GMK Logistics have chosen to add the new generation Mercedes-Benz Actros to its fleet, instead of going for another American-style prime mover.
Flooring specialist GMK Logistics has cut its fuel costs after adding the new generation Mercedes-Benz Actros to its fleet, and the numbers don’t lie.
Part of the large Perth-based CTI Logistics family, GMK Logistics has been offering flooring solutions to its customers since 1962.
Based in Sydney, GMK Logistics operates nationally, with depots in Brisbane, Newcastle, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth and runs express and linehaul services between all capital cities.
GMK uses subcontractors for its interstate work but also runs its own fleet of 53 small and medium trucks, as well as one prime mover, for local duties.
Parent company CTI Logistics decided it would be best for GMK to replace the American-style prime mover they had with a new-generation Benz sourced from Daimler Trucks Perth.
After a few weeks on the road, the company claims to be seeing a big fuel economy shift.
“The fuel economy figures they are getting represent a 25 per cent improvement in fuel economy over the old truck,” said CTI Logistics Commercial Manager, Glenn Brown.
“That is significant.”
CTI Logistics has a fleet of 630 vehicles (including 230 company owned and 400 provided by sub-contractors), which range from small package delivery trucks to road train haulers, but the company has never had a Mercedes-Benz truck before.
Mr Brown says he decided to take a closer look at the Mercedes-Benz due to positive ‘industry talk’ about the new Actros range.
“We are very happy with our decision to go with the Mercedes-Benz,” he said.
The 2651 Actros has been put to work hauling a B-Double trailer set delivering floor coverings around Sydney during the day with one driver, before setting off on the Newcastle run at night with another driver.
GMK Logistics General Manager of Operations, David Knagge, says the truck has been well received by the drivers.
“They love it,” Mr Knagge said.
“It is a big improvement and the drivers really like the comfort, the vision and all of the safety features.”
Mr Knagge says the integrated safety features, which include a radar-based emergency auto brake feature, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control are a big plus.
“Safety is extremely important to our company, not just for our drivers but also the community,” he said.
The new generation Actros prime mover introduces a new engine family that includes 11-litre, 13-litre and 16-litre in-line six-cylinder units.
The model chosen by GMK Logistics runs the 13-litre engine and has a power output of 510hp and a torque peak of 2500Nm (1844lb-ft). To make use of the grunt, it’s got a fully automated 12-speed transmission.