Britain's largest frozen food distributor has made another major investment in Mercedes-Benz trucks, after its whole-life cost calculations put the New Actros tractor ahead of the competition.
The 30 New Actros 2545 StreamSpace tractor units are the first vehicles to wear the smart new livery of Yearsley Logistics, which is based in Heywood, Greater Manchester.
Supplied by Trafford Park dealer Enza, some replace older vehicles but a significant number represent extensions to the total fleet size.
They are now working from a network of 13 depots across the UK and delivering to major retailers' depots and RDCs, and to wholesale and foodservice customers.
Although these are the operator's first New Actros models, Mercedes-Benz has been steadily increasing its share of the fleet since 2007, when Yearsley Logistics' first Actros went on the road.
Operations Director Mark Haslam says: "We've been very happy with the reliability of our previous Actros trucks and with the quality of back-up we've from received Enza and Mercedes-Benz. Those two factors have combined to give the vehicles a very high percentage of 'uptime'."
Yearsley operated a demonstration unit for six months to assess the fuel efficiency and fitness-for-purpose of the New Actros, and to help select the correct engine rating and cab specification.
"The demonstrator returned some excellent mpg figures, so we have every confidence that our New Actros will build on the firm foundations which their predecessors have already laid," continues Mr Haslam.
"If our calculations are correct, the new trucks' combination of market-leading fuel-efficiency, outstanding reliability and strong residual values will combine to give us a highly competitive whole-life cost."
Yearsley Logistics was established in 1955 and is the UK's largest frozen food distribution specialist. Mr Haslam adds: "We're a major operator but still family owned, so pride ourselves on providing our customers with a service which is highly professional but also comes with a friendly, personal touch.
"That's exactly what we get from Enza too - we have built up a very good relationship with Dealer Principal Roy Reed, Truck Sales Manager Clive Wainwright and the rest of the team."
Meanwhile, Yearsley Logistics has also added to its fleet of more than 300 refrigerated trailers - new arrivals include five double-deck trailers with aerodynamic roof profiles, supplied by Gray & Adams.