Ian Patterson, Director of transport company, Patterson Logistics, said that the Iveco Stralis has all the hallmarks of an excellent metropolitan and regional hauler.
Patterson, with 40 years in the industry, has assisted his sons Callum and Devon operate two Iveco Stralis 6×4 ATi rigids.
The two trucks feature Cursor 8 engines producing 360hp and 1,500Nm of torque and are coupled to Eurotronic II automated manual transmission.
“The trucks normally operate towards the top end of their weight range but the engine has plenty of power to handle the loads,” said Patterson.
“Being AMTs they’re easy to drive particularly in heavy traffic and the ride and handling is extremely good – inside the cabin it’s very nice, much better than similar-sized Japanese trucks.
“Along with providing a supple ride, the rear airbags are also extremely handy when loading and unloading, we get about six inches of drop,” he said.
Both trucks operate in the greater Brisbane area with occasional country trips and feature 14-pallet tautliner bodies with mezzanine decks.
Patterson said that there are good opportunities for young drivers to earn an excellent income driving trucks, especially as owner-drivers.
Callum reportedly spent three years as a forklift operator at Mainfreight where he learnt valuable skills about loading trucks and load restraint and positioning, before making the transition to driving.
Younger brother Devon was at university when Patterson came home from work one day in the Stralis; he liked the look of the truck and decided there and then that driving was more appealing than years in the lecture theatre, and he hasn’t looked back.
“The Stralis presents a modern and professional image for both Patterson Logistics and that’s important to us,” said Patterson.
Iveco Australia has awarded its highest achieving dealers at a recent awards dinner in Sydney, held in conjunction with the company’s annual dealer conference.