APCO Fuels Growth with Scania Prime Movers Across Victoria
Victorian-based independent fuel retailer APCO Service Stations has taken a decisive step forward in its transport operations, adding Scania prime movers to its fleet – a move that has quickly proven its worth in both driver satisfaction and operational performance.
The Anderson family-run company, better known as the Anderson Petroleum Company, has been delivering fuel across Victoria and southern New South Wales for more than 56 years. From its Geelong base, APCO runs fuel day and night to its 27 retail outlets, with destinations ranging from nearby depots to as far as Wodonga on the NSW border.
With trucks clocking up between 300,000 and 400,000 kilometres annually – often more than many interstate hauliers – reliability, fuel efficiency, and driver comfort are non-negotiables. According to Transport Manager Scott Curtis, who brings nearly four decades of transport and logistics experience, the Scanias have excelled on all counts.
Scania at the Core of a Hard-Working Fleet
APCO currently operates six prime mover B-double tanker sets, including a Scania G 560 and an R 620 V8 that has already amassed 450,000 km in just 15 months. In December 2024, an R 660 V8 joined the fleet, paired with a new 23-metre Holmwood Highgate B-double tanker set.
“When you run 24/7, reliability is the key,” Scott explains. “And when they are due to be serviced, you need the service carried out quickly and effectively.”
APCO relies on Scania’s authorised Geelong dealer, PJ&T Motors, for servicing under a Scania Repair and Maintenance contract. The arrangement has been a game-changer.
“The service from PJ&T has been excellent, even out of hours,” Scott says. “Dale, the technician, picks up the truck, services it, and brings it back – which means we don’t lose productivity having to send units to Melbourne.”
Drivers Give a Big Thumbs-Up
While managers appreciate reliability and uptime, it’s the drivers who spend long hours behind the wheel. For Scott, driver response has been one of the standout results of the Scania switch.
“Driver acceptance has been nothing short of fantastic. They actually love them,” he says.
Each truck has a team of four allocated drivers, running 12-hour shifts. Weekly distances can reach 7,500 to 9,500 km– without ever leaving Victoria. Despite the punishing schedule, the Scanias have won over even the most seasoned drivers, including those moving from American or other European marques.
The Scania Driver Score system has also become a popular talking point among the team. With personalised driver tags and an app that tracks performance, the system encourages drivers to improve fuel efficiency and safety.
“The drivers are very focused on their scores – it’s become a bit of a competition,” Scott says. “It’s made them even safer drivers because much of the scoring is based on anticipation.”
Safety and Fuel Economy in Focus
The Scania Retarder has also been a standout feature for APCO’s drivers hauling dangerous goods (DG). Being able to set a descent speed and rely on the retarder without touching the brakes offers extra peace of mind.
Fuel economy has delivered equally strong results.
- R 620 & R 660 V8s (23m B-doubles, 68.5 tonnes): 2.0 – 2.1 km/litre
- G 560 (19m B-double, 57.5 tonnes): 2.6 km/litre consistently
“The G 560 has been a standout performer,” Scott says. “It’s been so impressive that we’ve ordered another one and are working to have it PBS approved for both 19m and 20m combinations.”
The Scania 3150 mm wheelbase has also been an advantage for APCO’s length-critical PBS combinations, allowing bull bars to be fitted while staying within legal limits – vital for night work on country roads where wildlife strikes are common.
Looking Ahead
With such high annual kilometres, APCO’s Scanias are backed by two-year/800,000 km service contracts for the V8s and a three-year/900,000 km contract for the G 560. At the end of term, the company will assess whether to extend contracts or refresh the fleet.
“Overall, the Scanias have been fabulous for us,” Scott says. “From the driver app to the fridge and sleeper air conditioner that works without the engine, everything we need is already in the box. All we add is the bull bar and some sign writing.”
For Scania Laverton’s sales representative Travis Damianopoulos, APCO’s experience reflects why many DG transport companies are turning to Scania.
“With such tight deadlines and the need for absolute uptime, Scania is a natural fit,” Travis says. “By using fleet management tools, the Driver App, and our Repair and Maintenance contracts, Scott and his team not only track performance but also keep their drivers motivated and safe. We look forward to building the APCO fleet further in 2025 and beyond.”
For APCO Service Stations, the decision to invest in Scania prime movers has delivered reliability, driver satisfaction, and fuel savings in one package. As the family business continues its 24/7 operations across Victoria and southern NSW, the Scania fleet looks set to play a key role in keeping fuel moving – day after day, kilometre after kilometre.
