Staffordshire-based bulk haulier NS Clarke Transport has cited competitive pricing and reliability as the reasons for investing in seven Mercedes-Benz Actros 6x2 tractors.
In the space of 12 months MD Shaun Clarke has raised the bar in terms of specification, buying 12 Mercedes trucks. First, five Axor 2543 models with high-roofed sleeper cabs and 430hp engines arrived, followed by two Actros 2546 Long Distance units last September. Now the company has brought in five flat-floored MegaSpace cabs.
"They were competitively priced," says Clarke, "and have done very well, proving both reliable and cost-effective to operate.
"The contract maintenance is also very keenly priced, which was another crucial factor in persuading us to make the switch to Mercedes-Benz," he says.
Midlands-based Mercedes-Benz dealer Gerard Mann is servicing the cabs and tractors on three- and four-year repair and maintenance contracts in Wolverhampton. "I expect a great deal from a dealer so Gerard Mann has a lot to prove, but I'm happy with what I've seen to date," he says.
The 45-strong fleet includes 37 tractor units, 13 rigids and five vans, as well as a fleet of 50 trailers made up of Wilcox tippers and Feldbinder tankers. Until the arrival of Mercedes, the tractor fleet was exclusively Volvo.
Year: 2017 | Body Type: Refuse | Cab Type: Crewcab | Registration: SF18WMP | Mileage: 81,101 km | Category: Rigids
Year: 2014 | Body Type: Skip | Cab Type: Day | Registration: KX64TKY | Mileage: 418,000 km | Power: 252 bhp
