With Mercedes-Benz Uptime, Heiko Zatocil reliably gets to his destination

Heiko Zatocil is on the A 5 heading towards Karlsruhe in his Actros 1845. He wants to load his trailer at the wholesaler there and is then heading straight to Aldi’s central warehouse in Donaueschingen. Heiko’s refrigerated trailer passes by a truck that has broken down on the hard shoulder. The driver is setting up his warning triangle and looking gloomily at the passing traffic.

Breakdowns are avoided.

In the case of urgent repairs, the customer is offered an individual solution that is optimally geared to the planned tour and the condition of the vehicle. “With Mercedes-Benz Uptime, our fleet manager constantly has an eye on the technical status of each Actros we use,” says Heiko.

“Since introducing the system, breakdowns and unscheduled visits to the workshop have been sustainably reduced,” confirms Heiko’s fleet manager Manuel Morte. This is extremely important for the company because Baam specialises in the prompt delivery of fruit and vegetables as well as other fresh produce. “If I arrive at the central warehouse just one hour later than arranged because the truck let me down, I can generally turn right around and drive my load back again. The big supermarket chains don’t take it any more because their delivery trucks have usually already headed out and the fresh goods for the next day have already been ordered.”

Manage maintenance more efficiently.

Mercedes-Benz Uptime has three types of notification:

First of all, notifications about urgent repairs where the vehicle is directed to the nearest qualified workshop, so that the truck won’t stay out of action for long. The tour can then be continued using a replacement vehicle.

Secondly, there are notifications to measures that the driver can quickly perform themselves, informing them exactly what they have to do on the spot. This could mean a necessary repair such as manually regenerating the diesel particulate filter. Or even low tyre pressure.

Thirdly, Mercedes-Benz Uptime compiles all the notifications for repairs and maintenance that don’t have to be seen to immediately. This concerns regular maintenance such as changing brake pads, lubricants or filters. All notifications are compiled by Mercedes-Benz Uptime and made available to the fleet manager via the online customer portal as well as via email. “This way, maintenance and repairs can be planned for better and I get my truck back in time if it has to go to the workshop,” explains Heiko.

Mercedes-Benz Uptime, now with trailer monitoring.

Since last year, Mercedes-Benz Uptime has also been monitoring possible defects in coupled trailers and reports these to the customer. “What use is the best tractor unit if the trailer gives out?” asks Heiko. The system has already frequently warned him about low tyre pressure or advanced wear on the brake pads of the refrigerated trailer. These are functions that do, however, depend on whether trailer is fitted with tyre-pressure and brake-pad sensors.

– Heiko Zatocil

Photos: Matthias Aletsee
Video: Martin Schneider-Lau