Moriarty Haulage new Econics
Moriarty Haulage underlines its commitment to safety with 15 new Mercedes-Benz Econics
Compliance-focused Moriarty Haulage has raised its safety game still further by commissioning its first 15 Mercedes-Benz Econic mixers, one of which has been specially adapted to reduce noise levels.
The operator, which is based in Purfleet, Essex, is a leading contractor to the likes of Cemex and Hanson. It is the proud holder of Gold accreditation from FORS (the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme) and a CLOCS (Construction Logistics & Community Safety) Champion.
Moriarty Haulage runs more than 60 truck mixers, which deliver readymix concrete from customer locations nationwide. It also offers a ‘vehicle and driver’ spot hire service. The company’s fleet includes five Mercedes-Benz Arocs eight-wheelers, which have been providing reliable service since 2015. However, as its first low-entry vehicles of any make, the Econics represent an entirely new departure.
Acquired with competitive funding support from Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, Moriarty Haulage’s latest 8x4/4 chassis were supplied by Sparshatts Truck & Van. The Dealer is now inspecting and maintaining these vehicles under eight-year Complete Service Contracts, at its workshops in Dartford and Sittingbourne.
Like most of Moriarty Haulage’s trucks, the Econics are working in London. As 3235 L models, they are powered by fuel-efficient, 7.7-litre six-cylinder engines which transmit their 260 kW (354 hp) outputs to the road via six-speed Allison automatic gearboxes.
Each has a single front steer axle, double-drive bogie and rear-steer axle. This ENA configuration gives the vehicle an impressively tight turning circle. The resulting, enhanced manoeuvrability compared to a standard 32-tonne construction eight-wheeler, is a major advantage for operation in the capital.
Greater Safety is one of the three pillars of Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ all-embracing RoadEfficiency strategy. The Econic offers unrivalled visibility thanks to its deep, panoramic windscreen and full-height, glazed folding side door. This, allied to a seating position which is much lower than in a conventional construction vehicle, allows the driver to make direct eye contact with cyclists and pedestrians at junctions or in traffic queues.
These attributes, coupled with a full complement of factory-fit safety systems, have enabled Mercedes-Benz to land a string of high-profile orders for Econic-based mixers, as well as tippers, tipper-grabs and skip-loaders, from construction sector operators for whom the protection of vulnerable road users has become a top priority.
Moriarty Haulage’s Econics are also equipped with recordable cameras and proximity sensors that issue audible warnings. The trucks’ 8m3 drums are by Glasgow-based manufacturer McPhee Mixers.
Like all new Econics supplied through the manufacturer’s UK Dealer Network, the vehicles are covered by three-year/160,000 km warranties. Most are finished in the liveries of high-profile customers of Moriarty Haulage. However, three wear the firm’s own colours. Reflecting the Irish roots of its founder and Managing Director Denis Moriarty, the design incorporates the green, white and orange of the Republic’s national flag, and a shamrock (three-leaf clover) motif.
Hauliers seeking FORS Gold accreditation must demonstrate measures they have taken to reduce noise pollution – a recent FORS initiative was titled ‘Managing noise in logistics’. Moriarty Haulage challenged McPhee Mixers to quieten the body mounted on one of its new Econics.
Brinsley McFarlane, Managing Director of McPhee Mixers, said: “Denis is a forward thinker and has always challenged us to design mixers which are ideally suited to operation by Moriarty Haulage in the London environment. We set about coming up with a number of sound deadening features and I’m pleased to report that we were able to reduce the noise emanating from the mixer by a significant amount.”
Mr Moriarty started out as a sole trader in 2000, before founding Moriarty Haulage in 2007; his sister Bridget is the Company Secretary and brother John its Transport Manager. Unstinting commitments to staff training, safety and efficiency across all aspects of its operation have been the cornerstones of the firm’s success.
Denis Moriarty commented: “Given our determination to do everything possible to minimise risk both to our own employees and to other road users, this substantial investment in our first low-entry, high-visibility trucks represented a logical progression for the business.
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