Ekol Logistics, one of the leading 3PL operators in Europe, is completing the purchase of 150 Mercedes-Benz Actros tractor units. The purchase, amounting to nearly 12 million euros, is in line with the company’s strategy. The enterprise is emphasizing its presence outside of Turkey even more strongly by developing the operations of its European subsidiaries and increasing its fleet of own transport vehicles.
Ekol specializes in intermodal solutions and, as the owner of 5 Ro-Ro ferries and the operator of over 40 freight train sets per week, wishes to utilize its offered eco-friendly services to strengthen its presence in Europe. The company offers services using 5,500 of its own eco-friendly transport vehicles. Ekol is developing twelve European subsidiaries by making investments tailored to market and customer requirements in order to ensure a competitive advantage in terms of service quality. The business philosophy focuses on offering the highest standards to international clients, for whom the quality and reliability of the fleet are of great importance. To ensure the reliability and eco-friendliness of the fleet, Ekol has purchased Mercedes-Benz Actros 1842 LsnRL Euro VI Lowliner tractor units with the latest generation OM 471 diesel engines.
– The Mercedes-Benz Actros tractor units are economical and reliable. They are the number one choice in terms of eco-friendliness and efficiency. Additionally, cost benefits are characteristic values of green logistics, of which Ekol has been a pioneer for many years – says Ahmet Musul, Chairman of Ekol Group.
The purchase was made by the group’s Romanian subsidiary. The newly purchased tractor units will increase the fleet of Ekol Romania to 227 vehicles operating from that country. The fleet is intended to support transport operations in Romania and Europe for door-to-door deliveries for Ekol clients and to be part of Ekol’s integrated European network, especially in Germany, France, the Benelux countries, and Eastern Europe.
– Ekol possesses an extensive intermodal infrastructure in Europe, especially in terms of rail connections, so the need to ensure the final stage of delivery using our own tractor units is one of the key success factors. The expansion of our own transport fleet is proof of our customer orientation and that we are constantly striving to offer not only more flexible solutions but also better service quality. Moreover, we are pleased that Romania plays a strategic role in Ekol’s development in Europe, in terms of fleet coordination and the management of regional logistics projects. That is why, by cooperating with companies in other countries, we are able to achieve maximum efficiency of transport processes – comments Alecsandru Mucenic, General Manager at Ekol Romania.
Since all 150 vehicles already have the required licenses and documents, Ekol Romania wants to hire new drivers to work within the European Union to support Ekol’s expanded network. Ekol is also looking for drivers in Poland. Human resources and own transport infrastructure are Ekol’s main assets in maintaining its reputation, customer satisfaction, service quality, and reliability. Consequently, all current and new drivers will be trained by Mercedes-Benz employees in the use of the new Actros 1842 model.
– We are implementing Ekol’s development plans in Romania – we are hiring new drivers to keep up with the fleet expansion. At the same time, we are preparing to open a new branch in the west of the country, where we will offer logistics and transport services – adds Alecsandru Mucenic.