The Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) is an accreditation scheme for fleets which aims to drive up standards and demonstrate which operators are achieving exemplary levels of best practice in safety, efficiency and environmental protection.
While FORS is still voluntary, it is now a requirement to work on many large infrastructure projects and there are currently more than 4,700 accredited operators in the UK, running more than 94,000 vehicles.
It is therefore an excellent way for hauliers to demonstrate to customers that they are high-performing businesses aiming to embed industry-leading best practice.
The scheme covers three levels:
- Bronze – The entry-level accreditation Bronze focuses on legal compliance and basic safety requirements.
- Silver – This entails further advancements in safety practices, management systems, and operational efficiency.
- Gold – The highest level of FORS accreditation, Gold signifies exemplary performance across all aspects, including safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
To make sure transport operators are maintaining the FORS Standard, on-site reapproval audits are conducted annually for Bronze and every two years for Silver and Gold.
Businesses renewing their Gold and Silver accreditations also have to provide evidence every year.
United Worldwide Logistics (UWL), which transports goods across the UK and Europe across sectors including automotive, retail, and technology, recently achieved FORS Gold accreditation.
The company has used FORS as a framework for continual improvement and as an opportunity to align its values with best practices in fleet management.
Its teams have also embedded the scheme’s requirements into their everyday operations, focusing on areas such as driver training, preventative maintenance, data-led decision making, and environmental performance.
According to UWL, reaching Gold standard required overcoming challenges such as the integration of new processes, engaging staff at all levels, and streamlining documentation.
The operator has also invested in new technologies to enhance data accuracy and visibility, while maintaining strong communication across teams to embed a shared commitment to the FORS ethos.
Since securing FORS Gold, UWL has reported significant operational improvements.
These have included a stronger safety culture and reduction in incidents; improved fuel efficiency and reduced environmental impact; as well as enhanced driver performance and reduced vehicle downtime.
UWL continues to maintain its FORS standards through internal audits, regular policy reviews, and the use of telematics and performance data to monitor and improve operations.
Simon Williams, Transport Manager at UWL said: “Achieving Gold status reflects not just a badge, but a culture of excellence that permeates through every level of our business.
“We overcame challenges through clear communication, ongoing training, and a culture shift that made these standards part of our core values.
“We actively seek innovative technologies and process improvements to enhance efficiency, reduce emissions, and raise safety standards.”
Essex-based waste management company, Sharp Skips said FORS accreditation has directly led to an increasing number of high-profile new business opportunities.
From its base in Rainham, the FORS Gold accredited operator manages a mixed fleet of about 40 vehicles, from skips and roll-on roll-offs to grabber loaders and tippers.
Ryan Jones, Head of Sales at Sharp Skips, said since being involved with FORS, CO2 emissions levels generated by the business have dropped – thanks to better use of the technology within its fleet of modern vehicles – and a closed-loop recycling system has significantly minimised the firm’s environmental footprint.
He added: “From an operational perspective, with the help and guidance of FORS, we’ve been able to increase fuel efficiency fleet-wide, thanks to the scheme’s driver training initiatives designed to improve driving styles.
“The result is that our drivers are now consistently hitting their targets, which in turn has increased our customer loyalty.
“Safety practices have also been strengthened – for instance, all vehicles in our fleet have been fitted with cameras to boost driver awareness and minimise safety risks.
“There’s no doubt that FORS accreditation has enabled us to win new business, cut down on costs across our entire operation and champion safety within our sector.”
Meanwhile, independent builders merchant group Lawsons, which performs more than 200,000 deliveries per annum across the South East of England, has successfully maintained its FORS Silver Accreditation.
One of the earliest adopters of the FORS standard, Lawsons has consistently invested in the safety and quality of its extensive fleet and recruitment, training and development of its current team of more than 150 drivers.
The company is committed to continue progression through to the top level of accreditation.
Dan Hearne, Head of Group Transport, said: “Knowing that our vehicles are comprehensively pre-use checked every day with additional pre departure checks before every run by a member of the management team, means that we as a business have confidence in what we do.
“This alongside being fitted with the latest safety features and ever evolving changes to our fleet provides a level of reassurance to customers and other road users.
“Underpinning all of this is our comprehensive internal driver training and refresher courses which continue to help reduce our incident rates year upon year. “
Meanwhile, Craggs Energy, a provider of commercial fuels, heating oil, and lubricants in the North West and Yorkshire, recently achieved the FORS Bronze accreditation.
According to the company, this marks a significant step in its pursuit of net zero, while reinforcing its dedication to enhancing operational efficiency and driver safety standards.
The process included a thorough evaluation of the company’s daily fleet operations to ensure compliance with industry best practice as set out by FORS.
It also involved assessments of training standards and its fleet of Euro-6 delivery tankers, which adhere to the latest exhaust emissions standards, are covered by top quality tyre management policies, and include the latest safety features.
Mark Bailey, Operations and Transport Manager for the Group, said becoming part of scheme has helped to enhance, inform, and influence its internal standards, procedures and policies.
He added: “Our team have also benefited from having access to training courses and online learning modules, in addition to expert advice.
“That’s aiding our ongoing commitment to the implementation of the safest and most fuel-efficient approaches to the running of our fleet operations, which includes the recording of our use of AdBlue, and the implementation of eco-routing.”
For more information about the scheme, visitwww.fors-online.org.uk
