A comprehensive guide to successfully running a van fleet will be launched by the Freight Transport Association at the CV Show. The Guide to Van Excellence is part of the association's Van Excellence initiative, which aims to improve operating standards among van fleets and improve the image of the sector.

The guide covers areas such as vehicle condition, safe working, driver licensing, compliance and training, and will be regularly updated to keep track of changes in the fast-growing van sector.

The launch of Van Excellence last year has been widely welcomed in the industry, and many businesses have already registered their interest. 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.

FTA Van Excellence Project Manager, Mark Cartwright, said:

"There has been a massive growth in van use in recent years and the large number of liveried vans on the road means that the way in which they are presented, driven and operated can have an important effect - for good or ill - on the reputation of a company. The Guide to Van Excellence contains information on everything that good operators have learnt through hard work and experience, helping other operators to follow their example."

So far, 13 organisations operating over 22,000 vans have signed up to the Van Excellence initiative, with some 80 more in the pipeline.

The Van Excellence programme is open to both members and non-members of FTA. For further information go to www.vanexcellence.co.uk