Howard Tenens Logistics updates its fleet with 16 Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks

Howard Tenens Logistics has bought a fleet of 16 new Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks, to operate from its branch in Andover, Hampshire.

The 16 tractor units were supplied by Marshall Truck & Van and include a Mercedes-Benz Complete Service Contract. They replace older Actros models that were leased.

The new trucks have flat-floored BigSpace cabs and, as 2545 variants, are powered by 12.8-litre, six-cylinder engines with 450hp. They are easily distinguished due to the absence of conventional mirrors; instead, they are equipped with roof-mounted MirrorCam cameras.

Howard Tenens Logistics operates from headquarters in Stroud, Gloucestershire, and a network of 20 locations with warehousing nationwide. The company owns a fleet of 100 trucks, 60 of them tractor units, that includes Mercedes-Benz vehicles based at Birstall, in West Yorkshire, and Swindon. It supplements this core fleet with substantial numbers of rented vehicles.

The decision to buy the new trucks outright, rather than to lease again, followed confirmation that Howard Tenens’ biggest customer served by the Andover depot was renewing and extending its contract.

One of Marshall Truck & Van’s Actros demonstration units underwent week-long trials, first at Andover, and then at two other locations.

Alan Pellow, national fleet & compliance manager at Howard Tenens Logistics, said: “The demo went very well. After a little bit of familiarisation everybody liked the MirrorCam, while the new-generation model was also about half a mile per gallon better on fuel, which holds out the promise of some very welcome savings.”

Mercedes-Benz estimates an improvement in fuel economy of up to 1.5% – because the MirrorCam system offers significantly less wind resistance than mirrors. The Actros also benefits from enhanced aerodynamics and updates to the Predictive Powertrain Control system, which manages gear changes for optimum efficiency.

Pellow added: “The truck looks great, but aftersales support is just as important. The experience of working with Marshall Truck & Van on the leased vehicles over the last three years was a key factor in our decision to place this order with Mercedes-Benz. The Dealer’s back-up is superb – general manager David Collard and his workshop team are very helpful and can always be relied upon to get a truck in when we need them to do so.”