Fleet software provider partners with Van Excellence campaign to promote best practice

Fleet, leasing and rental management software supplier, Jaama, has become one of the first organisation's to partner the Freight Transport Association's Van Excellence scheme. Jaama's Key2 Vehicle Management system is being used by a number of light commercial vehicle fleet operators that have already joined the Van Excellence programme.
 
Van Excellence is an industry-led initiative to raise standards and improve the image of the UK's growing van sector and includes a tough accreditation system and a strict code of practice, and is backed by many household names.
 
The launch of Van Excellence in 2010 has been widely welcomed in the industry, and many businesses have joined the scheme. Van Excellence is a standard set by van operators for use by van operators, sharing and formalising working practices already used by leading companies in the sector.
 
In the 18 months since the scheme launched, 27 fleets have achieved accreditation to the Van Excellence Code, with a further 80 having expressed interest or undergoing accreditation. The total number of vans operated by those organisations is 137,500.
 
There are, to date, 14 organisations that have joined the Van Excellence programme as partners and are suppliers to van fleets. Partners promote the Code of Van Excellence amongst their customers and encourage its standards to be adopted and followed throughout the light commercial vehicle sector.
 
Among Jaama customers that have achieved Van Excellence as determined by the 'Van Excellence Code' are: Amey, DHL International (UK), Enterprise Managed Services, Norse Commercial Services and South Central Ambulance Trust.
 
South Central Ambulance Service introduced Jaama's Key 2 system to manage its fleet of almost 1,000 vehicles including lease cars, rapid response cars/motorcycles, ambulances and patient transport vehicles two years ago. In addition, SCAS runs a total of five workshops and a vehicle commissioning unit, which is responsible for adding specialist equipment to vehicles.
 
Head of fleet Rick Stillman said: "The Jaama system provides SCAS with cutting-edge functionality. We wanted a standard fleet management software system across the whole of the service so that we could accurately gauge fleet costs and manage workshop parts much more effectively to reduce vehicle downtime. We wanted complete visibility across all parts of the fleet for all vehicle and workshop administrators. Following the introduction of Key2 we are delivering significantly improved vehicle operating efficiencies and reducing operating costs."
 
Mark Cartwright, the FTA's head of vans and light commercial vehicles, commented: "Van Excellence is all about recognising excellence across the sector. Jaama's support of Van Excellence demonstrates their commitment in supporting van operators and FTA is delighted to welcome the company as a Van Excellence partner."