Industry award for van excellence scheme

5th April 2012

Van Excellence, which is managed and delivered by the Freight Transport Association, was launched in 2010 to promote high standards of operation and driving by accrediting operators against an industry code of practice.  In the 18 months since the scheme launched, 24 fleets have achieved accreditation to the Van Excellence Code, with 33 undergoing audit and a further 43 preparing for audit.  The scheme now has over 100,000 vehicles within its membership.

A Guide to Van Excellence has also been launched, giving advice on good practices for van operators and guidance on how to meet the standards in the Code.  This requires systems to be in place to check vehicle roadworthiness, driver entitlement, load security and other safety aspects.  The standard exceeds the minimum requirements of the current law and adapts the requirements of O-licensing normally applied to trucks for the van sector.  Accredited operators need to present themselves for re-audit every year to ensure standards are maintained.

Collecting the award, Mark Cartwright, the head of Vans and Light Commercial Vehicles at the FTA said:  “There is still much to do but it is gratifying that our efforts on behalf of the van sector have been recognised by the industry.  We are all honoured at FTA by this award.”