Samworth Bros adds 48 new Actros to fleet

Samworth Brothers has added 48 new Mercedes-Benz Actros tractor units to its temperature-controlled distribution fleet one year after placing an initial order for the next-generation trucks.

Supplied by Mertrux Truck & Van, the majority are Actros 2545s specified with a StreamSpace cab with flat floors. Ten of the units are the slightly more powerful 2546 variants, which use a smaller 10.7-litre engine rather than the 12.8-litre in-line six cylinder. These units have the narrower 2.3m StreamSpace cabs, which have a 320mm engine tunnel.

Other features of the next-generation Actros added to the fleet are that they have been specified with MirrorCam, replacing conventional mirrors with Mercedes’ clever camera system and multimedia cockpit. They also have the latest version of Active Brake Assist and Predictive Powertrain Control systems to help decrease fuel consumption.

As well as the new systems on the Actros, Samworth Brothers were also impressed with the service provided by Mertrux, which has provided technical assistance as well as parts to Samworth Brothers’ in-house maintenance team since the first vehicles went on to the fleet in December 2018.

Speaking about their relationship, Samworth Brothers operations director Paul Marrow said: “Mertrux is very supportive; we’ve felt from the outset that Mercedes-Benz really wanted our business and had a fantastic vehicle that could meet our high expectations.

“The feedback I get from my vehicle maintenance and transport managers is really positive. In the 12 months we’ve been running them our first clutch of Actros have proved totally reliable, and haven’t spent anything like as much time in the workshop as other vehicles we run.

“The dealer’s response times, irrespective of whether the query relates to service or parts, are always very good. We spend a lot on fuel, so economy has obviously been a huge factor in our decision-making. We’re getting a better mpg performance from our first Actros than from other, comparable vehicles.“