frequently asked questions
What is FORS?
The Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) is a voluntary accreditation scheme designed to help fleet operators improve fleet standards within their organisation. FORS offers a range of tools that help drivers, fleet managers, and organisations measure and improve performance across all aspects of their fleet operations, and demonstrate best practice.
How does FORS benefit fleet operators?
The key benefits FORS offers operators include:
• Improving road safety awareness
• Improving fuel efficiency and reducing fuel emissions
• Reducing the number of fines and other vehicle-related charges
• Better understanding and knowledge of the fleet industry
You can find out more about FORS benefits fleet operators here.
How can you achieve FORS accreditation?
To achieve accreditation, you need to prove you employ good practice and comply with the requirements laid out by the FORS Standard.
FORS splits its framework into three different tiers; Bronze, Siler, and Gold.
You can find out more about FORS accreditation here.
How does FORS benefit drivers?
FORS offers a range of classroom-based and e-learning courses and training materials to help drivers improve and maintain high driving standards. Its driver training materials includes:
- Beyond Compulsory Basic Training – for delivery drivers in urban environments.
- Safe Urban Driving – for commercial HGV operators.
- TruckSmart – for commercial HGV drivers.
- VanSmart – for commercial van drivers.
- Locity Driving – for commercial HGV and van drivers.
You can find out more about how FORS benefits drivers here.
How do fleet managers benefit from FORS?
FORS also provides separate training courses and materials for fleet managers to help them perform their role better. Some FORS’ courses include:
- HGV/PCV Fleet Management Essentials – for supervisory staff working to achieve O Licence.
- Car/Van Fleet Management Essentials – for supervisory staff operating car and van fleets.
- Toolbox Talks – to help operators communicate with their staff.
- Collision Management – road Risk Champion and Collision Investigator.
- FORS Practitioner – series of workshops designed for transport managers.
Will FORS accreditation save your company money?
Yes, there are a number of ways you can save money by working to the Standards set by FORS.
It provides a number of case studies on their site detailing how they have helped countless companies reduce their fuel spend. This is achieved by improving the miles per gallon you’re getting across your fleet. With fleets of hundreds or even thousands of vehicles, the potential savings by reducing fuel consumption by a few percentage points can run into the thousands.
This is done by learning how to measure the fuel your drivers are using. How much idle time they’re experiencing, the speed and the way they’re driving. Another area where FORS is helping companies make meaningful savings is by reducing the number of incidents on the road. By educating drivers and fleet managers on better fleet practices, companies following the FORS Standards typically see a reduction in incidents.