Mercedes-Benz Dealer Pentagon Makes Training Gains from Meachers

April 20, 2012: Mercedes-Benz dealer Pentagon makes training gains from Meachers

Its ability to deliver a comprehensive training programme for all of the operator's drivers helped Mercedes-Benz dealer Pentagon Commercials to win a landmark truck order from high-profile Meachers Global Logistics.

The four new Actros 2546 MegaSpace tractor units are the first Mercedes-Benz trucks to enter service at Meachers' headquarters on Southampton's Nursling Industrial Estate.

However, the company has already been operating a fleet of 15 Actros from its depot in Derby, the first of which went on the road in 2007. These vehicles have proved reliable and fuel-efficient, as well as popular with Meachers' drivers. This explains why, as they reach five years of age, local dealer Mertrux is now replacing them with new Actros.

Pentagon Commercials is a leading provider of driver training. Its in-house instructor Phil Whiting has been commissioned by operators nationwide, seeking to secure Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC) qualifications for their employees before the new legislation comes into force in 2014.

Indeed, so enthusiastically has Phil embraced the role that Pentagon is believed by Mercedes-Benz UK to have delivered more DCPC training hours than any of its other dealers.

Meachers Global Logistics has employed Phil to train all its drivers at both of its locations. And according to Director Richard Lambourne: "We've been very impressed by his approach and professionalism. With Phil's help, our drivers now have the knowledge to get the very best from their Mercedes-Benz Actros and we're already starting to see the benefits in terms of improved economy."

Mr Lambourne continued: "Pentagon has been trying very hard for a couple of years now to get some vehicles into our Southampton operation. The dealership team came up with an attractive package and this, coupled with the positive experience we've had at Derby and the excellent training programme they have delivered, meant we were delighted to give them this opportunity.

"The Actros is a first-class vehicle in terms of operating costs. The Mercedes PowerShift automated transmission makes the drivers' lives a lot easier, as well as contributing to improved safety by allowing them to concentrate on the road ahead rather than worrying about what gear they're in. And the big, flat-floored MegaSpace cab provides a quiet and very comfortable working environment."

Meachers' Southampton-based vehicles are the subject of a five-year Mercedes-Benz Repair and Maintenance contract, with servicing being undertaken by the workshop team at Pentagon's local depot, which is also on the Nursling Industrial Estate.

With roots that go back more than 50 years, Meachers prides itself on providing customers with a 'Complete Logistics' service that can include everything from freight forwarding and warehousing through to supply chain management, transport and distribution.

"Meachers Global Logistics is a very professional and highly respected operator, so we are naturally delighted to have won this order," said Tony Wright, Truck Sales Manager at Pentagon Commercials. "We now look forward to developing the relationship between our two companies over the months and years to come."