Melbourne-based refrigerated freight operator CoolTrans has added a new Mercedes-Benz Actros ProCabin to its fleet, reporting early gains in fuel efficiency as operating costs remain under pressure.
The business, which transports food products along Australia’s east coast and into South Australia and Tasmania, took delivery of one of the first ProCabin models in the country earlier this year. The truck has been operating in B-double configuration since entering service in February.
CoolTrans General Manager Jono Hookway said the improvement in fuel economy was noticeable compared to previous models.
“The previous Actros really set the standard for fuel economy, but this new one is more efficient again,” Hookway said.
“It’s a clear improvement, which is great for us.”
Fuel cost management remains a key focus for heavy vehicle operators, particularly as price volatility continues to impact margins across the freight sector. Hookway said reducing controllable costs was a priority.
“Saving money on fuel has always been important but it is even more so now with the price of fuel,” he said.
“It just makes sense to reduce the costs you can control.”
The ProCabin variant introduces a revised aerodynamic design, with changes focused on reducing drag and improving airflow around the vehicle. Mercedes-Benz has extended the front of the cab by 80mm and reshaped it with smoother surfaces, aiming to minimise turbulence and improve efficiency.
Additional features such as redesigned side air deflectors, a new roof spoiler and under-cab airflow management are intended to further reduce fuel consumption while maintaining cooling performance for the engine.
CoolTrans selected a 2663 model fitted with the GigaSpace cab and powered by a 630hp 16-litre engine paired with a 12-speed automated manual transmission. The vehicle was supplied through Daimler Trucks Dandenong.
Beyond efficiency, the company continues to prioritise emissions reduction, having adopted Euro 6-compliant trucks well ahead of regulatory requirements when it began purchasing Actros models in 2018.
“Sustainability is a key part of our operation, which is another reason we choose Mercedes-Benz trucks,” Hookway said.
Safety also remains a core consideration in procurement decisions. The latest Actros range includes the Active Brake Assist 6 system, supported by a network of radars providing a 270-degree view around the vehicle, along with Active Side Guard Assist designed to reduce blind spot risks.
These systems are underpinned by a new electronics platform capable of processing data significantly faster than previous generations, supporting improved real-time decision-making for safety features.
Daimler Truck Australia Pacific Vice President Sales, Marketing and Operations Andrew Assimo said customer feedback reinforced the expected performance improvements of the ProCabin design.
“We knew the ProCabin would use less fuel, but to hear our customers tell us how they are benefitting is just brilliant,” Assimo said.
“Driving fuel costs down has never been more critical to business success, which makes the ProCabin an even smarter choice.”
For fleet operators, the early experience from CoolTrans highlights how incremental improvements in aerodynamics and vehicle design can deliver measurable operational savings, particularly in high-utilisation linehaul applications where fuel remains one of the largest cost components.
