Heathrow Haulage Ltd, a Tarmac subcontractor has become the 250th company to achieve FORS Gold accreditation, increasing its MPG by almost five per cent in just six months.
FORS (The Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme) Gold is the highest accreditation level FORS offers, setting out best possible practice in safety, as well as environmental and operational efficiency.
Hillingdon-based Heathrow Haulage Ltd subcontracts asphalt and aggregate material for Tarmac and decided to progress to FORS Gold to further highlight its commitment to best practice and road safety standards, after seeing the improvements made to its business at both Bronze and Silver level.
Now the company has become the 250th operator in the country to achieve FORS Gold, and as a result, has seen its fuel efficiency improve by 4.7 per cent.
Director James O‘Mahoney said, “We discovered FORS through our work with Tarmac and were informed of the benefits FORS made to other sub-contractors, who had seen a noticeable decrease in fuel usage.
“Achieving FORS Bronze accreditation encouraged us to aim for FORS Silver, and seeing the improvements made to both fuel use and business operations while working towards these levels encouraged us to continue utilising the FORS tools and practices up to Gold.”
He adds, “The results are clear; our vehicle is now using less fuel, which is very helpful to our bottom-line.”
As well as a tangible fuel saving, FORS Gold requires members to evidence understanding of safety best practice, for which Heathrow Haulage maintained a zero-accident record, with zero PCNs (penalty charge notices) received.
James O’Mahoney said, “After becoming FORS accredited we really took advantage of the toolkits offered. The safety guidance has without a doubt helped keep our accident number at zero.”
For the sub-contracting business, which operates one vehicle and two drivers, accessing driver training and guidance online has also proved invaluable.
O’Mahoney said, “The drivers have become a lot more knowledgeable and confident since using FORS. Having the eLearning resources such as the Cycle Safety module available to our drivers from home, has encouraged them to regularly complete the modules, which helps keep their road safety knowledge up-to-date and ensures our drivers are fully aware of vulnerable road users.”
Tarmac has worked closely with Heathrow Haulage in its bid to achieve FORS Gold.
Sean McGrae, senior national transport manager, Tarmac, said “As the operator of one of the largest HGV fleets in our industry Tarmac has a strong commitment to improving safety and environmental performance across both our own and sub-contractor fleet.
“In addition to supporting our hauliers maintain a focus on continuous improvement and best practice, our work with FORS further supports increasing customer demand for drivers who can demonstrate the highest standards.”
McGrae added, “We’re very proud to see a Tarmac haulier recognised for achieving this milestone and want to extend our congratulations to Heathrow Haulage Ltd and all others who have already gained FORS Gold.”
Other operational improvements achieved by Heathrow Haulage include lowered noise pollution, following advice in FORS anti-idling toolkit and Quiet Equipment guide, regular employee health questionnaires and eye tests, and a new recruit work-shadowing ‘buddy’ scheme to support new drivers entering the industry.
James O’Mahoney said, “FORS accreditation ensures our employees and clients that we are performing using best practices in road safety and are working to reduce our carbon footprint and we are proud to reach Gold.”
Anne Johnson, FORS Operations Director, said, “Huge congratulations to Heathrow Haulage on reaching this milestone.
“The fact that we now have 250 members across the country operating at our highest level – FORS Gold – is great news. It is testament to the commitment of companies like Heathrow Haulage who do their utmost to ensure safety, environmental and efficiency best practice and raise standards across our industry.’
