Fridge-bodied Mercedes-Benz Axors head to Palmer and Harvey 12 September 2013

Wholesaler Palmer and Harvey has specified its first fridge-bodied Mercedes-Benz 18-tonners, complete with the automated transmissions that it believes have already contributed to a fuel cost saving on its dry freight fleet.

An additional 60 Axor 1824s are being supplied by Pentagon Commercials to increase Palmer and Harvey's chilled and frozen capability.

The Axors are being fitted with multi-temperature insulated bodies and fridges by Gray & Adams, Paneltex and Solomon to carry frozen, chilled and ambient stock.

Although this is the first time Palmer and Harvey has used 18-tonne Mercedes-Benz trucks on temperature-controlled distribution, the operator has experience of running a fleet of 80 refrigerated vehicles based on 13.5-tonne Atego chassis.

It is also familiar with the 18-tonne Axor chassis – Pentagon having supplied 85 Axor 1824s last year with dry freight box bodies.

These were its first to be fitted with Autotrans gearboxes as well as air management kits, and national transport manager Rhys Thomas says they have proved 3% more fuel-efficient than the Axor 1824s it took on a year earlier.

"[This order is based] not only on the reliability, fuel-efficiency and general fitness for purpose of Mercedes-Benz's vehicles, but also the quality of its back-up," comments Thomas.

"We source all of our vehicles through Pentagon, which provides an excellent service. You'll always get issues from time to time, but these are addressed promptly and efficiently."

Author
John Challen

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