Commercial Fleet becomes media partner for Van Excellence

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has appointed Commercial Fleet magazine as the official media partner for its Van Excellence programme.

The two organisations are putting their weight behind promoting the professionalism of the industry and helping van fleet operators to improve their business efficiencies and effectiveness. Through Commercial Fleet magazine, and via its website and events, Van Excellence will gain a broader reach to increase awareness of the programme.

FTA Van Excellence was launched in 2010 as an industry-led initiative to establish a voluntary set of standards for van fleets and has received the full support of Commercial Fleet from the outset. It aims to:

• Enhance standards of van operator compliance
• Celebrate operators who demonstrate excellence
• Represent the interests of the van industry

It recognises that vans are intrinsic to the world we live in today, it is therefore imperative that businesses which operate vans must do so in a safe and compliant manner.

Van operators register and seek accreditation to the code through an independent audit which assesses all aspects of van fleet operation, including driver behaviour, vehicle safety, maintenance and risk assessment methods. Upon passing the audit, the organisation is enrolled in the Van Excellence scheme.

Stephen Briers, Commercial Fleet editor-in-chief, said: “We are delighted to be linking up with the FTA Van Excellence programme. We have supported the initiative from launch almost six years ago because we believe it offers van fleets an opportunity to run more efficient and less costly operations. It is also a clear signal to the Government that the van sector understands the need to operate at a professional level and is taking action to improve standards across the board, which should prevent any move towards legislative intervention.

“However, in order to continue to grow, Van Excellence is looking to encourage operators of all sizes to become accredited. This is where Commercial Fleet can help by promoting the initiative to a broader cross-section of the van fleet sector.”

Mark Cartwright, head of vans at the FTA, said: “The Van Excellence scheme is an industry-led initiative that aims to enhance standards of van operator compliance. Many people don’t realise that it is open to van operators of all sizes and business sectors including non FTA members – and we need to change that. Collaborating with Commercial Fleet as our media partner offers a fantastic opportunity to do this, and we look forward to continue to build on our established relationship with by working together in the future.”

The media partnership will see the two organisations work closely on future events in the light commercial vehicle sector, including Commercial Fleet Van & Truck in September.

Van Excellence members’ case studies will be showcased in Commercial Fleet, sharing best practice and operational advice to other van fleet decision makers, while Van Excellence will provide insight into forthcoming legislation and fleet concerns in a regular section in the magazine.