Van sector’s best practice challenge

9th October 2014

The Freight Transport Association has ‘thrown down the gauntlet’ to van operators not already accredited by the Van Excellence scheme to join forces and raise standards in their day-to-day operations.

“FTA Van Excellence would like to issue a challenge to anyone associated with the van sector,” the FTA’s Head of Vans Mark Cartwright said.  “We feel passionately about taking action to professionalise the UK van parc, to raise standards, improve safety and encourage the commercial success of UK plc.”

Announced at the recent Van Fleet Summit, the FTA Van Excellence Review 2014 highlights the importance of the role of the van, stating that it is “a versatile tool for modern business”, used by local authorities, utilities companies, infrastructure and facilities maintenance, engineers and delivery firms.  It also identifies the many challenges with affect van operators and the various possible solutions.

“Thanks to the growth of e-retail and home delivery,” Mark Cartwright said, “the importance of the van has grown even further with major retailers – who once focused on HGV fleets delivering to distribution centres and stores – now having national van fleets as well.

“Over the years, the van has become a huge part of everything we do, whether we are in business, buying things via the internet, or simply going about our everyday lives.  Van Excellence members already recognise the importance of excellence in their operations, but it is now time for all in the sector to join forces and help professionalise this growing industry.”

Indeed, it is the fastest growing sector in the automotive marketplace, with 3.4 million vehicles on the road. 

The Van Excellence programme was launched in 2010 and now has over 80 accredited members.