Supplied by dealer S&B Commercials, the Actros 2548 BigSpace models have been acquired with funding from Mercedes-Benz Financial Services and they join a 70-strong fleet operated by Hertfordshire-based Forward Trucking and its sister companies, FTS Events and FTS Logistics.
The two Actros are the first new Mercedes-Benz trucks acquired by the company, but were chosen after solid performance from six other Actros supplied within the last two years by the dealer under the manufacturer’s Approved Used programme.
“Our preference is now for Mercedes-Benz tractors, because they’ve proved completely reliable and impressively cost effective to operate,” confirms Pete Samuel, commercial manager.
“The first has been worked round-the-clock since it entered service and hasn’t missed a beat... That truck returns a steady 11mpg, and just runs and runs. The same is true of its successors, which we like to use for European work because the Mercedes-Benz back-up on the Continent is so good.”
The combined fleet is mostly tractors, which work with a variety of semi-trailers, but the group also operates 18- and 7.5-tonners with tail-lifts.
Samuel says the Actros are popular with drivers, with the anniversary vehicle allocated to two of his best drivers as reward for their performance.
He adds: “We’re delighted not only with our new flagship, which looks fantastic, but also with the excellent service we receive from S&B.”