Alan Firmin chooses Mercedes-Benz Actros to launch new livery

The first trucks to wear the smart new blue colours of high-profile Kent-based operator Alan Firmin are four Mercedes-Benz tractor units.

All premium specification Actros 2546 models with flat-floored MegaSpace cabs, they are the subject of a four-year contract hire arrangement with supplying dealer Sparshatts of Kent – a fifth, identical unit is assigned to a dedicated distribution contract and works in the customer’s silver livery.

Founded in 1928 and still family-owned and managed, Alan Firmin has diverse interests that include farming, commercial property and cottage rental, as well as pallet distribution, warehousing and general haulage services.

The company’s headquarters are in Linton but its transport business operates from a depot on the Mid-Kent Business Park in Snodland. Alan Firmin runs a fleet of 50 trucks – all but a handful of them 44-tonne tractor units – and 100 trailers, most of which are new Lawrence David curtainsiders.

Fleet Manager Stuart Joyce recalled: “We bought our last Mercedes-Benz Actros back in 2003 and ran them for four years. They were the most reliable vehicles we’ve ever had.

“I’ve dealt with David Jones (Sparshatts’ Dealer Principal) and his team for a long time and know them to be professional and responsive when the need arises. So given that the package they were offering was also very competitive, we had no hesitation about returning to Sparshatts with this latest order.”

The new trucks are each contracted to cover 185,000km a year and will be inspected and serviced in the dealer’s Sittingbourne workshops.

Alan Firmin specified its new Mercedes-Benz Actros with high-ratio back axles with the aim of maximising fuel economy. Their 460hp V6 engines are programmed to shut down automatically after idling for two minutes while, as an additional fuel-saving measure, the ‘kick down’ feature on the trucks’ 12-speed Mercedes PowerShift automated transmissions has also been disabled.

“These are still early days,” added Mr Joyce, “but our first impressions of these new trucks are certainly very positive. They’re doing well on fuel and the drivers appreciate the space and comfort of their cabs; they also like the prestige that comes with driving a Mercedes-Benz.”

Alan Firmin is a leading member of Palletforce and recent winner of a prestigious award from the network for its “quality of service with measurable growth and improvement year-on-year”; it was also a runner-up in the category for Parcelforce Depot of the Year.