Fuel returns of almost 10.5mpg have vindicated the decision of MFR Haulage to buy a V8-engined Mercedes-Benz truck fleet, according to the firm.
MFR operations director Dave Halliday explains that he used to run a V8-engined Actros 1850, and took soundings from other operators, who were achieving good fuel returns from 6x2 Actros models.
"So I was confident that the mpg figures would be competitive," he says, adding "Intercounty Truck & Van quickly grasped what we needed and came up with a package that met all our requirements.
In brief detail, Halliday specified a 4x2 Actros 1851 with the 510hp, 16-litre engine and 12-speed PowerShift automated transmission.
As for the rest, its new 40-tonner has been equipped with the flat-floored MegaSpace cab, Alcoa alloy wheels and twin light bars, as well as air-conditioning and all the goodies to make its runs to Spain, southern Italy and Greece comfortable.
Commenting on his new flagship truck, Halliday says: "Although we don't have any other Mercedes-Benz trucks on the fleet, my past experience has proved to me that for this sort of job the Actros cannot be beaten."
And he continues: "Not only does it look good, it is also cutting our running costs because the 10.47mpg average it has returned in the first three weeks of operation represent a substantial saving over the vehicle it replaced."
Interestingly, his new Actros is the subject of a five-year contract hire package from Mercedes-Benz CharterWay. "We've always bought our trucks outright in the past but in the current climate, the contract hire deal … made a lot of sense," says Halliday.
