Tasmanian operator reinforces long-term association with Iveco
Tasmanian freight operator Monson Logistics’ Iveco-heavy fleet is bolstered with eight new additions, taking it to 40 trucks around the state.
Monson’s latest fleet acquisitions comprise five X-Way AT and AS prime movers and three Stralis ASLs, a move spurred by a fit-for-task approach to vehicle selection.
Opening in 1992 and now with facilities in Hobart, Burnie and Bell Bay, Monson offers 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.
“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,” company owner Bruce Monson 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.”
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Three of the X-Ways feature the 11-litre Euro 6 engine producing 460hp and 2,150Nm, while the other two are equipped with a 12.9-litre Euro 6 engine producing 510hp and 2,300Nm.
The three Euro 5 ASLs, at 560hp and 2300Nm, are engaged in B-Double linehaul work throughout the state, while the X-Ways have two main roles.
“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 producer of sustainably-grown plantation pine) in Bell Bay,” Monson says.
“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.”
He adds 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.
“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.
“The driveline package with the new 12-speed automated manual transmission works very well and they’ve not been wanting of power.”
As well as meeting power requirements and emission performance, Monson notes the new trucks are quiet both in and outside the cabin.
“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.”
Staying compliant with the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) and having Trucksafe accreditation sees the trucks checked every 20,000 kilometres for safety defects.
“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,” Monson says.
Monson Logistics’ 17-year association with Iveco takes its fleet to around 40 trucks from the brand.