Nick Shelby is undoubtedly well equipped for every journey but snaps into action every day with his new Actros. Unfolding some of his favourite aspects of the truck he shared some of his travels with us after dropping into City West Commercials, Avonmouth recently for an inspection. Nick who drives for SCF Transport in Clevedon, regularly travels as far as Lancaster or even Rochester but tell us "every journey in this truck feels amazing."
The easy road to better driving – with Predictive Powertrain Control
Safety on the new Actros is second to none. SCF Transport's new Actros benefits from this in abundance with Active Brake Assist 5 and Predictive Powertrain Control, a firm favourite with Nick. The system integrates a driving style optimised for the route topography into the operation of the automatic transmission. The new extended functions of Predictive Powertrain Control now enable use of the system's benefits on A and B roads, a feature Nick praises highly.
"What I’ve grown to like, is when I’m driving along high-speed A roads at night and I’m unsure of how the roads are ahead. I let the truck navigate the journey for me with the cruise control which is just amazing. It knows the gradients, bends and takes me through them safely, which really takes off the stress."
On the move and on breaks alike, the interior of the new Actros is a continual source of fresh motivation for the tough job in long-distance haulage
These are comforts that Nick has taken on and defined as his own but furthermore, driver fatigue is kept at bay, Nick commented "I’ve driven a lot of Mercedes-Benz trucks before and this is the best. It's such a different feel and experience, when living in the truck at night I have quite frankly, beautiful lighting not to mention the great sound systems for TV and PlayStation." The truck which has the Multimedia Cockpit also benefits from the MirrorCam switch by the bunk allowing for enhanced safety and visibility outside the truck instantly from inside the cab.
“This truck is a true awesome bit of kit and I love it.” – Nick Shelby
The need for higher standards in long-distance haulage and heavy-duty distribution haulage is a driver for not only Mercedes-Benz but one that makes the difference for Nick. “I truly love working with this truck and also living in it on a working week and sometimes don’t want to go home!”
In place of the conventional rear-view mirror, Nick’s truck is fitted with the innovative, aerodynamically sophisticated MirrorCam. This saves fuel and offers improved visibility to the rear and in the area of the A-pillar. “The mirrors were tricky to get used to at first, when reversing the camera moves, but now I’m used to it. I couldn’t live without them now as there are no more blind sides.”
What does the boss think?
Steve Fletcher of SCF Transport has been taking striding leaps over the past 2 years. From renting Actros, to buying a rental, migrating straight to new Actros in 2019 and all with City West, it’s a wonder he’s had time to all to jump in the cab, but he quipped. “On the rare occasion that Nick has let me drive the truck, I have found it to be a very comfortable, economical and good-looking truck!”
What’s your thoughts? Get in touch with your feedback.
Imagery: Courtesy of Nick Shelby of Nick Shelby Transport Ltd