T&J Haulage have taken on two Mercedes-Benz Actros tractor units, adding to its 20-strong fleet.

The company has acquired two Actros 2445s, with aerodynamic StreamSpace cabs, Kelsa lightbars and chrome trim, and ride on Alcoa Dura-Bright alloy wheels.

Managing director Trevor Walker said: “Paired with one of our Wilcox aluminium tipping trailers with Hyva rams it offers a payload of around 29.5 tonnes, which is pretty good for a Euro VI vehicle and right up there with the best of our vehicles.

“The fuel returns are pleasing too. That truck is already achieving 7.75 mpg which may not sound a lot but is excellent for this application, and significantly better than our fleet average.”

“We also run fully loaded at 44 tonnes 90% of the time, so of course our mpg returns are lower than those of operators who spend their time rolling along nice smooth motorways,” continued Walker.

“We do pay close attention to efficiency though, and pay our drivers a bonus for hitting their fuel targets.

“Both drivers are delighted with their new trucks. The second went on the road in mid-May and has been assigned to a long-serving member of our team who was a dyed-in-the-wool fan of one of the other brands represented on our fleet. He’s been completely won over by the Mercedes-Benz, and loves the comfort and space, as well as the high quality of the interior fixtures and fittings. It also helps that the Actros look really smart in our colours!”

The trucks, supplied by Ciceley Commercials, are powered by 450 hp straight-six engines which drive through Mercedes PowerShift 3 automated transmissions.