IVECO trucks are a common sight at Monson Logistics’ three Tasmanian depots – look around and it’s the only brand that’s seen, and among the newest vehicles are five new X-Way models and a further three Stralis AS-Ls.

Opening in 1992 and now with facilities in Hobart, Burnie and Bell Bay, Monson Logistics offer 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.

According to company owner, Bruce Monson, IVECO has proven to be a reliable brand that’s given him considerable total cost of ownership benefits over the years – outcomes that have seen the marque cement its position in the fleet.

“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.”

Monson Logistics’ latest fleet acquisitions comprise 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 models benefit from 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, are engaged in B-Double line haul 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.”

Timberlink and Monson Logistics are also extremely proactive when it comes to safety, and in this area the X-Way also performs exceptionally well with its Adaptive Cruise Control, Advanced Emergency Braking System, Lane Departure Warning and other technologies.

“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,” Bruce said.

Trucksafe Accreditation sees trucks being checked over every 20,000 kilometres for safety defects, while NHVR covers a range of measures that assist participating companies effectively manage their safety obligations under the Heavy Vehicle National Law. 

Bruce said that 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,” he said.

“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 impressive emission performance, Bruce mentions that the new trucks are very 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,” he said.

“The trucks can slip through virtually unnoticed which is very different to the North American trucks with their noisy Jake Brakes.”

Having the latest IVECO trucks join the company maintains Monson Logistics’ 17-year association with the brand and will see the company continue to enjoy the benefits that an exclusive IVECO truck fleet brings.

“Having a uniform IVECO fleet gives us efficiencies, there’s commonality of parts and we enjoy strong relationships with our selling dealer, Adtrans, and servicing provider, W B Truck ‘n’ Trailer,” he said.

“Parts availability is also good and overall with the great fuel efficiency of our IVECO trucks and the long service intervals, we get a lot of extra value which is important in business.”