A demand for recycling rose as a run on consumables had left extra packaging from supermarkets.

Not an existing operator of Iveco or International vehicles, Visy gained an Iveco X-Way AS prime mover and an International ProStar prime mover as part of the arrangement.

It has since picked up a third unit, a Stralis AS-L, for work in regional Brisbane.

"Record retail sales spikes showed that consumers were out in force spending large amounts and stocking-up during the earlier stages of COVID," Visy fleet and equipment manager Glen Fulton says.

"The sudden surge in consumer activity resulted in a mountain of packaging that tripped the supply chain and left most companies with an equipment shortfall and unable to properly handle the extra workload.

"Fortunately Visy was able to access the X-Way and ProStar prime movers from Iveco to help provide additional road freight capacity."

The X-Way was assigned to single trailer duties, while the ProStar day cab took on B-Double work, picking up bundles of cardboard from distribution centres across Melbourne.

"The X-Way has proved to be a very comfortable and capable vehicle with the drivers commenting favourably on its appointments and quiet cabin," Fulton says.

"Its cab-over configuration also provided familiarity for the drivers, as our fleet is entirely made up of European cab-overs; this means there was little for them to become accustomed to, so they felt comfortable with the vehicle straight away.

"Having the chance to trial the X-Way opened our eyes to the Iveco brand."      

The Stralis AS-L prime mover will predominantly be used on a Brisbane to Cairns run delivering finished cardboard products one way and then be back loaded with produce.

"On paper, the Stralis AS-L meets a lot of the requirements for this application; it will be interesting to see how the truck performs in the coming months.

"Key considerations are safety, driver comfort including seating and steering adjustment, sleeper-cab appointments, fuel efficiency, whole of life running costs and sustainability.

"As an Australian company and manufacturer, we value what we do and are also interested in supporting other Australian manufacturers where possible, which would make Iveco a good fit for us."