A combination of multiple factors has led to family-owned logistics business, Woodside Logistics Group, buying a dozen new Mercedes Actros to join the 16 already on their 100-strong fleet.
Safety systems, such as the high-tech MirrorCam and the Active Brake Assist 5 featured strongly in the decision making, as did the driver feedback, dealer service and running costs.
The Trucks – Actros 2545
The new tractor units were supplied by north west Dealer Ciceley Commercials, and have entered service with the family-owned operator’s Woodside Haulage division. The subject of Mercedes-Benz Finance contract hire agreements, all are 2545 models with BigSpace cabs and 12.8-litre, in-line six-cylinder engines that produce 450 hp.
Maintained by Ciceley Commercials, the Actros work mainly for customers engaged in UK-Ireland trade, transporting loads to and from docks at Liverpool and Heysham, and making collections and deliveries across mainland Britain. Woodside Haulage’s drivers are frequently out on the road all week.
The Truck Buyer’s View
Operations Director Glenn Alderdice said the company knew it could bank on the cutting-edge technology of its new Actros to deliver efficiency gains and enhance safety, and on its chosen Dealer to provide dependable aftersales support.
“When it comes to choosing new vehicles we work through a checklist of attributes,” he explained. “Our trucks must be safe, provide a comfortable working and living environment for our drivers, and offer competitive whole-life running costs. By putting new technology to the most effective use, the Actros ticks all of these boxes.”
Mr Alderdice continued: “MirrorCam is, perhaps, the most high-profile example of new technology on any vehicle at the moment, and has been very well received by our drivers. The feedback from those who’ve been using the system since we introduced our first new-generation Actros last year has been extremely positive. They find it intuitive to use and say it provides an exceptionally clear view, especially when manoeuvring.”
“Like any responsible operator, safety is something we take very seriously both for our own staff and other road users,” confirmed Mr Alderdice. “We feel Active Brake Assist 5 can make a very worthwhile contribution by helping to prevent accidents.
“The final piece in the jigsaw is back-up, and with its strong customer service ethos Ciceley Commercials looks after us very effectively. We’ve been impressed with the professional approach of the team at the Dealer’s Blackburn workshop.”
Established in 1967, Woodside Logistics Group offers professional transport services across Ireland, the UK, Europe and beyond. The Group’s five independent companies provide full and part-load pallet distribution, car transportation and storage, bulk liquid, powder and gas transport, warehousing, and international air and sea freight forwarding.
