Arrow Transport targets safety with Mercedes-Benz trucks

Arrow Transport, a loyal Mercedes-Benz customer, has started trading its existing Actros trucks for the new generation models that deliver a range of performance, economy and safety benefits.

So far, the Altona-based business has taken delivery of nine new generation Mercedes-Benz trucks and has another seven on order.

Arrow Transport runs a fleet of 49 trucks and all but three are Mercedes-Benz product.
The new models have been put straight into work for the business, which specialises in wharf cartage and quarantine services in Melbourne, and also runs containers out to regional Victoria using Super B and A Double combinations.

Arrow Transport Managing Director, Craig Webster, says he was keen to upgrade to the new generation Mercedes-Benz trucks after running a test unit as part of the local testing and evaluation program.

He was impressed by the performance and fuel economy of the new trucks, but was especially excited about the safety features.

The Mercedes-Benz models are available with a Safety Pack, including adaptive cruise control and an automated emergency brake feature, which can automatically initiate braking for pedestrians, as well as lane keeping assistance and fatigue alert.

“I didn’t hesitate to make the Safety Pack standard on all our trucks. Safety is critical to what we do and this technology is as good as you will see in the Mercedes-Benz passenger cars,” Mr Webster said.

In order to limit potential damage to turntables, Mr Webster had the dealer, Daimler Trucks Somerton, organise for reverse cameras to be fitted to the new models. The footage from the camera automatically appears on the large information screen in the centre of the truck’s dashboard as soon as reverse is engaged, which makes lining up trailer pins a more straight-forward affair.

Mr Webster says working in the yard and the wharf is also less stressful for the drivers thanks to the new crawler function that was introduced with the latest generation Powershift Automated Manual Transmission, which is standard.

“The drivers just love the new crawler function, it makes life so much easier,” he said.
Arrow Transport has taken delivery of a mix of 11-litre 2646 models that produce 460hp and 2200Nm for local side loader work and 16-litre 3358 models with 580hp and 2800Nm, which ply their trade hauling double container loads in Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Mr Webster said the drivers appreciate the comfort of the new trucks, but added that it is the performance that really has them talking.

“The drivers are getting in the trucks with the 11-litre engine and they are adamant they have a bigger engine than before, when in fact they are smaller than before,” Mr Webster says.