TNT Express sub-contractor Guards Logistics has chosen Mercedes-Benz BlueTec® SCR technology over the rival EGR system for its first Euro 4 trucks.

Founded less than two years ago by former Grenadier Guard Paul Doyle, the company is now running five 7.5-tonne Mercedes Atego 816s from TNT’s depot at Liverpool John Lennon Airport, which was opened just seven weeks ago at a cost of £8 million.

The new Mercedes are also the first trucks that Guards has purchased outright, and have replaced leased 7.5-tonners.
 
BlueTec® SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) technology requires AdBlue, a non-toxic reduction agent carried in a separate tank, to convert pollutant nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen and water and thus meet the Euro 4 emissions targets.
 
Mr Doyle also considered trucks that use the rival EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system, which does not require any extra additives, but believes the case in favour of SCR is a simple one.

“We’ve read all the tests and seen the evaluations and we believe SCR represents a far better bet,” he asserts. “EGR seems to be a less fuel-efficient system while, contrary to what some might say, AdBlue presents no difficulties at all. It is cheap, non-toxic and easy to handle, and only consumed very slowly.

“I’m aware that most of the major manufacturers chose SCR as the best way to achieve Euro 4 and even some car makers are starting to use it now – we think it’s the system of the future.”

Supplied by Warrington dealer Enza, Guards Logistics’ new Atego are the first of what will ultimately become a fleet of 16 trucks. They are fitted with GRP box bodies and tuck-away tail-lifts by Truckcraft Bodies, Manchester, and make collections and deliveries to TNT customers in Speke, Runcorn, Widnes, Warrington and St Helens.

The company also runs vehicles – including Mercedes Sprinter and Vito vans – in its own livery and that of contract customer UPS (Lynx). Building on the military background of its founder, its staff is comprised entirely of ex-armed forces personnel.

“We work with recruitment agencies specialising in people leaving the forces,” adds Mr Doyle. “We know how ex-soldiers tick and we feel our approach had given us a reliable, dedicated and highly professional workforce.

“The Mercedes badge on our vehicles reflects our high standards and we’re also very pleased with the service we receive from Enza, especially sales executives Mike Scappaticci and Alf Hurst.”