The trucks are its drivers’ favourites, the fuel returns are up there with the best, the Dealer leads the field when it comes to back-up and the finance package is a winner – no wonder high-profile Scottish haulier Duncan Adams chooses Mercedes-Benz.
The Grangemouth-based operator has just taken delivery from Western Commercial of another eight vehicles. Five are Actros 2545 tractor units assigned to trunking duties, one is an Actros 2443 tractor with small-wheeled mid-lift axle that also pulls tank trailers, and two are 18-tonne Antos rigids purchased for local, multi-drop work.
Its latest order means that vehicles bearing the three-pointed star now account for around 25% of Duncan Adams’ 110-strong truck fleet. “We’ve been buying more trucks by Mercedes-Benz than any other manufacturer recently,” confirmed Director Eric Adams.
“Feedback from our drivers on their cab comfort, and overall feel and ease of use is excellent. The fuel returns are very good too, and certainly right up there with the best of the rest on our fleet.
“Meanwhile the support we receive from Western Commercial and the Mercedes-Benz Network is absolutely first-class. We have a great relationship with the workshop team at the Dealer’s Broxburn facility – they are open round-the-clock and always prepared to do whatever it takes to keep our vehicles moving.”
The new trucks are the subject of Agility hire purchase agreements from Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, which combine low payments with a range of flexible options at the end of the term. They are being inspected and maintained under four-year Mercedes-Benz Service Contracts.
Mr Adams continued: “The Agility finance package is an ideal solution for the transport sector right now because it gives us the flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions, while the rates are very competitive too.”
Duncan Adams’ Actros 2545s have advanced, 330 kW (449 hp) 12.8-litre engines, and roomy BigSpace cabs. They are currently making regular runs to and from Boston, Lincolnshire, on a contract for a timber goods manufacturer.
The Actros 2443 was chosen to haul bulk powder and liquid tankers. It has a lighter, StreamSpace cab, a more compact 10.7-litre engine that generates 315 kW (428 hp), and 17.5-inch wheels on the mid-lift axles in place of the standard 22.5-inch items – as well as helping to maximise payload, these also free up useful space on the chassis for ancillary equipment.
The 200 kW (272 hp) Antos 1827s, meanwhile, are working on Duncan Adams’ Palletways Network contract, and making collections and deliveries for customers with Falkirk postcodes.
“I’m impressed with the level of standard safety equipment on Mercedes-Benz trucks too,” said Mr Adams. “Our staff have benefited from sessions with Western Commercial’s driver-trainer so they know how to use the systems on the vehicles to their best advantage, and won’t be distracted by lights on the dashboard that they don’t understand.”
Duncan Adams has also recently purchased 10 high-quality, pre-owned Axor tractor units from Western Commercial, through the Mercedes-Benz Approved Used programme. “They were extremely well presented and represented fantastic value for money,” added Mr Adams. “The total package from Mercedes-Benz is unbeatable.”