First Mercedes-Benz Actros impresses at Westfield Transport
One of Cornwall’s leading haulage contractors is reporting enthusiastic driver feedback and encouraging fuel efficiency from its first Mercedes-Benz tractor for many years.
Double-manned, the premium specification Actros 2546 MegaSpace is trunking five nights a week between Westfield Transport’s headquarters in Truro and the Palletforce hub in Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, a 13-hour round trip. During the day, meanwhile, it undertakes local deliveries in the south-west.
The truck is the subject of a four-year Mercedes-Benz repair and maintenance contract and is being serviced and inspected at the new facility in Roche opened recently by supplying dealer City West Commercials.
Founded 32 years ago by Managing Director Robert Walker, Westfield Transport now operates a fleet of 52 trucks. Most are tractor units although the line-up also includes eight rigid curtainsiders of various sizes, among them a 12-tonne Mercedes-Benz Atego.
“We’ve traditionally favoured a single vehicle marque but I wanted to try a different make of truck,” said Mr Walker. “City West provided an Actros demonstration unit which did well, and the deal on the table was attractive. So we decided to give them an opportunity to show what they could do.”
He continued: “The Actros is pulling a big, double deck trailer, which obviously has an adverse impact on fuel consumption. We were hoping it would return in excess of 8mpg and it’s comfortably ahead of that target, so we’re delighted.
“Our new Mercedes is also impressively well built, while the drivers certainly appreciate the comfort and storage capacity of the big, flat-floored MegaSpace cab.
“Back-up is going to be crucial too,” he added, “and while these are still early days I’m impressed by what I’ve seen so far of City West Commercials. The dealer’s sales and service teams are clearly very professional, and have done everything I’ve asked.
“And City West’s new depot in Roche is also a ‘plus’ from our point of view. Because Roche is on the main A30 trunk road the location is a lot more convenient than the dealer’s former premises in St Austell. It’s easy for our driver to drop in should the need arise, while City West can also respond more rapidly in the event that we have to call them out.”
