As a leading UK Haulier, Chadkirk Transport have always heavily valued doing things the right way and being adaptable to our customers needs. For 5 years now we have been proud to operate as FORS Silver accredited. As one of the first names that comes to mind when looking for a FORS Silver operator in the Manchester and North West area we have grown from strength to strength during recent years.

Priding ourselves on doing things the right way, maintaining high standards and following procedures to a tee, it is no surprise that making the decision to become a FORS Silver operator was a seamless transition and has proved a major success for the company.

In this blog we’ll take a deep dive into what a FORS Silver accreditation can bring to your company.

What is FORS?

Firstly, let’s have a look at what FORS is and what it means. Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme, is essentially a voluntary accreditation scheme that offers the chance to elevate your standards for safety, efficiency, environmental protection, and overall excellence in fleet operations. Once all the standards have been applied and demonstrated (and importantly met) by your company to a FORS auditor an accreditation will be awarded and you will have your FORS Silver certification.

There are 3 levels of accreditation, Bronze, Silver and Gold, the different levels will require different criteria and standards to meet and show a certain level of competency.

Benefits of Becoming FORS Silver Accredited

CLOCS Compliant-
FORS Silver means you automatically become CLOCS compliant, meaning you gain a significant advantage if you have work that involves the construction industry. Plenty of work can be gained through this especially within London developments as we have learnt through experience.

Streamlined Operations-
FORS training and accreditation allows you to learn how to implement and improve efficiencies across your business. You will likely become a safer, smarter and greener operator which will deliver increased profits and revenue savings. Reducing fuel consumption, fines and insurance costs all helps your bottom line.

Win More Business-
Having a FORS Silver accreditation essentially guarantees a reputation of best practice. Companies looking for the right haulier greatly value a company that they know are dedicated to providing services in the best possible fashion. We can greatly attest to this benefit as we have seen a plethora of new FORS Silver required work come our way.

Improving Driver’s Capabilities-
Through the approved training programme FORS provides your drivers with skills and knowledge to develop their driving ability. Improving their driving in urban environments and improving fuel consumption you will no doubt have a valuable workforce of even better drivers.

FORS Silver Requirements

To achieve FORS Silver accreditation, an operators must have also achieved all the requirements for FORS Bronze, as well as provide evidence of the following extra criteria:

Fuel efficiency: Operators must show they have the right measures in place to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, this should include things such as driver training, vehicle tracking, and route planning.

Driver health and wellbeing: Operators must also provide clear evidence of measures in place to promote and help drivers with their health and wellbeing. This could include things such as access to healthcare and mental health support.

Transport-related fines and charges: Operators must clearly evidence that they have implemented measures to reduce transport-related fines and charges, for example congestion charges and parking fines.

The following items also need to be installed onto vehicles and checked before every shift to achieve FORS Silver.

• A camera system that monitors the near-side vehicle blind spot.
• An in-cab display screen to provide the driver with a view of the near-side blind spot
• An in-cab audible warning system to alert the driver of other road users in the near-side blind spot
• Close-proximity sensors and blind-spot camera
• Audible warning system for vehicle turning left
• Audible warning system for vehicle reversing
• Rearview camera for vehicles over 7.5 tonnes gross weight

The processes put in place and technology required will incur costs and time. However, the benefits can be substantial for a business and have been for ourselves. Implementing these processes cements our culture of operating with best practice and gives our drivers the best equipment and knowledge to help aid with their own and other road user’s safety.

Quick Word From the Boss

Here’s a quick word from our managing director Rhys Fildes regarding the accreditation of FORS Silver and the impact it’s had on the business, ‘Achieving FORS Silver has been absolutely massive for our business, it’s reinforced our culture of doing things the right way and had a huge benefit on our growth over the years. The processes we have in place as a result of our FORS Silver accreditation make it much easier for us to maintain a level of service that our customers have come to expect during their time with us. Everyone in the team is invested in the cause and I couldn’t be happier about the position we’re in today’.’