Cutting-edge Mercedes-Benz truck technology delivers on efficiency and safety for Woodside Logistics
Enthusiastic feedback from some of the first drivers to experience Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ MirrorCam system was instrumental in persuading Woodside Logistics Group to commission another 12 new-generation Actros equipped with the innovative replacement for conventional mirrors.
The new tractor units were supplied by Ciceley Commercials, and have entered service with the family-owned operator’s Woodside Haulage division. The subject of Mercedes-Benz Finance contract hire agreements, all are 2545 models with BigSpace cabs and 12.8-litre, in-line six-cylinder engines that produce 330 kW (450 hp).
Woodside Haulage runs more than 100 trucks from its base in Preston. The latest have joined 16 other Actros tractors added over the last couple of years, most of which are also new-generation models with MirrorCam.
The Actros work mainly for customers engaged in UK-Ireland trade, transporting loads to and from docks at Liverpool and Heysham, and making collections and deliveries across mainland Britain. Woodside Haulage’s drivers are frequently out on the road all week.
Glenn Alderdice“Our trucks must be safe, provide a comfortable working and living environment for our drivers, and offer competitive whole-life running costs. By putting new technology to the most effective use, the Actros ticks all of these boxes.”
Operations Director Glenn Alderdice said the company knew it could bank on the cutting-edge technology of its new Actros to deliver efficiency gains and enhance safety, and on its chosen Dealer to provide dependable aftersales support.
Mr Alderdice continued: “MirrorCam is, perhaps, the most high-profile example of new technology on any vehicle at the moment, and has been very well received by our drivers. The feedback from those who’ve been using the system since we introduced our first new-generation Actros last year has been extremely positive. They find it intuitive to use and say it provides an exceptionally clear view, especially when manoeuvring.”
MirrorCam’s rear-facing cameras relay their images to screens mounted inside the cab, on the A-pillars. As well as enhancing safety by providing much-enhanced all-round visibility, not least through the elimination of forward-facing blind spots caused by conventional mirrors, the system cuts diesel costs by an estimated 1.5% because the cameras’ compact, streamlined housings create far less wind resistance.
The latest, enhanced version of Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ well proven Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC) system also contributes to the International Truck of the Year’s impressive economy. PPC employs digital 3D mapping and GPS data to scan the road ahead, then manages gear changes and ensures that full use is made of the Mercedes PowerShift 3 transmission’s Eco Roll function to maximise fuel-efficiency and reduce emissions. The system now makes an even more substantial contribution to economy by covering virtually all A roads, as well as many B roads, and taking account not only of topography but also of corners, roundabouts, junctions and traffic signs.
New Actros also comes with a radical new dashboard, which replaces traditional switchgear with twin screens, one operated by touch. The drivers of Woodside Haulage’s latest trucks benefit from the upgraded Multimedia Cockpit, interactive, which comes with a larger 12in instrument panel and additional functionality.
On safety, meanwhile, standard equipment includes a potential life saver in the form of Active Brake Assist 5. Whereas the previous version of Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ emergency braking system relied solely on radar, its successor employs a combination of radar and cameras. The result, at speeds of up to 50 kph, is a dramatically improved response to moving pedestrians. Active Brake Assist 5 can now employ full braking – as opposed to the 50% achieved previously – when encountering pedestrians crossing its path.
“Like any responsible operator, safety is something we take very seriously both for our own staff and other road users,” confirmed Mr Alderdice. “We feel Active Brake Assist 5 can make a very worthwhile contribution by helping to prevent accidents.
“The final piece in the jigsaw is back-up, and with its strong customer service ethos Ciceley Commercials looks after us very effectively. We’ve been impressed with the professional approach of the team at the Dealer’s Blackburn workshop.”
Established in 1967, Woodside Logistics Group offers professional transport services across Ireland, the UK, Europe and beyond. The Group’s five independent companies provide full and part-load pallet distribution, car transportation and storage, bulk liquid, powder and gas transport, warehousing, and international air and sea freight forwarding.
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⚽ Ciceley Takes on the Vantasy Football League! ⚽
Today, our Ciceley football team proudly represented us at the Mercedes-Benz Vantasy Football League at none other than St George’s Park – the home of England football!
Competing alongside eight teams made up of van drivers and Mercedes-Benz Van dealers from across the country, our squad battled hard and made it all the way to the semi-finals, finishing an impressive 3rd place overall! 🥉💪
The Vantasy Football initiative is about more than just football – it’s a fantastic campaign supporting mental health awareness for van drivers, many of whom work in isolating roles. We`re proud to support this important cause. 💙
A huge shout out to our amazing team:
Rob Claringbold, Gary Bridge, Jack Burgess, Matthew Coombe, Alex Lewis, Lee Holden, and Damian Holroyd – a brilliant mix from across our Sales, Service, IT, Accounts and Management teams.
Well played, team! 👏⚽
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🌍 Tomorrow we’ll be at GreenFleet LIVE! 2025 in Rochdale!
Come and see us to explore the latest in electric vans and sustainable fleet solutions — and chat with our team about how we can support your journey to net zero. ⚡🚛
We’re looking forward to meeting fleet, transport and sustainability professionals from across the UK. See you there!
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☀️ Our eActros 400 has been out and about in sunny Scotland yesterday, with driver training sessions led by Jordan Lowe and Richard.
Great to see more drivers getting behind the wheel and experiencing the future of fully electric transport first-hand! ⚡🚛
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💬 More great feedback for our Carlisle team!
This is what we`re all about — great service and working to keep you moving.
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⭐ Excellent feedback for our Carlisle team! ⭐
We’re proud to support businesses in Carlisle and beyond, keeping vehicles on the road and running smoothly.
Get in touch with the team to book your vehicle in today.
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We were proud to play our part in powering Sam Fender’s People Watching Tour – the first live music tour in the UK & Ireland to run entirely on electric trucks ⚡🎶
When called upon to urgently mobilise an additional Mercedes-Benz eActros 600, our teams in Bolton Service, Sales Support, Accounts, and Digital Services Consultant worked flat out to register, prep and deliver the vehicle within hours – ensuring the tour stayed on schedule and made it across to Northern Ireland.
This was a landmark moment for sustainable entertainment logistics, and we’re delighted we could play a part in making it happen.
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📸 Proud moment!
We’ve supplied CoolVan with their first Mercedes-Benz van — the beginning of something special.
CoolVan are experts in fridge & freezer conversions & like us, they believe in doing things properly. Together, we’ll be delivering outstanding refrigerated vehicles for customers who demand quality & sustainability.
Huge shout-out to everyone involved. More vans on the way!
Last week we were delighted to join Bardsleys Garage & Recovery in celebrating their incredible 60th anniversary 🎉.
Built on strong family values and decades of dedicated service to the Atherton community, this milestone is truly something to be proud of.
The day was filled with community spirit, from the charity raffle (where we were pleased to donate a branded jacket) to the exciting handover of two brand-new Mercedes-Benz Citan vans to support their growing operations.
A huge congratulations to the Bardsleys family on this remarkable journey—here’s to the next chapter of success and many more years at the heart of Atherton! 🚐✨
🚐✨ The Mercedes-Benz Vans Advantage Event is here! ✨🚐
From 15th – 20th September, we’re offering exclusive savings on a wide range of Mercedes-Benz vans at our Darwen dealership.
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Competitive prices, five-star service, and a new Sprinter that’s a dream to drive. 🚐✨
We love helping customers find the perfect vehicle — from first enquiry to the moment they’re on the road. 💪
🏁 We made it! The eActros 600 has completed the @ev_rally, finishing at beautiful Tatton Park, Cheshire 🌳⚡
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