One of the country's leading container transport companies, Container Swinglift Services (CSS) has taken delivery of the 2,000th DAF truck to go into service in Australia. The CF85.410 joins the company's all-DAF fleet and is the first in Queensland to feature PACCAR's new high performance, Euro 5 (ADR 80/03) low emission engine - rated as one of the cleanest automotive diesel engines in the world.

The vehicle is the company's 34th DAF truck since dedicating the fleet to the brand in 2002. The official hand-over took place recently at their main depot within the busy Brisbane port precinct at Lytton, Queensland.

PACCAR Australia Director - Sales and Marketing, Andrew Hadjikakou congratulated CSS Managing Director, Maria Tapper at the handover, saying that, "On behalf of DAF Trucks Australia, and our team at Brown and Hurley, we are pleased to be working with one of Australia's leading innovators in the field of container logistics.

"During the past eight years DAF Trucks Australia has developed a strong working relationship with Container Swinglift Services. With the company's decision to lead the road transport industry into the future with DAF's smarter, safer, low-emission Euro 5 CF85 series, it is proving that a low environmental impact is not only good for the wider community, it's also good for business."

CSS Managing Director, Maria Tapper says the decision to integrate PACCAR's new high-performance, Euro 5 series low-emission engine into the CSS fleet is in line with clients demanding exceptional customer service and equipment standards.

"DAF trucks offer us the highest productivity, environmental and occupational health and safety standards, all features that our drivers, our customers and I appreciate," Ms Tapper added.

"We're currently operating 27 DAF trucks. Previously we had varying trucks until we decided it would be a good idea from a workshop servicing aspect to have just one brand of vehicle. It was a major decision, and a good decision.

"With the support from the Brown and Hurley service team at Darra we've reduced our workshop stock, while making significant gains in vehicle productivity," Maria continued. "Our long association with the people at DAF, and Brown and Hurley, also makes a big difference. Ultimately, DAF have proven to be a good, practical vehicle that suits us.

"The DAF CF85s have the power and capacity we require, and with the swing-lifts constantly trying to get in and out of premises, their manoeuvrability in these tight situations certainly helps with productivity. They're perfect," Maria states.

DAF's CF range has been built to handle the demands of intensive use and is a top performer in a wide range of demanding applications. A great deal of attention has been devoted to optimise chassis design, steering, brakes and suspension. This, together with the high torque characteristics of the PACCAR engines and comfortable cab design, makes the CF series an ideal driver's truck.

While many of their trucks operate around the clock on two shifts a day, the fleet is mainly delivering or picking up containers within the Brisbane metro region, with a daily shift through to the Gold and Sunshine Coasts. The average kilometres may not be large, but the DAFs have proven themselves in the demanding stop and start of the big city traffic environment.

"We run them typically for five years or a maximum 500,000kms," CSS CEO, Carl Marchese explained. "For the double shifted trucks we need all of that 500,000kms. For the trucks on single shift, which are usually the trucks doing the trailer work; they might come in at 300,000 over a five year period. The B-Doubles running in and out of the Port have lower kilometres. Basically it's the side-loaders who are doing most of the deliveries, so they're the trucks running up the kilometres."

The CSS fleet is based on the DAF CF85, with two CF75s on lighter or more specialised duties.

"The CF85s offer us more flexibility, but we do have a couple of CF75s and they have a purpose in the fleet," Carl added. "One is dedicated to running a mini-lifter, and is committed to empty container work - the trailer retracts down to a 20ft container or can take a 40ft container - so it's ideal for moving empty containers or light work carrying up to 12 tonnes."

CSS are phasing the ZF AS Tronic 12-speed automatic transmission into the fleet with each new CF85. The vehicles' large, generous interior already offers a more comfortable driving position. Adding the optional 12-speed ZF AS Tronic automated gearbox makes deliveries in difficult traffic situations an even more relaxed driving experience.

"We've been getting positive feedback from the drivers reinforcing our decision to go with the DAF brand. You're getting European comfort and safety features and with the auto transmission, drivers easily adapt to the truck," says Carl.

"We have a good reputation here," he explains. "We have a high driver retention rate, and most drivers we recruit through word of mouth.

"Happy drivers are your best source of recruitment."

All new PACCAR engines are designed to offer the highest standards of economy, reliability and durability. The newest PACCAR Euro 5 MX features SMART high-pressure injection systems that are cleaner, and deliver higher power and torque at low engine speeds.

The 2,000th truck is the first in Queensland, and one of the first in Australia, to feature PACCAR's latest high-performance, Euro 5 series low-emission engine. The 12.9 litre PACCAR MX300 (300kW/ 410hp) meets the 2011 Euro 5 (ADR 80/03) regulations, however, CSS wanted to introduce this advanced PACCAR engine to emphasise its commitment to a cleaner environment.

"We want to be proactive and if there's an opportunity for us to do the right thing by the environment, we will," Carl said of their company policy. "Additionally, we have a number of significant, blue chip global clients who look very favourably on providers who are genuinely committed to a programme that will reduce emissions. They're the two main motivations and in this instance it's a win-win situation."

For DAF Trucks Australia, and its parent company, PACCAR Australia, the decision by CSS to adopt PACCAR's advanced technology Euro 5 engines is confirmation of the company's commitment to develop the low emission engine.

"PACCAR Australia's investment in an environmentally sustainable future has allowed DAF to offer the PACCAR Euro 5 engine range ahead of the introduction of the ADR regulations," Mr Hadjikakou explained. "PACCAR's Euro 5 advanced engine range availability is testament to our commitment to the Australian road transport industry."

DAF Trucks Australia, a division of PACCAR Australia Pty Ltd, distributes a range of medium and heavy-duty trucks throughout Australia. PACCAR is a global technology leader in the design, manufacture and customer support of high-quality light, medium and heavy-duty trucks under the Kenworth, Peterbilt and DAF nameplates. It also provides financial services and information technology and distributes truck parts related to its principal business.

For more information, contact:

Clara Hornley
DAF Brand Manager
DAF Trucks Australia
Tel: (03) 9721 1600
Email: clara.hornley@paccar.com