Hertz UK is to become the first van hire company in the UK to promote the Freight Transport Association‘s award-winning Van Excellence Code (VEC).

Some of the UK’s largest van operators, including Sainsbury’s, DHL, City Link and Carillion, have already signed up to the scheme and Hertz’s participation will focus on its Owner Driver Van Hire Scheme customers. This scheme serves the needs of large numbers of self-employed van drivers who provide distribution services on a sub-contract basis for the express parcels industry. The SME sector accounts for most of the three million vans on the road in the UK and is where Hertz can play a key role in helping to promote the new VEC standard.

The VEC is aimed at establishing a comprehensive and realistic code of conduct for van operators which will benefit businesses, the environment and all road users. It sets standards in three primary areas: vehicle maintenance, driver competence and behaviour, and environmental impact. Following its tradition for leading innovation and excellence, Hertz will be the first vehicle rental company to endorse the VEC and promote the benefits of Van Excellence accreditation amongst its van hire customers.

Mark Cartwright, Head of Vans and LCV’s at FTA, commented:

“It is a pleasure to welcome Hertz into our association. The success of any initiative on such a large scale requires the support of all the biggest players in the industry. With a reputation for exceptional services and a large customer base, we have no doubt that our relationship with Hertz will be a great asset in our efforts to set the standard for future working practices in the van sector.”

Michel Taride, President of Hertz International, said:

“As one of the world’s leading provider of transport solutions, we are committed to the development of all sectors of the transport industry and have always implemented rigorous standards in all our operations.  As vans are one of the fastest growing sectors in the UK and also critical to the small and medium business economies, it is extremely crucial to have high standards such as the voluntary Van Excellence Code. Combining our strengths with the expertise, knowledge and services of the FTA, we are confident of the success of Van Excellence and are proud to support the FTA in this initiative.”

To find out more about the Van Excellence Code, visit www.vanexcellence.co.uk