A year after investing in its first Mercedes-Benz truck, North-East Scotland’s Ian S. Roger Transport has returned with an order for a third tractor unit from Dealer Caledonian Truck & Van.
The Keith-based operator’s first two Actros 2551s, with flat-floored BigSpace cabs and state-of-the-art 12.8-litre straight-six engines producing 375 kW (510 hp), are already in service. The third, due for delivery in March 2018, will have an even more muscular 390 kW (530 hp) powerplant.
The second truck was delivered just in time to take pride of place on Caledonian Truck & Van’s stand at the North of Scotland’s largest agricultural gathering, the Black Isle Show, after which it went straight to work.
Ian S. Roger Transport runs a fleet of 22 tractor units, as well as three rigids which work with drawbar trailers. The company moves livestock across most of Scotland, visiting weekly sales at Dingwall, Huntly and Thainstone, and seasonal events as far afield as Caithness, Sutherland and the Outer Hebrides. It also undertakes bulk distribution of agricultural commodities and general haulage UK-wide.
Founded by Ian Roger in 1969, the company is now managed by his sons, Directors Graeme and Colin. “We’ve tended historically to favour other brands, mainly because they had good service outlets not too far away,” said Colin Roger.
“We’re always open to trying something new, though. Caledonian Truck & Van have been investing heavily in their dealership at Aberdeen, and have also opened a new branch in Nairn relatively recently. Head of Truck Sales Andrew Rennie has been persistent in trying to win our business so we decided last year to see for ourselves what the Mercedes-Benz product and Dealer could do.”
He continued: “We always specify high power ratings because of the hilly terrain we have to cope with here in the north of Scotland. The first Actros has been completely reliable and well on top of the job, so we had no hesitation in returning for more.”
All Actros tractors come with free, two-year Mercedes-Benz Repair and Maintenance Contracts but the operator has extended these to five years. The second truck features the innovative Mercedes-Benz Uptime system, which can predict faults before they happen and potentially reduce still further the need for time-consuming trips to the workshop. The third unit will also be specified with Uptime.
“We’ve been well supported by the workshop team at Aberdeen,” said Mr Roger. “The driver of our first Actros is based not far from the dealership and can drop his truck off for its inspections and services after finishing work, then pick it up again the next morning ready to go.”
Mark Newlands, driver of the latest Actros, lives in Nairn. “I spent my first week after receiving the keys making a series of collections and deliveries in England, which gave me a great opportunity to get to know the truck,” he said. “It’s fantastic, a really nice drive and the cab is very spacious and well kitted-out.”
Both vehicles wear Ian S Roger Transport’s distinctive, traditional livery – the operator’s unique sand-coloured trucks are a familiar sight on the roads of Scotland. “Image is important in this business and we take great care to ensure our vehicles are always immaculately turned out,” added Mr Roger.
“This level of attention to detail reflects the care and consideration we pay to our customers, and we’re very proud of the many awards our trucks have won at shows up and down the country. The two Actros look great in our colours and we’re delighted with them.”
