Wessington Cryogenics storage vessels and tanks are often transported less than 10 miles, typically moving from the company’s headquarters to nearby paint shops or subcontract facilities. Prior to purchasing a new Mercedes-Benz Actros 1824, the firm hired out this short-range transport to a third party, but now Wessington Cryogenics delivers its own products using a new 18-tonne (19.8-U.S.-ton) Actros. Acquired from Bell Truck and Van, the truck features a bespoke platform body with twist locks to secure the large vessel frames.
“We’re very busy and have been growing strongly,” says Sales Engineer Dave Easton. “The company is embarking on a major investment drive so has brought the transport function in-house to provide extra flexibility, as well as cost savings.”
First Class Features
The latest and greatest Mercedes-Benz technology enhances Wessington Cryogenics’ ability to transport its storage vessels. Safety features like Mercedes-Benz’ MirrorCam and Active Brake Assist 5 deliver better visibility and leading pedestrian-recognition and emergency braking capabilities. Another key feature is the Multimedia Cockpit, which moves away from the traditional switchgear to two tablet-style touchscreens.
“We’re delighted with our new Actros, as are its drivers,” says Easton. “The younger of the two was blown away from the outset by all of the digital technology and while his colleague is a bit more ‘old school’ so missed the mirrors initially; he very quickly came to appreciate the safety and other benefits that MirrorCam offers.”
A Trusted Partner
Wessington Cryogenics’ Actros 1824 is equipped with a 238-horsepower (175-kilowatt) engine and the PowerShift 3 automated transmission. To match the short-range transport requirements, the Actros features Mercedes-Benz Classic Spaces S day cab.
“As for our choice of truck, we do have some experience of the transport sector as we also manufacture road tankers,” says Easton. “Given what we already knew of the brand, not least through recommendations from customers, it was always going to be a Mercedes-Benz. Our first call, therefore, was to Bell Truck and Van.”
Alex Wordsworth, sales executive at Bell Truck and Van, advised on the specification and helped well beyond the sale. “Alex also arranged driver training for two of our guys and the maintenance contract,” says Easton. “He even advised us on how to go about securing our Operator’s Licence. It was a great service from start to finish.”
Find Your Next Mercedes-Benz Truck
Truck Locator offers a big selection of new and used Mercedes-Benz trucks for sale, including a number of Actros tractors and rigids.
Source: Mercedes-Benz