AJAX (South East) has achieved Van Excellence operator accreditation using the recently launched Van Excellence Small Fleet Programme.

Van Excellence is a Freight Transport Association (FTA) scheme, which was launched in 2010 in order to promote high standards of van operation and driving by accrediting operators against an industry code of good practice.

Since it was introduced more than 100 van operators have gained operator accreditation with Van Excellence, operating in excess of 125,000 vans between them.

“Since we launched Van Excellence in 2010, it’s fair to say that the majority of our accredited operators run sizeable van fleets,” said Mark Cartwright, head of vans at the FTA.

“Talking to smaller operators, it was clear that they often needed more support in putting into place the systems and processes we need to see before awarding accreditation. Our Small Fleet Programme does that by providing the tools and support needed.”

Derek Golding, director fleet operations at Ajax Couriers, said: “We run a small fleet of vans and aspire to operate at the highest standards; this is why the Van Excellence Small Fleet Programme is ideal for us.

“The programme provides us with an intuitive fleet management software package, all of FTA’s Van Excellence information and support including access to their Member Advice Centre.”

Cartwright continued: "Van Excellence works perfectly for van operators of all shapes and sizes. We’ve accredited some of the largest fleets in the past few years, including Network Rail and BT, but we have also now offer a solution for smaller fleets to maintain fleet management records and offers the ability to carry out the Van Excellence assessment remotely.

“FTA is delighted to award the Van Excellence operator accreditation to AJAX who have demonstrated the same high operating standards and compliance management as some of the largest fleets in the UK.”