The Platts Transport Fleet Grows By 5 Mercedes-Benz Actros L Tractor Units
Impressive fuel efficiency and positive driver feedback were key deciding factors in Platt Transport’s recent acquisition of five new Mercedes-Benz Actros L 2545 tractor units with BigSpace flat-floored cabs. The Wrexham-based transport specialist trialled demonstration units from dealer eStar Truck and Van before purchasing the trucks, which are hard at work delivering cattle bedding in curtainsiders, bulk products in walking-floor trailers, and more to dairy farms across Wales. The trucks are the company’s first to wear the three-pointed star.
“We were looking for more fuel-efficient vehicles that would support our environmental and sustainability goals, and the Actros Ls are certainly living up to their promise,” says Chris Whittaker, Platts Transport managing director. “We’re seeing average returns of 10 miles per gallon, which is very good given the rural nature of many of our routes, and puts the Mercedes-Benz ahead of other trucks we’ve tried when it comes to economy.”
Fantastic Support
Platts Transport, which has 28 trucks in its fleet, was launched as a standalone company by Platts Group in 2020 during the pandemic to serve the logistics needs of other companies. In addition to third-party haulage customers, Platts Transport supports subsidiaries Platts Agriculture and Platts Commercial Services. For Platts Agriculture, Platts Transport collects and delivers raw materials across Wrexham.
Although Platts Commercial Services runs a Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)-approved authorised testing facility and keeps Platts Transport’s vehicles roadworthy and compliant, the Actros tractors undergo inspections and receive maintenance from eStar Truck and Van under Mercedes-Benz Complete Service Contracts. Whittaker says the dealer’s aftersales support thus far has been fantastic.
Safe & Comfortable
Platt Transport’s Actros Ls are powered by 12.8-litre in-line six-cylinder engines rated for 450 horsepower (330 kilowatts). The trucks are equipped with the Mercedes-Benz MirrorCam system, which replaces conventional mirrors with external cameras and an in-cab display. Also in place are the manufacturer’s dual-screen Multimedia Cockpit and Active Brake Assist (ABA) 5 systems. Mercedes-Benz says ABA 5 is the truck segment’s only current emergency braking assistant that responds to moving pedestrians at a truck speed of up to 50 km/h (31 mph).
“It’s all good as far as the drivers are concerned,” says Whittaker. “The climate-controlled cabs are spacious and comfortable, while the high-tech driver aids help to relieve some of the stress from what can be a difficult job. The fact that our new Mercedes-Benz trucks also look great is just an added bonus.”
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Source: Mercedes-Benz