ADVERTORIAL - Iveco S-Way and Monson Logistics
Since their foundation in 1992, Monson Logistics has gone from strength to strength, with the head office in Burnie later joined by depots in Bell Bay and Hobart, ensuring statewide coverage.
Bruce Monson, founder and head of Monson Logistics, says their coverage now means that more than 90 per cent of import containers under Australian Customs bond to Tasmania go through a Monson Logistics facility.
IVECO has been with Monson Logistics for most of its 31 years in business, with Stralis and Powerstar prime movers a prominent – and proud – part of the company’s fleet.
That long-term association with IVECO has continued following the company’s recent expansion into Victoria. This came about via Monson Logistics’ acquisition of one of their sub-contractors.
Into Victoria
In co-ordination with their expansion into Victoria, Monson Logistics are in the process of introducing 20 brand-new IVECO S-Way trucks to their fleet. Made up of 460 AT and 550 AS prime movers, the new units started arriving at Monson’s Victorian yard in Brooklyn, west of Melbourne, this August for intrastate work.
But why the need for so many new trucks?
“The majority of these [older trucks] were 600hp, approaching 20 years of age, and for the predominantly urban and metro delivery work they’re doing, just weren’t fit for task,” Bruce explained.
“A shift to the S-Way 460 AT prime mover makes a lot of sense for this application. The cabins are much quieter and comfortable, the visibility and manoeuvrability are far better, fuel use will be cut, and at 460hp, that’s more than enough for the job.”
Bruce adds that replacing old trucks with new IVECO units that meet the very stringent Euro 6 emissions standard (at the elevated Step E standard for cold start performance) isn’t just a smart business decision; there are positives for everyone, from drivers to customers and especially those living in the Brooklyn area.
Even though Euro 6 won’t become mandatory in Australia until November, 2024, Monson Logistics are getting ahead of the game by adding these cleaner S-Way trucks to their fleet now.
Two Types for Two Jobs
In terms of the intended applications for these new IVECO S-Ways, Bruce says the 460 AT units will be entrusted with single skel trailer container transport duties, mainly around the Melbourne metro area, while the more powerful 550 AS prime movers will haul B-Doubles throughout regional Victoria.
Given a large portion of their operating lives will be spent in stop-start urban traffic (especially the 460 ATs), Bruce said the S-Way’s available Hi-Tronix automated manual transmission (AMT) was another reason he went with IVECO.
“Operating in a metro environment, the AMT is the way to go, it’s a lot easier for the driver and fatigue is reduced. It also makes for better all-round safety.”
Safety Plus
In terms of safety, the S-Way is very well-equipped out of the factory, with an Advanced Emergency Braking System, Brake Assistance System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning System, Electronic Stability Program with ABS (disc brakes all round) and Anti-Slip Regulation all part of the standard safety package, as well as Hill Holder, Driver Style Evaluation and Driver Attention Support (DSE + DAS).
“Having good safety features has been an important consideration for us in selecting the S-Way - and the X-Way models before these,” Bruce concluded.
