The Actros 1848 LS trucks will be used for conditioned transport in North-West Europe and are at the same time a first introduction to the Mercedes-Benz Trucks service organisation. A chance opportunity to acquire an eActros 600 quickly was not one the haulier let pass either. Two fully emission-free Mercedes-Benz tractor units are therefore now on order.

 

“The last diesel trucks”

KSZ Transport has long run a two-brand policy across a fleet of almost a hundred tractor units. With the arrival of three Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks, a third brand has now been added.

Richard Valkenburg, Commercial Director: “At KSZ Transport we are fully engaged in data-driven working and in making transport more sustainable. Developments at Mercedes-Benz Trucks were on our radar as well. Daan Brok of Louwman Trucks got in touch at just the right moment and could tell us exactly what the options were. A pleasant introduction and a personal click resulted in this first order. Over the coming years we will be committing to the electrification of road transport, and these first Mercedes-Benz tractor units are probably the last diesel trucks we will buy.”

 

Last week, Brok handed over the keys to those Actros 1848 LS 4×2 tractor units to KSZ Transport. The trucks will be used for international conditioned transport to Belgium, France and Germany. The partnership was strengthened at the handover itself. Brok: “I saw an opportunity to get my hands on two eActros 600 tractor units. Because KSZ Transport is committing so strongly to sustainable transport in the years ahead, that struck me as the perfect match. And so it proved: they are on order and I get to deliver them in Moerdijk at the end of this year!”

 

Getting acquainted

Smart, data-driven logistics solutions and attractive fuel consumption are important success factors for KSZ Transport. The Actros is fitted with the third-generation OM471 Euro 6 engine delivering 350 kW (476 hp). Together with the PowerShift transmission and Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC), this engine forms a balanced and efficient drivetrain. PPC optimises the Actros drivetrain by predicting the terrain from available data and automatically adjusting speed, gear and fuel consumption.

The arrival of the first Mercedes-Benz trucks is valuable to KSZ Transport for another reason as well. “With these lorries we will also be getting to know the Mercedes-Benz service organisation,” Valkenburg says.

“Our fleet has to be available 52 weeks a year. KSZ Transport is assessed by customers on traceability, punctuality and completeness of deliveries. We use the lorries intensively, and that calls for a good deal of flexibility from our mobility partners. I have every confidence that we will find that flexibility and quality in the European network of Mercedes-Benz Trucks.”

Periodic repair and maintenance work is covered by an R&M contract with Louwman Trucks.

 

Safety first

Because KSZ Transport expects road traffic to grow busier in the years ahead, it sets the bar high on safety. The three Actros tractor units are therefore fitted with a broad package of safety systems, including Active Brake Assist 6 and the second generation of Active Sideguard Assist, which offers even better support when changing lanes, overtaking and turning in situations with poor visibility.

Valkenburg: “We take our responsibility when it comes to the safety of our people and of other road users. In that respect, innovations such as the MirrorCam, which gives a far more complete view, fit our philosophy seamlessly. Something else we consider important is comfort for the drivers. They work three weeks on and three weeks off. So the truck has to have every convenience.” The Actros with BigSpace cab is equipped with the Driver Comfort Pack Plus. A luxurious 2.20-metre cold-foam mattress, stationary air conditioning, a microwave and a chrome interior package all make the driver's life that bit more pleasant.

KSZ Transport is a leading logistics provider with a modern fleet of more than a hundred vehicles and a clear vision of sustainable growth. The company specialises in retail distribution, pharmaceutical transport, conditioned transport and curtainside transport for a range of sectors. With a strong focus on innovation, sustainability and customer focus, KSZ Transport works every day to raise the logistics standard in the Netherlands.

By investing in modern vehicles, data-driven processes and the training of its own drivers, KSZ Transport safeguards quality, safety and reliability at every link in the transport process. The company serves well-known customers such as Jumbo, Sligro, Leen Bakker, Nettorama and UniPharma, and aims to be among the top ten of the Dutch transport sector within five years.