IVECO trucks have underpinned the success of Tasmania's Monson Logistics in recent years, to the extent that it now runs a 40-strong IVECO fleet.

That fleet expanded yet again recently with the arrival of five new IVECO X-Way and three new IVECO Stralis AS-L models, which are now hard at work helping the firm service its customers' diverse needs.

Established in 1992, Monson Logistics offers a full range of freight, logistics and depot services, including Australian customs container bond and quarantine-approved facilities, export freight services, interstate and intrastate transport, container load (FCL), less than container load (LCL) logistics, sideloader, pick-up and delivery, and general freight and warehousing.

The company has facilities in Hobart, Burnie, and Bell Bay.

Impressive TCO

Company owner Bruce Monson says IVECO's products have always performed well, proving reliable, robust and cost-effective.

"Some of our earlier Stralis models have travelled between 1.3 and 1.9 million kilometres as B-Doubles and more recently doing single trailer work, and they’ve been very reliable and great on fuel," he says.

"They've been a versatile truck as well – we initially purchased them to provide us with the flexibility to use across a range of transport work and they've filled this role well."

Fit for task

The latest acquisitions – five X-Way AT and AS prime movers and three Stralis AS-Ls, will now see the firm adopt a more focused, fit-for-task approach to its vehicle selection.

Three of the X-Ways feature the 11-litre Euro 6 engine producing 460hp and 2150Nm, while the other two are equipped with a 12.9-litre Euro 6 powerplants producing 510hp and 2300Nm. The three Euro 5 AS-Ls at 560hp and 2300Nm, are engaged in B-Double line haul work throughout Tasmania, while the X-Ways have two main roles.

Emissions transition

"The X-Ways are utilised for sideloader work and hauling single trailers transporting containers around the state, as well as moving timber on a contract for Timberlink [a leading producer of sustainably-grown plantation pine] in Bell Bay," says Bruce.

"Timberlink recently announced major emission reduction targets that have been verified and approved by Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi). To assist Timberlink in meeting these targets, Monson Logistics made the decision to commence transitioning some of our fleet to Euro 6-rated trucks for the job."

Safety was another high priority, and here the new IVECOs excel with features like adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, and lane departure warning, among others.

"Safety and compliance is extremely important to us – that's why we're part of the Trucksafe Industry Accreditation Program and have approved National Heavy Vehicle Regulator's (NHVR) Safety Management Systems, Fatigue Management Systems and Mass Management systems in place," says Bruce.

Bruce said that the 460hp X-Ways were being trialled in work for which he'd previously used 500hp Stralis models, and that so far the trucks were handling the requirements well.

Performance advantage

"Feedback from the drivers has been that they've not noticed a drop in performance going from a 500hp truck to the 460hp X-Ways," he said.

"The driveline package with the new 12-speed automated manual transmission works very well and they've not been wanting of power."

And the quiet-running nature of the trucks has been noticed too…

"It's a nice environment for the driver, but also for some of our work we're travelling through built-up areas early in the morning and there's minimal disturbance to residents," says Bruce.

"The trucks can slip through virtually unnoticed, which is very different to the North American trucks with their noisy Jake Brakes."

Bruce says having a one-make fleet also bring many other benefits.

"Having a uniform IVECO fleet gives us efficiencies; there's commonality of parts and we enjoy strong relationships with our selling dealer, Adtrans, and servicing provider, W B Truck 'n' Trailer,” he says.

"Parts availability is also good and overall with the great fuel efficiency of our IVECO trucks and the long service intervals we get a lot of extra value, which is important in business."