Mercedes-Benz Atego: tried & tested winner for Burstwick Freight
After 25 years of Mercedes-Benz truck operation, caravan and motorhome transport specialist Burstwick Freight knows it can depend on the three-pointed star.
“Several of our vehicles have racked up more than a million miles,” said Managing Director Tony Miskin. “In some cases we’ve sold them on to our sub-contractors and now they have nearly two million on the clock, yet still have not needed engine rebuilds.”
The latest additions to Hull-based Burstwick Freight’s all Mercedes-Benz fleet are its first from the manufacturer’s new, Euro VI light distribution range. Both Atego 816s with ClassicSpace sleeper cabs, they were supplied by local Dealer Northside Truck & Van.
The chassis have been downplated from 7.5 to 6.5 tonnes gvw and fitted with bespoke transporter bodies built to the operator’s own design by Martin Williams, of Hull. Each also has a towing hitch, allowing it to carry one touring caravan and pull a second behind.
Burstwick Freight has also recently taken delivery from Northside of two Actros 1836 rigids, with BigSpace cabs and short 3.7-metre wheelbases, which have been downplated from 18 to 15 tonnes gvw. These also have bodies and trailers by Britcom International, of Market Weighton, near York, and are used for transporting larger, heavier motorhomes – Atego models are also available at gross weights of up to 16 tonnes but Burstwick prefers Actros rigids for its heavier work due to the availability of more powerful engines and bigger cabs.
“Our vehicles cover long distances so we want our drivers to be as comfortable as possible, and to have enough power to be ‘on top of the job’,” explained Mr Miskin. “I firmly believe in the principle that if something works well, you stick with it. So rather than constantly trying out different vehicles, we’ve remained happily loyal to Mercedes-Benz.
“The trucks are so reliable and the fitters in our own workshop also know them well, while our drivers rate them highly too. Northside’s service is also very good – vehicles are always delivered on time and in superb condition, and the parts department supports us with regular deliveries. It’s a very successful relationship.”
He continued: “The new Atego models are extremely well put together and we’re confident they’ll prove as dependable as ever. The cabs are better designed than the previous model in terms of driver comfort and look extremely smart, while we’ve also heard very good reports about the fuel efficiency of the 115 kw (156 hp) Euro VI engines.”
Burstwick Freight is the clear market leader in its specialist field. Although part of the Swift Group, which also builds caravans, the operator also works for other manufacturers. This year it will move a projected 14,000-15,000 touring caravans, motorhomes and static holiday homes, to sales centres and holiday parks across the country.
Its fleet of transporters comprises 20 Atego 816s and 10 larger Actros rigids, while a further three Atego 7.5-tonners are fitted with box bodies and used to deliver parts for a caravan manufacturer to its national dealer network.
