The delivery of five new Iveco X-Ways and three Stralis AS-Ls bring the Iveco truck count to 40 at Tassie trucking operation Monson Logistics.
Started in 1992, Monson operates from three depots across the state – Hobart, Burnie and Bell Bay – offering 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.
When you look at the fleet, Ivecos are everywhere – and it’s clear that it’s become a brand of choice for the Monson fleet.
Company owner Bruce Monson said the Iveco brand has proven to be reliable and has given him considerable total cost of ownership benefits over the years.
“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,” Bruce said.
“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.”
The newest models to join the fleet are five X-Way AT and AS prime movers and three Stralis ASLs, a move that has seen the company take a more fit-for-task approach to vehicle selection.
Three of the X-Ways feature the 11l Euro6 engine producing 460hp and 2150Nm, while the other two are equipped with a 12.9l Euro6 powerplants producing 510hp and 2300Nm. All feature Iveco’s unique Hi-SCR emission control technology, a single after-treatment system with passive Diesel Particulate Filter that does not require driver intervention for regeneration.
The three Euro5 ASLs at 560hp and 2300Nm, do B-double linehaul work throughout Tasmania, 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 leading producer of sustainably-grown plantation pine) in Bell Bay,” Bruce said.
“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 Euro6-rated trucks for the job.”