Supplied by dealer Orwell Truck & Van, the five new trucks are all Actros 2445 models with 449bhp engines, StreamSpace cabs and small-wheeled (17.5in) mid-lift axles, which offer a weight saving of 300kg compared to the standard version with 22.5in wheels.
The lighter mid-lift axles are contributing to improved economy when the vehicles run empty, as well as increasing payload capacity.
However, Tim Capey, Nidera’s operations director at Ipswich-based Nidera, believes the main reason for the impressive early mpg performance of the new vehicles is the PPC system, along with driver training by the dealer.
“It is difficult to make precise comparisons given the different routes and the varying ages of our vehicles,” he says. “However, it’s fair to say that, in terms of fuel returns, the early indications from these new PPC-equipped vehicles are very positive.
“This is partly down to the technology but also to the excellent coaching provided to our drivers by Orwell’s Lee Betts – in one case, the result has been an improvement of as much as 0.6 mpg, which is very encouraging.”