The order follows a comprehensive tender and an earlier order for 30 vehicles, supplied by dealer Midlands Truck & Van. Most are 26-tonne Antos 2530 LnR models, with low-height frames and lifting rear-steer axles. The first delivery also included six 15-tonne Atego 1521 trucks and three 12-tonne Atego 1218s.
The latest order is mostly Antos six-wheelers – one of which will pull a drawbar trailer – and five 18-tonne Antos, along with 15- and 12-tonne Ategos.
Tony Cheater, regional logistics manager, was appointed two years ago and initiated a review of the Wolverhampton-based company’s distribution operation with the help of new logistics director David Nijs.
“We were running a real ‘Heinz 57’ fleet,” recalls Cheater. “Individual depots had been purchasing their own vehicles, many of which were pre-owned and then refurbished, while we’d inherited others through acquisitions. They were all maintained by manufacturers but with so many different makes of truck, we also had to manage multiple service contracts.”
The review was also spurred by the proposed introduction of the London ULEZ (ultra low emission zone) and clean air zones in other cities. “A lot of our vehicles were getting quite old. This meant that not only was it becoming more expensive to keep them on the road, but also that before long we would not be able to access these urban centres,” Cheater adds.
Three manufacturers were shortlisted on criteria including two-pedal set-ups and full air suspension so deck heights can be lowered for loading and unloading. “It quickly became clear that Mercedes-Benz was the only candidate able to supply vehicles with the specifications we required, in the quantities we needed, within an acceptable timeframe and at the right price.”
Safety kit on Marston’s new trucks includes reversing cameras and audible proximity alarms, and the vehicles have ClassicSpace cabs with multi-function steering wheels.
Fleetboard telematics provides data on the vehicles and to support driver training.
The new trucks are now being inspected and maintained under Mercedes-Benz service contracts by the manufacturer’s dealer network, with collection and delivery, and work carried out overnight and at weekends.
“Our vehicles were previously serviced during the day, so we had to keep spare vehicles as cover for when they were in the workshop,” says Cheater. “Under the new arrangement with Mercedes-Benz, this is no longer necessary.”