Mercedes-Benz claims another slice of the NS Clarke fleet
A desire to cut costs in the face of tough market conditions prompted NS Clarke Transport to invest in its first five Mercedes-Benz tractor units a year ago. So well have they performed that the Staffordshire-based bulk haulier bought another couple last summer, and has now purchased seven more.
The original vehicles were all fleet-specification Axor 2543 models with high-roofed sleeper cabs and 430hp straight-six engines. “They were competitively priced,” recalled Managing Director Shaun Clarke, “and have done very well, proving both reliable and cost-effective to operate.”
The Axors were followed last September by a pair of premium-specification Actros 2546 Long Distance units. And now NS Clarke has taken delivery of seven more Actros 2546s – they share the same 460hp V6 and Mercedes PowerShift automated transmission as the first two Actros, but this time the operator has chosen range-topping, flat-floored MegaSpace cabs.
All 12 trucks were supplied by dealer Gerard Mann Commercial Vehicles and are equipped with hydraulic wet kits for operation with bulk tipping and dry powder tank trailers.
Gerard Mann is servicing the Axors and Actros under three- and four-year Mercedes-Benz repair and maintenance contracts, at its workshop in Wolverhampton. “The contract maintenance is also very keenly priced, which was another crucial factor in persuading us to make the switch to Mercedes-Benz,” continued Mr Clarke.
“I expect a great deal from a dealer so Gerard Mann have a lot to prove, but I’m happy with what I’ve seen to date. Their sales executive Richard Mason is very responsive and when services and inspections are due the dealer collects the trucks from our depot in Lichfield and returns them afterwards, the entire process happening pretty smoothly.”
He added: “I also have an excellent, long-standing relationship with Mercedes-Benz UK’s regional sales manager Steve Clement, who used to work for our long-term truck supplier. I trust Steve’s judgment and his confidence in the Actros and Axor looks to be well founded.”
Mr Clarke was just 23 when he founded his business in 1983, with a single truck. Today, NS Clarke Transport operates a fleet of 58 vehicles: most are articulated tractors although the line-up also includes 17 rigids of various sizes and four Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans.
The company undertakes UK and Continental haulage of a wide variety of commodities for up to 40 customers. “Things were very difficult towards the latter part of 2008 and throughout 2009,” said Mr Clarke, “but business levels are certainly picking up this year.”
