Platts Transport, part of Platts Group, one of the market leaders in the UK animal bedding and cubicle conditioner market, has taken delivery of five, smartly finished Actros L tractors from eStar Truck & Van. After trialling demonstration units proved impressively fuel-efficient, the Mercedes-Benz trucks were added to the company’s fleet.

“We were looking for more fuel-efficient vehicles that would support our environmental and sustainability goals, and the Actros Ls are certainly living up to their promise. We’re seeing average returns of 10 mpg, which is very good given the rural nature of many of our routes, and puts the Mercedes-Benz ahead of other trucks we’ve tried when it comes to economy,” said Chris Whittaker, Managing Director.

The Actros Ls are all 2545 variants with flat-floored BigSpace cabs and 12.8-litre in-line six-cylinder engines. Actros L sets new standards in the segments for long-distance haulage and heavy-duty distribution. As well as a full complement of well-proven Mercedes-Benz technology, it comes with a host of features that deliver further improvements in efficiency, safety and comfort. Highlights include sophisticated aerodynamics, quieter cabs with improved heat insulation, and a lower, more comfortable seating position that also provides improved visibility.

Standard-fit features on Platts’ Mercedes-Benz trucks include MirrorCam, the manufacturer’s ground-breaking, camera-based replacement for conventional mirrors; the radical Multimedia Cockpit dashboard, with its twin, tablet-style screens; and the Active Brake Assist 5 system, which boasts the industry’s most effective pedestrian-recognition capability.

“It’s all good as far as the drivers are concerned. The climate-controlled cabs are spacious and comfortable, while the high-tech driver aids help to relieve some of the stress from what can be a difficult job. The fact that our new Mercedes-Benz trucks also look great is just an added bonus,” added Chris Whittaker.

Platts Transport is part of the Platts Group, which also comprises Platts Agriculture and Platts Commercial Services. Having operated its own truck fleet for years, the Group launched Platts Transport as a stand-alone venture in the spring of 2020, to serve other companies needing logistics services during the first Covid lockdown and thereby safeguard colleagues’ jobs.