcoStralis, combined with a more aerodynamic cab and Iveco’s innovative Driving Style Evaluation tool. They have all the makings of being an ultra-fuel efficient force on the fleet,” he adds.
The Driving Style Evaluation tool is accessed via a dashboard mounted colour touchscreen and allows the driver to improve their driving performance in real time. Named by the International Truck of the Year jury as one of the key reasons behind Iveco’s victory, it helps drivers follow the most fuel efficient driving style possible. Indeed, Iveco says it can generate fuel savings of between 5 per cent and 12 per cent – superior to any single technology solution.
Supplied by Hendy Van & Truck, the Stralis Hi-Way 6x2 twin-steer tractors (AS440S46TX/P) will be used for a combination of local daytime work mixed with night time trunking, or general haulage where the driver is away for at least three to four nights a week.
Seagrave explains: “Looking after our drivers is a top priority and the Hi-Way cab offers a great mix of living and working space. It’s particularly well suited for drivers tramping around the country, with plenty of on-board comforts helping to make it a home away from home.”
The range-topping Hi-Way high-roof cab offers more than 10m3 of interior space and has been completely redesigned, with new high quality materials throughout. It features a lower bunk which is 80cm wide and more than 2m long – the largest in any mainstream Iveco tractor unit to-date, with wooden slats and a super-comfy mattress and reclining backrest. An upper bunk also opens easily thanks to a tilting mechanism with air springs.
A.F.S. Haulage will keep the Stralis Hi-Ways in frontline operation for the next six years, prior to being moved onto local work. They have been supplied on Iveco Elements repair and maintenance agreements, which will see all servicing and maintenance undertaken through the Iveco dealer network.
Both tractors are powered by EEV-rated FPT Industrial 10.3 litre Cursor 10 engines, which are capable of producing up to 460 hp between 1,550 and 2,100 rev/min, plus 2,100 Nm of torque between 1,050 and 1,550 rev/min. The engines are driven through automated EuroTronic transmissions.
Established for more than 25 years, A.F.S. Haulage is one of just a handful of operators offering full load and pallet distribution services to the Isle of Wight and the Channel Islands. In addition to its general haulage services and membership of the Palletways network, the company is also equipped to provide Hiab, low-loader, hazardous goods and services with trailer-mounted forklift trucks.
