Dale Fleet Logistics’ tough new Mercedes-Benz Atego puts in the hard miles so electric vans don’t have to
The soaring popularity of battery-powered vans meant Dale Fleet Logistics needed a reliable transporter with which to deliver them – cue the arrival of the company’s first Mercedes-Benz truck, which it is also using to stay on top of demand for diesel-engined vehicles from the constantly expanding home delivery sector.
Dale Fleet Logistics operates from headquarters in Newhey, Greater Manchester and acquired the 12-tonne Atego from Dealer Ciceley Commercials, for which it works as a trusted supplier as well. A 1221 model with ClassicSpace L-cab sleeper, the vehicle is powered by a 155 kW (210 hp) 5.1-litre engine.
The company had previously relied exclusively on teams of drivers to pilot diesel-engined vans from manufacturer sites and dealerships to end users nationwide, particularly supermarkets and others operating within the fast-growing home delivery sector.
However, limitations on the distances they are able to travel before needing a recharge meant this was not an option for the electric vans that are now becoming an increasingly viable proposition for so many applications.
A re-think was needed, and the Atego is the result. The truck has a platform body by Fosters Commercials, of Preston, that carries a single van, while a second is towed on a trailer purpose-built for the role by Chieftain Trailers, of Dungannon. This is also used to load the Atego – the first van is driven onto the trailer via extendable ramps, then crosses onto the truck’s platform using a second set that connect the two.
Logistics Manager Matthew Morris explained: “We’ve been in the vehicle logistics business since 2003, and have traditionally driven vans to their destinations around the country. That’s fine for a diesel but doesn’t work for an electric van.
Matthew Morris“We’re delighted with our Atego and with the service we received from Ciceley Commercials,” added Mr Morris.
“Most of the distances to be covered exceed the range of the batteries, and in any case customers understandably want their vans delivered with a full charge. The only alternative is to use a transporter.”
For its first foray into this new way of working, Dale Fleet Logistics chose a truck with an unrivalled reputation for being able to stand up to the toughest and most rigorous working regimes without complaint.
“We already run five Mercedes-Benz Vito minibuses, which we use to ferry our drivers to and from their pick-up and drop-off points. These have proved dependable, efficient and comfortable to use,” continued Mr Morris.
“We also enjoy a long established and very successful relationship with Ciceley Commercials, having moved countless Sprinters from its various branches to some of the country’s biggest and best-known home delivery providers.
“These factors, coupled with the availability of a spacious and comfortable sleeper cab, meant the case for the Atego was compelling. A Mercedes-Benz will always be one of the best vehicles you can buy, and I’m in no doubt that we’ve chosen the most reliable and cost-effective truck of its size that the market has to offer.”
The truck will be worked hard and within its first couple of weeks on the road had already been across to Northern Ireland.
“Sales Executive Matt Riley arranged the competitive Mercedes-Benz Finance funding and, with the help of his colleagues, ensured that the acquisition process went as smoothly and simply as we could have hoped.”
As well as delivering new vehicles, Dale Fleet Logistics removes those that are being replaced, and offers storage and decommissioning services. The family-run company operates around the clock and all vehicle movements are recorded electronically, for added security.
The Mercedes-Benz Atego range from 7.5-16 tonnes GVW is purpose-designed for light- and medium-duty distribution applications. It offers outstanding dynamics, comfort and manoeuvrability, as well as the durability necessary for intensive, multi-drop delivery work.
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Great feedback for our Blackburn Service Team!⭐️
A huge thank you to the customer for their fantastic feedback, you can read more of our testimonials here: https://www.ciceley.com/testimonials/
The Mercedes-Benz diesel van range is built to keep your business moving. From the compact Citan to the versatile Vito and award-winning Sprinter, we’ve got the perfect van for every job.
🔥 Exclusive offers available now:
✅ Citan from £185* per month
✅ Vito from £395* + VAT per month
✅ Sprinter from £609* + VAT per month
✅ Up to 30 years’ Roadside Assistance with MobiloVan
Don’t miss out — these deals are only available while stocks last!
https://www.ciceley.com/ciceley-vans/offers/diesel-offers/
*Terms and conditions apply, please see our website for more information.
Exciting News!
We’re thrilled to announce that we’re expanding into Scotland with a brand-new Mercedes-Benz Truck and Bus dealership at Eurocentral! 🙌
As a proud family-run business, we’ve spent over 50 years supporting operators with exceptional service, strong relationships, and continued investment in the future. This new site marks an exciting new chapter for us — bringing our people-first approach and trusted Mercedes-Benz expertise to a whole new region.
The Eurocentral dealership will feature:
🔧 12 workshop bays
🚛 Full sales, service & parts facilities for Mercedes-Benz trucks
🚌 Service and parts facilities for Mercedes-Benz buses
🧰 An Authorised Testing Facility (ATF) lane
👷 Around 40 new local jobs
Construction starts soon, with a temporary workshop opening mid-2026 and the full dealership launching autumn 2026.
Read the full story on our website.
🚛 Ciceley Commercials Joins the Actros L ProCabin Tour! 🚛
Yesterday we joined Mercedes-Benz Trucks at Route 74 Truckstop, Glasgow, for the Actros L ProCabin Tour — giving drivers the chance to step inside the next generation of comfort and innovation.
The Actros L ProCabin is more than just a truck – it’s a workspace, a rest space, and a tech hub on wheels.
✨ Here’s what makes it stand out:
🖥️ Digital Cockpit & MirrorCam for ultimate visibility
🪑 Ergonomic Design built for all-day comfort
🔋 Outstanding Efficiency that delivers every mile
We loved seeing everyone who stopped by to take a look inside, chat with the team, and experience the future of trucking first-hand.
Go further, cleaner, and quieter with the Mercedes-Benz electric van range. Whether it’s the eCitan, eVito, or eSprinter, enjoy zero-emission driving, impressive range, and fast charging times — all with premium Mercedes-Benz quality.
✅ The eCitan from £249* + VAT per month
✅ The eVito from £495* + VAT per month
✅ The eSprinter from £595* + VAT per month
Including:
4 FREE services
Up to 30 years’ Roadside Assistance with MobiloVan
8-year / 100,000-mile battery warranty
Switch to electric today and keep your business moving sustainably! See our website for more details.
*Terms and conditions apply, please see our website for more information.
🐝 From Hive to Jar! 🍯
Today we visited @eastlancshospice with our Beekeeper John to watch how he turns our MerceBEES hard work into delicious honey! 🌼
It was fantastic to share the experience with the hospice’s staff and patients, showing how the honeycomb is spun, sieved, and jarred to create the finished product.
This year, we’re proud to be selling our Ciceley honey with all profits donated to our charity partner, East Lancashire Hospice – supporting the incredible work they do every day. 💛
Our MerceBEES have been busy since we first introduced four hives and 320,000 bees to our Blackburn and Darwen sites as part of our ongoing sustainability journey. 🐝
🏁 On 5th September, our all-electric Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 completed the 2025 EV Rally, driving from West Bromwich to Tatton Park, Cheshire ⚡🚛.
Along the way we:
☕ Recharged at Peak View Tea Rooms
🚚 Stopped at Sixt Van & Truck, Eccles
☀️ Showcased clean energy at Chamber House Solar Farm, Rochdale
🌳 And crossed the finish line at Tatton Park
Covering 248km fully loaded at 40t, the eActros 600 proved its range, efficiency, and cost savings – highlighting that zero-emission trucking isn’t the future, it’s here today. Get in touch with the team to put the eActros to the test
#evrally #explorer #collaboration #solarpower
✨ Another fantastic review for our Blackburn team! ✨
We’re proud to provide a service that makes things simple, stress-free and reliable for our customers.
Read more of our customer reviews here: https://www.ciceley.com/testimonials/
🍂 Autumn is here, and so are the chilly mornings!
Did you know that with the Mercedes-Benz app, you can pre-heat your electric Mercedes-Benz van before you even step outside?
✅ Warm and comfortable from the moment you get in
✅ Defrosted windows without scraping ice
All managed straight from your phone, giving you convenience and comfort whatever the weather.
❄️ A smart way to start your day as we head into winter.
⚽ 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! 👏⚽
https://www.mercedes-benz.co.uk/vans/vantasy-football.html
#VantasyFootball #MercedesBenzVans #MentalHealthAwareness #TeamCiceley #StGeorgesPark #VanLife #FootballForGood
🌍 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!
#GreenFleetLIVE #ElectricVehicles #CleanFleet #NetZero #LCV #Sustainability #CiceleyCommercials
☀️ 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! ⚡🚛
#eActros #ElectricTrucks #DrivingTheFuture #CiceleyCommercials
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