Commercial fleet briefs: Latest from Renault, Daf, Longcliffe, Biffa, Whistl, Speedy Freight, Bartrums, Durite, Culina Group and Jaama

Renault Trucks opens new training academy

Renault Trucks UK and Ireland has announced the official opening of its new dedicated technical training facility.

The Renault Trucks UK Training Academy, which is based in Whetstone, Leicestershire, will help with the expansion of Renault Trucks’ apprentice and technician training programmes, aimed at developing the next generation of skilled professionals in both internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicle (EV) technology. 

The new training centre has already welcomed a new cohort of apprentices recruited by its new Apprenticeship Partner, GTG, who, along with existing Apprentice cohorts, will benefit from the new learning environment working specifically on Renault Trucks. 

Renault Trucks aims to ensure that at least 20% of technicians at its dealer locations are trained as apprentice technicians. 

The new facility has the capacity to train up to six courses at a time and includes a fully equipped workshop space that can accommodate up to seven vehicles, along with static engine and component rigs for practical training. 

The academy also includes four flexible classroom spaces and preparation and printing rooms for trainers.  

In addition, the facility boasts a modern kitchen, shower and changing facilities, as well as a break-out area complete with a table football game and a games console, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable environment for all trainees.

Angie Morgan, HR and competence development director at Renault Trucks UK and Ireland, said: “This leading-edge facility will ensure that Renault Trucks is well-equipped to develop the next generation of skilled technicians, preparing them for the challenges of tomorrow’s automotive industry.”

Daf names Ford & Slater among ‘International Dealers of the Year 2025’

UK Daf dealer Ford and Slater has been recognised with the Electric Dealer Award at the Daf International Dealer Meeting in Faro, Portugal. 

The award recognises Ford and Slater’s commitment and “exceptional” service in supporting customers as they make the crucial transition to EV operations.

There was more success for UK Daf dealers with Motus Commercials picking up the Growth Award and Adams Morey’s Southampton dealership and Lothian Daf winning Gold Awards, while Premium Awards were presented to Ford and Slater, Adams Morey and Chassis Cab.

Romanian Daf dealer TH Trucks has been named ‘International Daf Dealer of the Year 2025’ in recognition of its excellent performance and customer experience in every field. 

Longcliffe celebrates achieving gold fleet standard

Longcliffe Quarries has achieved the gold standard in the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS). 

After three years of being awarded the silver standard, it said that the upgrade demonstrates the company’s continued silver level of commitment, but in addition shows progress in further areas including training and development and performance management.

Logistics manager James Hopkinson said: “We are extremely proud of the way we manage our fleet. 

“After achieving FORS Silver for three years, we are delighted to earn the top FORS Gold accreditation.

“The gold standard demands a much higher level of professional development for both managers and drivers.” 

Longcliffe Group managing director, Paul Boustead, added: “To achieve FORS Gold is no mean feat. The award demonstrates not only the logistics team’s continued hard work in all areas, but also highlights the whole company’s commitment to having an exemplary fleet.”

Culina Group implements Jaama’s Key2 software 

Culina Group has appointed Jaama as its new fleet and asset management software provider to support its extensive and rapidly growing operations. 

Jaama’s Key2 system will be deployed across the Group’s UK fleet, encompassing 4,000 trucks, 8,000 trailers, 500 vans, 300 cars, and 4,000 pieces of mechanical handling equipment. 

Key2 will replace multiple legacy systems, consolidating all fleet data into a unified platform.

“With the business experiencing substantial growth over the past decade, our fleet has expanded to nearly 17,000 assets,” said David Meir, managing director at Culina Asset Management. 

“We’ve been searching for a robust software solution capable of meeting our current and future needs, and Jaama’s Key2 platform has proven to be the ideal choice. 

“Key2’s ability to handle the complexities of managing a large HGV fleet and in-house workshops made it a clear frontrunner. We’re looking forward to working with Jaama as a strategic partner in driving the efficiency of our operations”

The implementation of Key2 will support the management of Culina Group’s extensive fleet, driver population, 14 nationwide workshops, and more than 100 technicians. More than 1,200 employees will utilise the platform.

“Culina Group operates one of the largest fleets in the UK, and we are proud to support them with a system that will provide comprehensive oversight of their assets, drivers, and workshops,” said Andrew Holgate, CEO of Jaama.

Culina Group has significantly expanded in recent years through strategic acquisitions, including Fowler Welch, Eddie Stobart, and GreenWhiteStar Acquisitions. 

Biffa grows green fleet by converting a further 25 diesel vehicles to HVO

Biffa has partnered with Certas Energy to convert 25 transfer station plant vehicles within its Industrial and Commercial (I&C) division, to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel.

It has set a target for 10% of its plant and collections vehicles to be alternatively fuelled by the end of the year as part of wider plans to decarbonise its UK operations.

Biffa now operates more than 150 alternative fuelled vehicles, including HVO and electric.

HVO is produced from 100% renewable raw materials and sustainable waste from verified vegetable fats and oils and is projected to reduce carbon emissions by around 90% compared to standard diesel.

Monica Heenighan, Biffa’s I&C north area director, said: “In just six months, we’ve increased our alternative fuel fleet from 3% to 15% across the Midlands and North West, which is a fantastic achievement.

“HVO vehicles allow us to be greener faster and are a crucial step to reducing emissions.

“Achieving our 2030 target will depend on the Government coming forward with an infrastructure strategy for commercial vehicles, followed by a rapid implementation plan that has a positive impact on the commercial vehicle supply chain. 

“We look forward to continuing to play our part in the UK’s transition to a greener, circular and more sustainable economy.”

Darren Holloway, commercial director for energy solutions at Certas Energy, added: “Up and down the country, we are seeing more customers choose HVO as a short and medium-term solution to immediately and drastically reduce carbon emissions.”

Whistl celebrates apprenticeships and secures Van Excellence accreditation

Whistl is celebrating 20 of its employees gaining apprenticeship qualifications during 2024, and achieving Van Excellence accreditation.  

The successful candidates are from all areas of the business including mail and parcel warehouse and transport operations, contact solutions, cross border and HR.

Whistl also operates the Whistl Apprenticeship Fund where it invites small businesses in the areas where it has sites to apply for funding for their own Level 2 to 5 apprenticeship schemes with a focus on early years learning, and digital and engineering-focused apprenticeships.

Nick Wells, executive chairman at Whistl, said: “We are delighted that 20 employees gained apprenticeship qualifications during the past year. It is a great way for colleagues to enhance their career whether they are at entry level or senior management.”

The company secured accreditation for the second year as a Logistics UK Van Excellence Operator.  

Nick Wells, executive chairman at Whistl, said: “Well done to our transport team for securing reaccreditation for the Logistics UK Van Excellence Operator scheme. It is an important scheme to ensure that our fleet operate to the highest of standards.”

Bartrums ‘saves time and money’ on DVS compliance with Durite

Durite’s self-installation support has helped Bartrums Haulage and Storage comply with the Direct Vision Standard (DVS).

As part of the Mayor of London's Vision Zero initiative to prevent deaths and serious injuries on London's roads, DVS was strengthened from October, requiring all HGVs over 12t GVW to install a new progressive safe system (PSS) combining sensors and cameras. 

PSS builds on the existing direct vision capabilities by providing truck drivers with indirect vision and eliminating blind spots.

Bartrums chose Durite’s PSS solution for its fleet of more than 120 tractor units and 250 trailers. 

“Durite had provided us with a great solution for DVS phase one, so they were our natural choice for phase two,” said Tremayne Johnson, operations director at Bartrums Haulage and Storage. 

“Phase two and PSS are tricky to navigate but Durite provided us with all the support and guidance we needed.”

Based in Suffolk, Bartrums operates trucks and trailers from multiple depots, with more than 70 tractors deployed in general haulage, 30-plus in bulk haulage, and a mixed fleet of more than 50 vehicles on network operations. 

It also has a broad range of trailers including curtainsiders, bulk tippers, and double-deckers.