DHL Express is the first logistics company in the UK to receive accreditation under the Freight Transport Association’s (FTA) Van Excellence scheme.

Its 1,000-strong fleet was independently audited by FTA on all aspects of van operation, including vehicle safety and maintenance, driver behaviour and responsible operating procedures. DHL Express was commended highly in the audit and becomes one of 14 companies from different industries to have been accredited.

Van Excellence is an industry-led initiative to raise standards and improve the image of the UK’s growing van sector and includes a tough accreditation system and a strict code of practice, and is backed by many household names.

The launch of Van Excellence last year has been widely welcomed in the industry, and many businesses have registered their interest.

Van Excellence is a standard set by van operators for use by van operators, sharing and formalising working practices already used by leading companies in the sector.

Richard Crook, director of fleet for DHL Express, said: “DHL is delighted to receive Van Excellence accreditation and to play its part in helping raise standards within the van sector.The creation of this robust and self-regulating scheme will hopefully formalise industry standards and enable companies such as DHL to set an example to other operators, thus raising standards of van operation in general.”

FTA Van Excellence project manager Mark Cartwright added: “DHL has every right to be proud of achieving accreditation under this demanding and comprehensive code of practice. There has been a massive growth in van use in recent years and the large number of liveried vans on the road means that the way in which they are presented, driven and operated can have an important effect on the reputation of a company.”

The Van Excellence programme is open to both members and non-members of FTA. For further information go to www.vanexcellence.co.uk.
 

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