Supplied by dealer Roanza Truck & Van, the operator’s vehicles are Actros 2548 tractors which are powered by 476bhp straight-six engines, driving through PowerShift 3 automated transmissions.
As well as the fuel-saving Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC) system, the trucks are specified with optional extras including leather upholstery, fridges and airhorns.
The Manchester-based operator is run by brother-and-sister team Nathan Chambers Hannah Doolan, who both grew up around the family transport business – and they started HNC a month ago with a full order book of container haulage work.
“We’re delighted with our new Actros,” says Doolan. “They’re on container work so the weights can vary, but across the five trucks we’re averaging 9.9 mpg, while on certain runs individual units are recording 11-12 mpg. These are excellent figures.”
She also praises Roanza, which provided the demonstrator unit to prove fuel returns and arranged for a driver-trainer to go out with HNC’s drivers.
“As an overall package the Actros is a winner,” says Doolan, adding: “The fact that Roanza’s Trafford Park service department is open 24 hours a day is another big advantage, and will help us keep downtime to an absolute minimum.
“We’re now using the trucks’ Mercedes-Benz FleetBoard telematics systems to monitor their fuel consumption closely, and looking forward to adding more units as our business grows.”