Mercedes-Benz has recorded its first major fleet win for the new Actros, with Ron Finemore Transport placing an order for 68 new models.
As well as the new Mercs, the logistics company has will also purchase a further 27 Daimler trucks in the way of Freightliner’s Coranado offering.
Daimler Truck and Bus managing director, Daniel Whitehead believes the Mercedes and Freightliners meet the fuel efficiency and safety criteria for major fleets.
“Ron Finemore Transport is one of the leading freight companies in Australia and places a strong focus on safety, fuel economy and reduced emissions, as well as the comfort of its drivers,” says Daimler Truck and Bus Managing Director, Daniel Whitehead.
“We are excited that Ron Finemore Transport identified the strengths of the Freightliner and Mercedes-Benz products and has chosen them to fulfill its varied freight requirements”
Ron Finemore Transport (RFT) is a family owned operation with 450 staff across regional Australia with a fleet of more than 200 prime movers across its bases in Orange, Wagga Wagga and Wacol.
According to chairman Ron Finemore, the three-pointed star has played an important role in his business and he has high hopes for the new model.
“The Mercedes-Benz 1418 helped make a lot of early Australian operators, including myself. My hope is that the new Mercedes-Benz truck proves to be the 21st century equivalent of that great truck,” Finemore said.
“The true test will come after the lifespan of the truck is complete, from the moment of purchase and delivery through to when it comes time to move them on, because we are particularly focussed on the aftersales service and support and the total cost of ownership.”
The Mercedes-Benz models operate in a wide range of roles across the Ron Finemore Transport fleet, including single trailer, B-double and refrigerated freight applications.
Models that have already been delivered are already winning over the company’s fleet and maintenance officer Laurie Brothers.
“We have been pleasantly surprised with the fuel economy and performance of the new trucks based in Orange, which operate on the mountainous route between Sydney and the western region of New South Wales,” he said.
“The new Actros has great drivability and the drivers have welcomed the new fleet with open arms. We still operate some previous generation Actros 2648 and 2655 units and those drivers are eagerly awaiting the next arrival of Actros 2651 and 2653 product later this year.”
The Coronado has been brought in for the company’s B-double fuel tanker haulage and have been fitted with additional features including additional step and grab-rails for increased driver comfort and safety.
“This is our second generation of Freightliner Coronado product and we learnt a lot from the first fleet to enable us order a slightly different specification with Freightliner’s support and we are now seeing the benefits,” Brothers said.
“The drivers welcome the space in the cab and the maneuverability of the vehicle in and out of tight delivery sites throughout central western NSW. They are also very impressed with the power and the way it handles the tough climbs,” he added.
