Commercial fleet briefs: Latest industry news from FORS, Speedy Freight, Prohire, Essex Bulk Services, Xtract and Fixico

FORS training ‘fundamental to fleet efficiency’

MTS Cleansing Services, believes FORS, the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme, has been fundamental to a marked improvement in fleet productivity.

The Kent-based company credits the FORS Professional training portfolio as a key contributor to helping boost efficiency. 

MTS Cleansing Services began its current FORS journey in June 2019, undertaking an initial FORS Bronze audit for 42 trucks and vans at its principal location in Rochester.

It achieved FORS Gold accreditation in April this year and says that, even though FORS Silver status was mandated in order to meet HS2 contract requirements, the progression to Silver then Gold has subsequently opened revenue streams elsewhere for the company.

The company’s head of fleet and compliance, Richard Fletcher, is a qualified FORS Practitioner after completing the certification requirement of 10 fleet management training modules.

MTS Cleansing Services also employs academy manager, Charlotte Taylor, who is responsible for training and was instrumental in introducing FORS into the business model.

Today, MTS drivers are regularly provided with FORS Toolbox Talks, toolkits and other guidance, which has led to drivers having fully embraced best practice.

Taylor said: “We’ve been FORS Gold for a few months now and we’re very well motivated to maintain our high-performance levels going forward.

“Furthermore, the DVSA, when performing spot checks on our vehicles, appear very satisfied with our FORS Gold accreditation, and we’ve experienced no issues as a result.” 

MP learns how private equity investment driving growth at Prohire  

Prohire welcomed Jo Gideon, MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central, to its headquarters in the city to learn how private equity and investment is helping drive growth and fuel its ambition to lead the charge in sustainable vehicle hire.

Since 2018, when North Edge Capital acquired a majority stake in Prohire via a management buyout, the commercial vehicle hire and fleet management company has grown exponentially.

The company now employs more than 80 people across its head office in Stoke-on-Trent and depot in Tunbridge Wells and has invested in a new vehicle maintenance unit at each site.

Pat Skelly, CEO at Prohire, said: “It was a great pleasure to host Jo at Prohire and show her what we’ve been able to achieve in the last five years thanks to the investment by North Edge Capital.

“It’s an exciting time for the Prohire Group as the business grows, particularly in the areas of sustainable vehicle hire and alternative fuels.”

Gideon added: "I was genuinely impressed by my visit to Prohire. Witnessing their remarkable growth and sustainability efforts was inspiring.

“Their dedication to local employment and their alignment with the government's net zero targets are truly commendable.

“Prohire serves as a shining example of how private equity can drive positive change and bolster thriving businesses within our community."

Established in 1997, Prohire supplies nationwide commercial vehicle contract hire and fleet management solutions to organisations in the foodservice, catering, chilled food, pharmaceuticals, building products, leisure retail and brewing, office supplies and waste management sectors, as well as specialist logistics companies and own account operators.

Speedy Freight announces carbon neutral status 

National same day courier service, Speedy Freight, has partnered with Carbon Neutral Britain to measure and offset carbon emissions.

The scope of the Carbon Neutral certification includes Speedy Freight’s office spaces across the entire franchised network, commuting practices and its owned courier fleet.

Through the Carbon Neutral Britain Climate Fund, Speedy Freight is offsetting its carbon emissions through internationally certified carbon offsetting projects.

Certification is awarded following calculation using the ISO 14064 and GHG Protocol Emissions Standard principles of relevance, completeness, consistency, transparency and accuracy. 

Shaun Sidley, HSQE manager at Speedy Freight, said: “We are constantly endeavouring to optimise our operational efficiency; help reduce energy consumption emissions and waste through technical improvements and the implementation of better working practices.”

Fixico and Xtract partner to provide telematics-based incident and repair management

Xtract and Fixico have announced a strategic partnership to offer a fully integrated solution for insurance companies and commercial fleets who are looking to combine telematics-based incident and repair management.

Xtract provides a fully configurable first notice of loss (FNOL) platform, leveraging vehicle telematics and AI to reduce the time and expense of claims handling.

Fixico’s digital repair management platform, combined with its European repair network, aims to allow customers to fully control vehicle repairs, and optimise repair (handling) costs and vehicle downtime.

Michael Flanagan, CEO of Xtract, said: “By partnering with Fixico, we're enabling our clients to pinpoint the best vehicle repair options from an extensive network spanning over 3,000 facilities throughout Europe.

“Streamlining the entire claims process from FNOL to repair completion enhances efficiency and reduces expenses.”

Derk Roodhuyzen de Vries, CEO and co-founder of Fixico, added: “After having worked successfully together with multiple customers, we decided to officially join solutions for insurers and commercial fleets across Europe looking to optimise claims and repair management.

“This partnership exemplifies our commitment to continuously improve and offer the best possible solutions to our clients by strategically collaborating with industry leaders such as Xtract.”

Essex Bulk Services achieves Mission Zero accreditation

Essex Bulk Services (EBS) has achieved advanced sustainability accreditation with Mission Zero, the quality standard for the road fleet sector.

Operating a fleet of 122 vehicles, it has already completed the Mission Zero work-related road risk silver and gold advanced modules (both recognised by Transport for London (TfL) as equivalent to FORS Silver and FORS Gold).

As part of the advanced sustainability accreditation, Mission Zero provided EBS with a realistic framework for achieving a long-term sustainable transport operation.

Craig Childs, director at Essex Bulk Services, said: “Embracing sustainability can lead to cost savings, improved brand reputation, enhanced innovation, and long-term resilience.

“Engaging employees in sustainable initiatives has helped boost morale, teamwork, and attract and retain talent.

In addition, customers are increasingly conscious of their ecological and social impact and prefer to work with businesses that are environmentally and socially responsible.”

Through its alignment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Mission Zero aims to provide companies with a realistic pathway to achieving long-term sustainability.

Nick Caesari, CEO at Mission Zero, said: “Mission Zero is helping companies of all sizes to achieve a sustainable future.

“Congratulations to the entire EBS team on their Sustainability Accreditation, we are incredibly proud to have Essex Bulk Services as part of the Mission Zero family.”