Mercedes Benz Atego delivers pedal power

Britain’s best-known bicycle company has responded to a change in the pattern of its distribution operation by investing in a pair of Mercedes-Benz 7.5-tonners.

Both Atego 818 models with optional high-roofed sleeper cabs, they are the first Mercedes that Raleigh UK has operated for many years.

The new trucks arrived via east midlands dealer Mertrux. They are fitted with Derbyshire Coachbuilders box bodies and have joined a DAF fleet of articulated tractor units and demountable rigids which work out of Raleigh headquarters in Eastwood, Nottinghamshire.

As Steve Wigley, Distribution Manager for Raleigh UK, explains: "We are increasing the size of our 7.5-tonne fleet and cutting back on the number of artics that we run, because we’re finding it increasingly difficult to deliver to retailers in town centres where access is becoming more of an issue.

"This has also been made possible by the fact that we now deliver our bicycles in cartons, 85 per cent built but with the front wheels removed. Doing so has made a huge difference and means that we can now carry about 100 bikes on a 7.5-tonner, which is a pretty reasonable load and means the operation is economically viable."

It was, says Mr Wigley, the ability of Mercedes-Benz to offer a full-sized, factory-built sleeper cab on the smallest Atego that won the deal for Mertrux. "Our drivers go all over the UK and regularly spend nights away in their trucks, so space and comfort are very important.

"Other manufacturers can’t offer a high-roofed sleeper as a standard fitment on a 7.5-tonner and we didn’t want to ‘bolt-on’ a third-party conversion, so the Mercedes was the obvious choice. These are still early days, of course, but initial impressions are very favourable. The quality and finish of our new Atego look very good and the driver feedback has been excellent."

Raleigh’s 7.5-tonne Mercedes are the subject of five-year contract hire deals with Mertrux. Mr Wigley adds: "The rates are competitive and we’ve benefited from a ‘one-stop shop’ service."