Victorian Freight Specialists has added a new Victorian Freight Specialists Mercedes-Benz Actros ProCabin to its fleet, introducing updated aerodynamics and safety technology aimed at improving efficiency and on-road performance.
The ProCabin features a redesigned cab with a focus on aerodynamic efficiency, alongside a new active safety package built on an electronic platform that can respond “20 per cent faster than before”. The truck joins an existing previous-generation Actros with the same specifications.
Victorian Freight Specialists operates more than 160 company-owned trucks, servicing regional Victoria, southern New South Wales, Canberra and Melbourne. The business selected the 13-litre 1853 4×2 variant, citing its compact size and manoeuvrability.
“It’s so versatile. It is a great truck to have because you don’t have to send a big full-size semi into a tight spot,” said Director of Operations Chris Collins.
The new ProCabin entered service during the company’s busiest period of the year, with Victorian Freight Specialists recording its busiest night ever in the lead-up to Christmas.
Mr Collins said the decision to order the ProCabin early was driven by both design and technology improvements.
“I love the fresh look of the ProCabin and knew that it brings some other improvements like the more advanced safety, so I was keen to get into one straight away,” he said.
Initial fuel consumption has also been positive, according to Mr Collins.
“I haven’t looked in too much detail, but it is doing even better than the existing truck, which was already great on fuel,” he said.
Driver feedback has also been favourable.
“It’s a beautiful truck to drive. It has brilliant performance with 530hp and he also likes all the additional safety features,” Mr Collins said.
Daimler Truck Australia Pacific Vice President Sales, Marketing and Operations Andrew Assimo said the addition of the ProCabin was a good fit for the operator.
“Victorian Freight Specialists is known for its focus on innovation and operating the latest model trucks that are always in pristine condition, so it’s only appropriate that they have added a new Actros ProCabin model,” Mr Assimo said.
“We are thrilled to hear how well the new ProCabin model is going in the VFS fleet,” he added.
The Victorian Freight Specialists Actros ProCabin also features custom detailing, including scrollwork, stainless-steel finishes and a custom aluminium bullbar built by AJ’s Bullbars.
