Logistics UK Van Excellence

Van Excellence Code has been launched aimed at establishing a voluntary set of standards for van fleets.

Logistics UK’s code will complement the Department for Transport's Van Best Practice Programme, which helps LCV fleets to save money by improving the operational, environmental and safety performance of their vans.

It is hoped that if van operators follow this code they will be spared any swingeing legislation, such the introduction of tachographs for vans under 3.5 tonnes that is being mooted at present.

Some of Britain’s largest van fleets have put their weight behind the code, including BT Fleet, DHL and Royal Mail, while manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz, Ford and Nissan have agreed to join in.

The code is designed to provide mandatory and audited parameters for all aspects of van fleet operation, including driver behaviour, vehicle safety, maintenance and risk assessment methods.

“The purpose of the Code is to demonstrate achievement of high standards of van operation beyond that currently required by law,” said Logistics UK.

“Accreditation against the Code’s standards will demonstrate a meaningful commitment to safe, efficient and sustainable operations.”

The intention is also to present the code to Government as an alternative for the formal legislation.

At present there are 3.2 million vans on the UK’s roads, of which 1.2 million are driven by members of the Logistics UK. The group now wants to get in touch with operators outside its membership, to encourage them to sign up for the code. Those doing so do not have to be Logistics UK members.

Further information on Van Excellence.

Download the Logistics UK document:
The Van Excellence Code

Download the DfT's van best practice documents:
Van Best Practice - Running a fleet of vans
Van Best Practice - Weight limits and loading (video)
Van Best Practice - Drivers' hours
Van Best Practice - Safe Vans - the daily walkaround check

See more in our Vans section.