A Northern Irish logistics firm has updated its fleet with Mercedes-Benz Sprinters.

The operator’s latest four Sprinter 313 CDI Longs are now working from its headquarters in Magherafelt, Londonderry, and a European hub near Maastricht, in the Netherlands.

Supplied by Newtownabbey daler Mercedes-Benz Truck & Van (NI), they are assigned to a ‘white glove’ pan-European delivery service for a US-based computer networking giant.

Link it Logistics delivers its customer’s products – primarily video conferencing systems – within five days of each consignment’s arrival in Europe. It runs a fleet of 22 trucks and vans, most of which wear three-pointed stars and were also supplied by Mercedes-Benz Truck & Van (NI).

European Logistics Manager Colm Diamond said: “We operate to tight schedules and our vehicles are never in any one country for more than a couple of days. It’s a demanding job for our drivers and their vehicles, so we demand the best.

“We know from experience that Mercedes-Benz trucks and vans are extremely fuel-efficient and well built, while our previous Sprinters have always been very reliable. The fact that the manufacturer provides comprehensive breakdown cover across Europe means that we also have a very welcome safety net.”

The company makes deliveries as far afield as Scandinavia, the Baltic States, Portugal and even Cyprus, so its drivers are frequently away from home for a week or more at a time. The Sprinters are air-conditioned and have sleeping areas built behind the seats by conversion specialist Bespoke Services, of Toomebridge, Co. Antrim.

“They cover high mileages, mostly on the Continent, so having a trusted manufacturer’s back-up is vital. The service we receive from Mercedes-Benz Truck & Van (NI) is second-to-none. We ensure that the vehicles are in Northern Ireland when they require routine maintenance, and the dealer provides fantastic support.”