The Freight Transport Association unveils two new courses

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has unveiled two new training courses aimed at increasing the ability of van and light commercial vehicle fleets to operate safely and legally. The Certificate of Excellence for Van Operators and the Certificate of Excellence for Passenger Van Operators are based on advice contained in the association’s Van Excellence Code, which was written using and advice from support the UK’s best van fleets.

The two courses, which represent a best practice guide, are designed to improve an individual’s management and supervision of freight and passenger van fleets.

The FTA first launched their Van Excellence training scheme back in 2010 as a method of promoting high standards of van operation and driving by accrediting operators against an industry code of good practice.

The courses cover every aspect of van fleet operation, ensuring the highest standards are reached in terms of vehicle maintenance, vehicle administration, driver licensing, securing of loads, speed limits and limiters, towing equipment as well as driver identification, behaviour and competence.

Mark Cartwright, Head of Vans and LCVs at the Freight Transport Association, said: “Any organisation operating vehicles as part of its business activity must ensure the safety of drivers and the public, as failure to do so can have serious consequences. These courses will provide van operators with a wealth of best practice guidance for operating safely, legally and efficiently and are designed to help raise standards across van operations.”

The finale of the training course for all delegates is an assessment which measures how many of the lessons from the course have been learnt. A FTA Certificate of Excellence will then be issued which is valid for a period of three years.

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