ABS Transport has marked a decade of operating Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks by adding the latest aerodynamic ProCabin model to its interstate fleet.
The Melbourne-based transport business first moved to the Actros in 2016 while replacing an ageing fleet. According to ABS Transport’s Terry Warn, the change immediately delivered a significant improvement in fuel efficiency.
“It was the best thing that we ever did,” Warn said.
“Running B-doubles, we were getting 1.7km per litre with the old gear and suddenly it was 2.0km or 2.1km per litre with the Benzes. You can imagine how the savings add up over time.”
The company now operates 15 Actros trucks, with some having travelled as far as 1.4 million kilometres. Its newest addition is a 13-litre Actros ProCabin, which is being used to carry general freight and dangerous goods between Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide.
It will also travel to Brisbane in road train and B-triple combinations.
Aerodynamics target operating costs
The ProCabin introduces a rounded, low-drag front design developed to reduce aerodynamic resistance and improve fuel efficiency.
Mercedes-Benz has also removed unnecessary gaps and joints from the exterior, allowing air to be directed smoothly around the cab or into the truck’s cooling system.
For ABS Transport, the design is delivering benefits without compromising driver comfort or the vehicle’s ability to perform demanding interstate work.
“It’s a great truck, the driver loves it,” Warn said.
“This ProCabin really is beautiful to drive. They are so quiet and comfortable and the fuel economy is just fantastic.”
Fuel consumption is one of the largest operating costs for long-distance transport businesses, meaning even relatively small improvements can produce substantial savings when multiplied across millions of kilometres.
ABS Transport’s experience also demonstrates the value of measuring efficiency across the complete operating life of a truck rather than focusing only on its initial purchase price.
Remanufactured engines extend fleet life
The company has also used Mercedes-Benz’s RePower program to keep its high-kilometre Actros trucks operating.
Under the program, the original engine is replaced with an engine rebuilt using remanufactured Mercedes-Benz parts. ABS Transport has introduced the engines at around one million kilometres, allowing trucks to remain productive for longer.
“RePower is the best thing,” Warn said.
“It has just been fantastic for our business and I couldn’t speak more highly of it.”
The combination of improved fuel economy, longer operating life and remanufactured components has helped ABS Transport maximise the value generated by each vehicle.
Daimler Truck Australia Pacific Vice President Sales, Marketing and Operations, Andrew Assimo, said the ProCabin was an appropriate way for the operator to celebrate its decade with the brand.
“There’s no better way to celebrate 10 years of running Mercedes-Benz trucks than to welcome an Actros ProCabin to the fleet,” Assimo said.
“We are thrilled to help the ABS team grow this amazing business, known for its fantastic customer service, and I am so pleased to see the new Actros ProCabin already delivering new benefits.”
Faster safety technology
The latest Actros also introduces an upgraded active-safety package.
Active Brake Assist 6 uses five radars to provide a 270-degree view around the truck, while supporting the operation of Active Side Guard Assist 2.
The safety systems are underpinned by a new electronics platform capable of processing data 20 times faster than the previous technology.
For ABS Transport, the new ProCabin represents the next step in a long-term fleet strategy built around fuel efficiency, driver comfort, safety and extending the productive life of its trucks.
