The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has launched a new best-practice compliance guide designed to support van operators navigating an increasingly complex regulatory environment.
The RHA Van Standard is aimed at businesses operating goods vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes gross weight, including operators who may primarily run HGV fleets but rely on vans to support local, time-critical or specialist work.
In recent years, van operators have faced growing regulatory pressure, increased DVSA enforcement activity as well as debate over how rules apply – particularly around drivers’ hours, working time, international operations and employment responsibilities.
The RHA said the Van Standard brings together the key areas that operators need to manage effectively, including driver requirements, vehicle maintenance, employment contracts, health and safety, working time and tachographs.
It also sets out some industry best practice and what would reasonably be expected of a professional van operator.
Alongside the guidance, the RHA offers a dedicated van membership, giving operators access to compliance advice, legal and employment support, training, insurance services and campaigning representation.
The RHA Van Standard is free to download and available to both members and non-members.
Richard Smith, Managing Director of the RHA, said the guide reflects the organisation’s commitment to its values of relevance and quality.
“Van operators are doing more than ever, often with tighter margins and greater scrutiny,” he said. “We hear consistently that the rules can feel unclear, fragmented and difficult to navigate – especially for operators running mixed fleets or working across borders.
“The RHA Van Standard is designed to show what good looks like in practice, reduce uncertainty and help operators protect their businesses.”
