Miniclipper Logistics are delighted to announce that we have successfully passed another FORS Bronze audit without any minor or major non conformances. FORS (Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme) is a voluntary scheme that demonstrates that we instil industry-leading best practice within our transport operation. The FORS bronze accreditation confirms that we comply with all of the requirements laid out by the FORS standards, such as continuously reviewing our operational practices through effective monitoring of fuel and tyre usage and demonstrating commitment to driver and vehicle safety. This accreditation coincides with an increase to our Operator’s Licence (o-licence) to expand our fleet to 50 vehicles and 45 trailers, and equipping 40 of our vehicles to meet ‘Direct Vision’ standards. This safety permit, designed to eliminate blind spots from HGVs is part of the Mayor of London’s Vision Zero plan for road safety on London’s transport network in 2041.
Miniclipper Logistics first became FORS accredited in October 2013 and has successfully passed every audit thereon after. This comes off the back of a successful Department for Transport inspection this summer which reviewed our security arrangements for the carriage of ADR (hazardous) goods. We are pleased to announce that every aspect assessed which included staff recruitment and training was scored as ‘fully compliant’ with no recommendations for process changes or improvements. As part of our focus on tailored training, an in-house ‘driver trainer’ has been recruited and RTITB (Road Transport Industry Training Board) membership has been acquired, enabling us to bring the accredited DCPC training in-house. RTITB is an industry leading standard setting body for workplace transport training solutions including modules on accreditation, auditing, assessment and ‘train the trainer’ services.
We are passionate about developing our employees, and as such we introduced a 6 month in-house ‘Warehouse to Wheels’ programme in 2021. This initiative offers our Transit Warehouse Team and Warehouse Operatives the opportunity to qualify as Class 2 Drivers. We currently have two employees partaking in this programme, which includes a combination of internal, external, theory and practical training including road safety, security, tachograph, drivers’ hours and working time directive training. Led by our full-time Driver Trainer Simon Page, we are creating cost efficiencies by utilising our in-house capabilities for expert, certified training, which includes an overhaul of our driver induction programme to incorporate teaching techniques such as slow speed manoeuvres to help reduce incidents and damage costs.
This year alone, we have doubled our fleet and in the last few weeks we have introduced one of two of our new double deck trailers, two straight frame trailers and two MAN tractor units. At the forefront of sourcing our vehicles is our ambition to minimise the impact on the environment and with initiatives such as investing in second generation MAN TGX units two years ago, we have made a saving in fuel consumption of 18,209 litres and 47,996 kgs of Co2 up to May 2022.
As well as our ambition to be a sustainable and responsible business, we are committed to supporting our local community as such we were recently involved in the local Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard Truck Convoy to raise awareness and money for the Royal British Legion, Scotty’s Little Solders and the East Anglian Air Ambulance with a staggering £14,500 raised for these charities. Our year-on-year attendance at his event led us to be presented with the 2022 ‘Loyal Supporter’ award with over 2000 people joining the event including drivers from Marbella and Poland!
Our fleet compliance team is led by ‘Microlise Driver of the Year’ 2021 finalist, Callum Greenall who can be contacted at callum.greenall@miniclipper.co.uk for further information on any of the topics included in this article.
