Driver Ewan tackles history in the highlands with the new Actros

Careful and considered logistics.

Whitecairn Transport based in Glenluce, south west Scotland, specialises in the transportation of static caravans, timber lodges and glamping pods across the UK. The family-run business also manages their own local holiday parks, so have an even greater understanding of the importance of careful planning and logistics when delivering the units. It operates three Actros vehicles to undertake the work: one 2014 MP4 model, a 2015 MP4 and a new Actros 2019 MP5.

Ewan Logan has been with the company for nine years and a trucker for 15 years, “I’ve always been interested in trucks from a young age and when I turned 21 it was a natural progression for me to become a driver. I love the travelling, meeting new people and new challenges,” he explained.

Spectacular spec.

The company’s new Actros was purchased in November 2019 and was actually designed to Ewan’s specifications. He specifically requested the optional massaging seats and an extra comfort bed as he understands the importance of a comfortable cab, “Seats are very important as you’re in them for long periods of time – it makes for a more pleasant experience.”

Ewan has been particularly impressed with the Multimedia Cockpit, “The media system and overall operation of everything is done through one screen. You can control the cab temperature, mood lighting (included with the optional Styleline Package), the radio, Sat Nav, your phone contacts and the truck and trailer technical information, all with the touch of a button. If there are any problems – everything is available at your fingertips.” He also stated how the technology is simple to use and self-explanatory.

- Ewan Logan, Driver, Whitecairn Transport

Amazed by MirrorCam.

When asked about his opinion of MirrorCam, he couldn’t be more enthusiastic, “I think MirrorCam is phenomenal. You have more visibility and from a safety point of view, you’ve got a bigger field of vision and less blind spots – it enables better judgements of distances and widths.”

Ewan was also surprised at how quickly he adapted to the system, “I picked the truck up and by the time I reached the motorway, it was as easy as driving a truck with traditional mirrors as you’re looking at the same area. However with traditional mirrors, you may easily lose a car beside your passenger side steps, whereas with MirrorCam you can see the back end of the car, so it actually eliminates one of the biggest blind spots you have - the passenger side steps, which is where a lot of collisions normally happen.”

Historical routes and modern truck technology.

Ewan takes this kind of task in his stride though, “Sometimes I have to go a longer route as the roads aren’t suitable for large units. For instance there are three bridges between Fort William and Mallaig and one of them is an arch type on an angle which means I’m unable to get the truck into a square position to cross it. So, I head up to Skye, get the ferry from Armadale to Mallaig then from there travel to three miles outside of the town to drop off the unit. I don’t mind, it’s just part of the job.”

Having a specialist trailer and equipment makes the job a lot easier which is another reason he favours the new Actros with MirrorCam.

“We do a lot of private jobs too, where customers want caravans delivered to unusual locations. It’s not a case of we can’t do this or that – it’s if that’s what they want, we’ll find a way to do it. We’ve got a great team; everyone is knowledgeable and experienced with a can-do attitude.”

Improving trucking facilities.

It’s clear that Ewan really enjoys being a trucker, “It’s a challenge, and no two days are the same, which makes it interesting. The new Actros is a nice environment to be in for a long period of time – it has everything I need.”

One aspect of the transport industry Ewan has concerns about is the rest stop facilities available for drivers, “We need better facilities, particularly along motorways – it’s getting harder. I’m lucky, I have a fridge, kettle and microwave so can be self-sufficient, however I still need to stop for toilets and showers and the standards are poor. I’d like to see more support from the government in improving them for all drivers.”

He did also mention that his team are fortunate enough to have very accommodating customers, “It’s not as bad in my job as our customers are very appreciative of the work we do – we’ll often get a hot drink and a sandwich at the places we deliver to."

Always driving.

When Ewan isn’t driving big trucks he can be found on the race track with his father – both are avid go-kart enthusiasts. He first tried the hobby when he was 16 and resumed it five years ago, “My dad is in his mid-sixties and still races and I thought if he can do it, so can I. I really enjoy it and it means I get to spend more time with my dad.”

It seems driving will never get old for this trucker!

Do you have to tackle tricky routes as a trucker?

Maybe you have to manoeuvre across tight bridges and country lanes like the Whitecairn Transport team – we’d love to hear about it. Do you drive a new Actros and find the technology helps steer you in the right direction like it does for Ewan? Tell us and your fellow RoadStars about it below or send us a private message.