TJ to go for DVSA earned recognition

TJ Transport is planning to apply for a prestigious scheme that when approved, would mean that their vehicles and drivers would have the automatic seal of approval from the Driver and Vehicle Services Agency (DVSA) due to their exceptional standards.

The DVSA Earned Recognition Scheme gives companies operating heavy goods vehicles the chance to earn themselves blue OCRS status, which will let DVSA inspectors know that they operate to extremely high standards and do not need to be stopped at the roadside for inspections.

This will save time for TJ drivers as DVSA spot checks are carried out regularly on vehicles, even those with green status. The company’s colour status is awarded in line with their OCRS – Operator Compliance Risk Score. The score is determined by a number of factors including vehicle condition, how many MOT fails the company vehicles have had, drivers’ hours, whether loading limits have been breached and tachograph records.

The scoring is green for lowest risk, amber for those who need to improve and red for those that have a bad history. TJ currently holds green status due to the fact that they have extremely high standards when it comes to maintaining their vehicles and ensuring their drivers are carrying out their duties correctly.

In order to be considered for earned recognition, the company must open their files to the DVSA so they can check all aspects of the way the company operates. They will check drivers’ hours and tachograph records to ensure drivers are not working too many hours and that they are acting safely by taking breaks from driving when the law dictates. They’ll also check that drivers are carrying out their daily checks on the vehicles, have not broken any road laws and that the vehicles are passing their MOTs and being serviced at the correct intervals.

TJ is a strong candidate to achieve earned recognition for many reasons. Firstly, every vehicle in TJ’s fleet receives a periodic inspection every six weeks to carry out routine maintenance and check all aspects of the vehicle to ensure it is safe to be on the road. TJ’s MOT pass rate is currently 98%, which is testament to how well their vehicles are looked after.

In addition to that, all TJ drivers carry out a first use check at the start of each shift to ensure that everything is as it should be and that the vehicle is safe to drive. The driver must report all defects and symptoms of defects and these are recorded. The severity of the defect will be judged by a member of the transport team and the vehicle will be booked in for repair work. The driver will only be able to commence with his duties if it is deemed safe to do so.

TJ already holds FORS Silver Status and the Feefo Platinum Service Award. Earning DVSA Earned Recognition Scheme status will go hand in hand with these other accolades and add another string to TJ’s bow.

Holding FORS Silver shows that TJ’s operating levels are extremely high and that they are going the extra mile to provide a top quality service. It is awarded to operators that maintain Bronze accreditation and have also developed driver licensing verification systems. To further meet the strict criteria, vehicles over 3.5 tonnes must be equipped with a left-turn audible warning system and fitted with blind-spot minimisation devices. TJ also ensures that all drivers and line managers undergo approved progressive training and continued professional development.

The Feefo Platinum Service Award is an independent seal of excellence that recognises businesses for delivering exceptional experiences, as rated by real customers. Feefo have given Platinum Trusted Service awards to businesses who have achieved Gold standard for three consecutive years, which TJ has. The Feefo Gold Trusted Service award recognises companies that have collected at least 50 Feefo reviews in a year, and have achieved a service rating of at least 4.5.

Lee Downer, TJ’s Fleet Manager and in-house driver CPC trainer, said:

“It would be fantastic to achieve earned recognition. It’s another way of showing our clients and the general public that we are a compliant, responsible and reliable company that makes safety our top priority. Earning the blue badge means that we would be able to go about our work freely, safe in the knowledge that we are a trusted and respected company.”

Find out more about TJ Transport and the services they offer…