Logistics UK is celebrating the 11-year anniversary of Van Excellence, the organisation’s scheme that promotes the safe and efficient operation of vans.

UK Logistics Head of Consulting & Standards, Sharon Mitchell, said now is the ideal time to celebrate the incredible determination of van drivers in supporting UK society and the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

She said, “From March 2020, the van community stepped up to serve the nation, from delivering food shopping to the most vulnerable to keeping businesses moving behind the scenes and their efforts were recognised with official acknowledgement as ‘key workers’ by government. 80% of businesses in the van industry said they had adapted their services to better serve their community, with van drivers reporting working an additional 20 hours a month, according to the Mercedes-Benz Vans Business Barometer. Operators in the Van Excellence scheme – who represent the best in the community – are no exception; we would like to thank them for their incredible efforts over the past 12 months as we mark one year since the first lockdown.”

The Van Excellence scheme provides operators with the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to safer, more efficient and sustainable van fleets by passing a series of tests.  The scheme is sponsored by its Gold Partners: The AA, Bott Ltd, Brigade Electronics, Hertz UK Ltd, Lex Autolease, Quartix, and TVL.