Driver’s eyes light up at truck pick-up

The Thurgau-based family-owned company Santi-Trans GmbH has received the first of two CNG trucks. In this way it is seeking to improve its climate footprint for customers. When the new three-axle truck was handed over, the drivers’ eyes literally lit up. They also had lots of key details about the CNG-powered Iveco explained to them.

Alessandro Santonastaso is looking forward to the new truck and is excited about the CNG drive, which clearly makes the Iveco more environmentally friendly. Source: CNG-Mobility.ch

It’s a big day for the family-owned company Santi-Trans GmbH based in Müllheim, Germany, a specialist in removals, logistics, transport and warehouse leasing: the firm is now able to pick up the first of two new CNG-powered trucks at the regional branch of Auto AG Truck for addition to its fleet. Together with the two drivers Alessandro and Michi, Santi-Trans Managing Director Manuel Santonastaso, takes his first close-up look at the Iveco three-axle vehicle with its eco-friendlier CNG drive system, asking Ralph Stäheli of Auto AG Truck to explain details about the design and drive system.

Ralph Stäheli from Auto AG Truck (left) and Manuel Santonastaso from the family-owned company Santi-Trans GmbH from Müllheim TG taking delivery of the first of the two CNG Iveco. Source: CNG-Mobility.ch

But how did the Thurgau-based entrepreneur even come up with the idea of ordering CNG-powered trucks rather than something like a Euro 6 diesel? “Among other things, we transport general cargo for our customer DB Schenker from Pfungen in the canton of Zurich, where the two CNG Ivecos will be stationed. DB Schenker attaches great importance to ensuring that freight transport is as sustainable as possible,” says Santonastaso. “At a panel discussion, I also found more from an ETZ expert about lifecycle calculations and the eco-footprints of the various drive types. This opened my eyes to the fact that electrical power is by no means a panacea.”

The details of the superstructure and not just the more environmentally friendly CNG drive are also a topic of discussion at the handover of the new CNG Iveco. Source: CNG-Mobility.ch

Santonastaso is still keen to contribute to climate protection, however. “Even a small but broad-based company can do something for the environment in this way. We’d barely have been able to finance electrically powered trucks. The high acquisition costs would not have paid off with general cargo trips of 250 to 300 kilometres a day, so CNG and biogas are a fascinating alternative,” he explained, climbing into the pit, where he starts by taking a look at the new truck from below.

The Iveco with CNG drive is closely examined and important features of the vehicle are explained by Ralph Stäheli. Source: CNG-Mobility.ch

From there you have the best view of the Iveco S-Way’s 460 hp CNG powertrain, left- and right-mounted CNG tanks and exhaust system. “That’s pretty low,” says the experienced driver, who used to travel internationally himself, having driven a truck in 28 countries – he was even on the road in Kuwait when it was attacked at the outbreak of the second Gulf War in 1990. The CEO of Santi-Trans GmbH – due to celebrate its 20th anniversary next year – smiles: “That’s why I need a lengthier trip abroad every now and then.” No wonder he’s already looking forward to a contract for a move to Spain, which he plans to do together with his son, driver Alessandro.

Alessandro Santonastaso examines the CNG tank of the Iveco, which can be filled with an NGV1 nozzle for cars, but of course also with the larger NGV2 nozzle for trucks. Source. CNG-Mobility.ch

Alessandro Santonastaso is not listening at the moment, however: he’s sitting at the wheel of the CNG-powered Iveco with his eyes lit up, getting expert Ralph Stähli of Iveco to explain everything he needs to know about the latest vehicle in the company fleet. “I’m going to have to go into the military soon, but when I see this great truck, I’d almost prefer to register as unfit for service!” says the 20-year-old with a laugh. He then goes on listening attentively to the adjustment options and clever assistants he will have on board in the future. He also has the air suspension system explained once again. This will give him the necessary ground clearance on hill crests and difficult passages so he can get the CNG-powered Iveco back from the trip without a scratch.

Soon the Iveco three-axle truck with CNG drive will be transporting general cargo for DB Schenker. Source. CNG-Mobility.ch

One more check of the tailgate and the rear view camera: now he’s actually ready for his first ride in the 26-ton CNG-powered truck. But there’s still something missing. The young driver runs off, returns shortly afterwards, and then proudly places his nameplate behind the windscreen: “Time to get going!” he says. Shortly afterwards, he skilfully steers the truck around bends, with the DB Schenker tarpaulin bearing the words “on the way to a low-emission truck-fleet” – then he goes full throttle for the first time. (jas, 16 May 2023)