Commercial Fleet Awards 2018: the results

Winners, finalists and judges' comments from the 2018 Commercial Fleet Awards.

Safety initiative of the year

Finalists

Flogas
JN Bentley
Scottish Water
Speedy Services
VPS

Winner: VPS

Highly commended

JN Bentley

Judges’ comments

A broad, holistic approach that has not just relied on technology, but also on driver attitude and recognising good performance and demonstrated some significant, real savings. Not only reduced incidents, but reduced the severity of incidents, showing good buy-in at all levels of the business.

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Public sector fleet

Finalists

Environment Agency
Hampshire Transport Management
Manchester Metropolitan University
Network Rail
Oxford City Council
Scottish Water
South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust

Winner: Scottish Water

Highly commended

Environment Agency

Judges’ comments

Scottish Water has introduced a wide range of initiatives to improve safety, tackle costs and enhance efficiencies. The judges were impressed with its engagement of internal stakeholders and external influencers, including trade unions. The organisation demonstrates leadership and excellence through its continued focus on continuous improvement.

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Private sector fleet

Finalists

Ecolab
Electricity North West
JN Bentley
Royal Mail
VPS

Winner: Royal Mail

Highly commended

Scottish Water
Ecolab

Judges’ comments

Royal Mail’s submission demonstrates what an absolute powerhouse of a fleet it is. With size, comes huge complexity but Royal Mail continues to rise to the challenge with lots of new initiatives looking at every facet of the fleet. Leading the way in electric vans and trucks, cost-saving innovation and compliance, Royal Mail continues to set the blueprint for fleet excellence.

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Best use of technology

Finalists

Alliance Disposables
Clancy Group
Flogas
JM Hall Couriers
Speedy Services

Winner: Clancy Group

Judges’ comments

Clancy Group shows how great use of technology can solve safety concerns on the fleet. Predictive modelling pre-empts incidents and is resulting in sizeable reductions in at-fault crashes. A holistic use of technology, and recognises that technology is a facilitator to the solution, not the solution in its own right. Demonstrated tangible benefits.

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Clean air champion

Finalists

Environment Agency
Farmdrop
London Borough of Hackney
Manchester Metropolitan University
Royal Mail
Wilson James

Winner: London Borough of Hackney

Highly commended

Royal Mail

Judges’ comments

Coming from a public sector background with all the pressures and challenges it faces with budgets, London Borough of Hackney is maximising its resources to drive towards a greener future. It isn’t just focusing on EVs, or PHEVs, but is introducing a number of wide-ranging initiatives to tackle both global warming and local air pollution concerns. The council is engaging its management and drivers in current and future policy and is also learning from the projects that haven’t worked.

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Last mile solution

Finalists

JM Hall Couriers
Wilson James

Winner: Wilson James

Judges’ comments

An innovative approach to freight consolidation in the challenging environment of Europe’s busiest airport, coupled with impressive environment improvements to address air quality concerns.

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Cost saving initiative

Finalists

Network Rail
Environment Agency

Winner: Network Rail

Highly commended

Environment Agency

Judges’ comments

Network Rail took an exhaustive approach to developing and introducing its new disposal programme and it is paying huge dividends by saving huge sums of money. A common sense approach to vehicle disposal that has shown significant reward, and also one reinforces its reputation as a responsible fleet operator.

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Transport manager of the year

Winner: Tony Mathews, Amey

Judges’ comments

We were disappointed with the lack of entries for this category, however we did have one person who was superb and wowed the judges with his commitment, his strategic and operational approach, his excellent understanding of key fleet issues and the testimonials from others within the company. The judging panel felt it was important to recognise this category and the winner’s achievements – Tony is absolutely deserving of the award.

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Most improved fleet

Finalists

Kings Security Systems
Scottish Water
VPS

Winner: Kings Security Systems

Highly commended

Scottish Water

Judges’ comments

Kings has made improvements in all the key areas of fleet management – environment, safety and cost – by using various technologies in a short space of time. It has demonstrated strong engagement with internal stakeholders and made cost savings from cutting accidents and introducing a revised procurement progress.

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Apprentice of the year

Finalists

Leah Saunders, Go Plant Fleet Services
Jacob Kirk, Royal Mail

Winner: Jacob Kirk, Royal Mail

Highly commended

Leah Saunders, Go Plant Fleet Services

Judges’ comments

Well regarded within Royal Mail, Jacob has progressed at a fast rate since graduating earlier this year. He stood out from all the apprentices on his programme for his enthusiasm, professionalism, maturity and initiative. Since graduating, he is already running a team of 28 technicians who collectively look after 2,000 vehicles from cars to trucks.

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Commercial fleet manager of the year

Finalists

Adrian Wanford, Balfour Beatty
Graham Telfer, Gateshead Council
Steve Duffy, Network Rail
Graham Davies, Electricity North West
Darren Moor, Countrywide LPG
Stuart Wiseman, National Cleaning Services
Stephen Moir, Flogas
Steve Mulvaney, VPS

Winner: Adrian Wanford, Balfour Beatty

Highly commended

Graham Telfer, Gateshead Council
Graham Davies, Electricity North West

Judges’ comments

In 20 years with Balfour Beatty, Adrian has created a centralised internal transport operation and is responsible for 3,500 cars, 1,700 vans and 600 complex large commercial vehicles. He demonstrates leadership in the fleet sector, and creates consistent policies across the business to deliver continuous improvement. He was instrumental in introducing Balfour Beatty’s Permit to Drive scheme which has since been used as the template by many other fleets.

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Small van of the year

Finalists

Citroen Berlingo/ Peugeot Partner
Ford Transit Connect
Nissan NV200
Volkswagen Caddy

Winner: Volkswagen Caddy

Highly commended

Citroen Berlingo/Peugeot Partner

Judges’ comments

Packed with safety technology as standard, with one of the strongest residual values and exceptional reliability plus low maintenance bills, the Caddy is the outstanding choice in the small van sector. It also offers a great driver experience and acceptability, and comes with a wide range of payloads, lengths and capacity options. Tried and tested – and remains the best.

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Medium van of the year

Finalists

Citroen Dispatch/Peugeot Expert
Ford Transit Custom
Mercedes-Benz Vito
Renault Trafic
Toyota Proace
Volkswagen Transporter

Winner: Citroen Dispatch/Peugeot Expert

Judges’ comments

Best-in-class payload and towing capacity with low emissions make the Citroen and Peugeot vans the winner. High levels of specification with three lengths, lots of safety equipment, a wide range of options with manual and auto and easy to convert combines to offer outstanding value for money. Great all-rounders.

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Large van of the year

Finalists

Citroen Relay/Peugeot Boxer
Fiat Ducato
Ford Transit
MAN TGE
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Volkswagen Crafter

Winner: Volkswagen Crafter

Highly commended

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Judges’ comments

The Crafter has huge payload and cubic capacity which are crucial for large panel vans. Good value for money, driver acceptance is high, packed with safety features and a good base for conversions – the Crafter is the clear winner.

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Pick-up van of the year

Finalists

Ford Ranger
Isuzu D-Max
Mitsubishi L200
Toyota Hilux

Winner: Isuzu D-Max

Highly commended

Toyota Hilux

Judges’ comments

Low emissions, low fuel economy, cheap to buy and requires no AdBlue – the costs all weigh up in the D-Max’s favour. Added to strong residual values, five-year warranty, excellent manufacturer support and good to drive, it is unbeatable in this category.

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Zero emission van of the year

Finalists

Citroen Berlingo Electric/Peugeot Partner Electric
Iveco Daily Electric
LDV EV80
Nissan eNV200
Renault Kangoo ZE

Winner: Nissan eNV200

Judges’ comments

Proven reliability, best range in class with no battery degradation, and drivers love them – the eNV200 is a tried and tested electric vehicle that has found its way onto hundreds of fleets. The electric battery elevates a basic van to greatness.

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Low emission truck manufacturer of the year

Finalists:

Fuso
Isuzu
Iveco
Renault Trucks
Scania

Winner: Iveco

Judges’ comments

Iveco has the broadest range of vehicle choice and it is the manufacturer making most progress away from traditional fuels into electric and CNG, with an offering from vans to heavy trucks.

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Van of the year – reader voted

Finalists:

Citroen Berlingo
Ford Transit
Ford Transit Connect
Ford Transit Custom
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Mercedes-Benz Vito
Peugeot Partner
Volkswagen Caddy
Volkswagen Crafter
Volkswagen Transporter

Winner: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Judges’ comments

Recently voted by FN50 leasing companies as the most reliable van in the sector, fleets have now voted the Sprinter as their favourite. It narrowly missed out in the judged category, but is a high quality, safety and technology laden vehicle that is ideal for most types of fleet requirement.

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Truck of the year – reader voted

Finalists:

DAF CF
DAF LF
DAF XF
Mercedes-Benz Trucks Actros
Mercedes-Benz Trucks Antos
Mercedes-Benz Trucks Atego
Mercedes-Benz Trucks Econic
Scania P Series
Scania R Series
Volvo FH

Winner: DAF LF

Judges’ comments

The LF retained its title as fleets again vote it their favourite truck. The LF’s versatility in urban environments is a defining feature, while its spacious cab and refined driving experience make it a firm favourite with drivers. Strong support from Daf, plus reliability and low running costs combine for an unbeatable package.

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Van manufacturer of the year – reader voted

Finalists:

Citroen
Fiat Professional
Ford
Iveco
Mercedes-Benz
Nissan
Peugeot
Renault
Vauxhall
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles

Winner: Ford

Judges’ comments

Ford has a strong product line up with options at all weights and body sizes, which puts the company high up on most fleets’ lists. Combined with a renewed focus on customer service, it has driven strong growth in a declining van market. Ford remains the dependable choice.

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Truck manufacturer of the year – reader voted

Finalists:

DAF Trucks
FUSO
HINO
Isuzu Truck
Iveco
MAN
Mercedes-Benz Trucks
Renault Trucks
Scania
Volvo Trucks

Winner: Mercedes-Benz Trucks

Judges’ comments

Mercedes has improved its truck offering for fleets prioritising environmental, safety and efficiency concerns while maintaining its focus on customer service. It has introduced a number of innovative safety solutions which, combined with low operating costs and maximum uptime, have led to a strong performance this year. Fleets agreed by voting it their number one.

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Fleet customer partnership award

Finalists:

ARI
AssetWorks
Hitachi Capital
Manheim Auctions
SHB Hire

Winner: SHB Hire

Judges’ comments

SHB understood the customer’s requirements, assessed the need and delivered on a tripartite partnership. It addressed a very complex issue effectively and met a challenging deadline with an innovative solution that bore great benefits to the fleet and the fleet’s customer.

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Van leasing company of the year

Finalists:

Alphabet
Arval
Hitachi Capital

Winner: Hitachi Capital

Judges’ comments

Hitachi provides a comprehensive service packed with innovative initiatives. It works in partnership with customers and is focused on satisfying the needs of a wide variety of van fleets. It has an excellent focus on environmental initiatives with important staff development that benefits fleets, and provided good evidence to support its claims. Hitachi treats vans like trucks when it comes to compliance, efficiency and downtime management.

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Truck leasing company of the year

Finalists:

Go Plant Fleet Services
Hexagon Leasing
Hitachi Capital

Winner: Hexagon Leasing

Judges’ comments

Hexagon Leasing is very customer-focused and industry-focused. The judges praised the flexibility of its schemes, especially its open-book policy with its IT systems. Hexagon also impressed with its lightweight body development to meet customer needs. It listens to fleets and comes up with innovative solutions, and is supported by strong testimonials.

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Rental company of the year

Finalists:

County Car and Van Rental
Europcar
Hexagon Leasing
Northgate
Reflex Vehicle Hire
SHB Hire

Winner: Reflex Vehicle Hire

Highly commended

SHB Hire

Judges’ comments

Significant and continued emphasis on driver safety plus excellent environment credentials and a fair charging structure make Reflex the winner in a competitive category. Reflex is an innovative rental company that is very focused on the customer and developing solutions to real fleet issues. One customer said it has broken the mould in vehicle rental - the judges agreed.

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Converter of the year

Finalists:

Bott
Cartwright Conversions
Clarks Vehicle Conversions
Coolkit
Qi Van Systems

Winner: Bott

Highly commended

Qi Van Systems

Judges’ comments

Bott operates strong processes, with substantial proactive customer engagement, plus industry engagement through its Van Excellence membership. Lots of collaboration and innovation in meeting customers’ needs make Bott a worthy winner against very strong competition.

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New product or service of the year

Finalists:

Driving Doctor
Predina Tech
r2c Online
Smart Witness

Winner:

r2c Online

Highly commended

Smart Witness

Judges’ comments

This is a very innovative solution that is focused on SMR efficiencies. It reduces downtime, speeds up the repair, reduces parts use and ultimately saves fleets money. This could be a game-changer in the workshop, said the judges.

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Supplier of the year

Finalists:

ARI
Hitachi Capital
Manheim Auctions
Mediafleet
Reflex Vehicle Hire
SHB Hire

Winner: ARI

Highly commended

SHB Hire

Judges’ comments

ARI is very customer focused with outstanding policies and processes. It showed a willingness and flexibility to respond to fleets’ needs at short notice and an ability to learn from failure. ARI also displayed excellent cost savings, evidenced by strong testimonials. It is the outstanding supplier in a very strong field.