In an industry where safety, reliability, and environmental responsibility drive reputations and margins, FORS (Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme) emerges as a key way to demonstrate operational excellence. Whether you’re operating a small tanker van or a large HGV fleet, securing FORS accreditation means higher standards, operational gains, and stronger market standing.
What is FORS?
Originally developed to improve freight safety and emissions, FORS is now a UK-wide voluntary accreditation scheme. It supports operators in achieving best practice in safety, efficiency, and environmental performance across all types of fleet operations.
FORS is structured around three levels of accreditation:
- Bronze – Focused on legal compliance and basic operational policies.
- Silver – Builds on Bronze with stricter safety equipment standards (e.g., vehicle cameras, sensors), robust driver training, and compliance with Work-Related Road Risk (WRRR) principles.
- Gold – The highest standard, requiring operators to demonstrate measurable improvements over time and a culture of continuous development.
How it delivers value
Fuel distribution carries inherent risks – both on the road and at the point of delivery. Ensuring that your vehicles are equipped, your drivers trained, and your systems audited against recognised best practice isn’t just good governance – it’s good business.
For fuel distributors, FORS offers three tangible advantages:
Enhanced safety and compliance
Transporting fuel demands rigorous safety standards. FORS Bronze ensures all vehicles meet minimum legal and safety requirements, while Silver introduces advanced safety systems which significantly reduce road risk and instil best-practice culture. At Gold, distributors show quantifiable improvements in safety and sustainability: data-driven proof, proactive training, and ongoing audits.
Improved efficiency and environmental responsibility
Fuel consumption analytics, maintenance planning, and telematics-driven insights become standard under FORS. Silver and Gold fleets consistently report better fuel economy, reduced downtime, and greener credentials.
In a sector dependent on tight delivery windows and narrow margins, this efficiency boost can be a game changer. Plus, it aligns distributors with broader industry moves toward lower carbon and smarter logistics.
A competitive edge
Many construction, infrastructure, and public sector contracts now mandate FORS Silver or higher. Bronze level alone signals professionalism and care and can open doors and instil confidence with customers.
Accreditation appeals to clients and insurers, helps differentiate smaller players, and is often a defining criterion in tender reviews.
FORS is not just accreditation – it’s a competitive edge.
For distributors of all sizes, it safeguards road safety, reduces costs, unlocks vital contracts, and raises environmental credentials.
FORS offers a proven framework to help distributors not only meet current expectations, but lead the way in safe, sustainable, and smart fleet management.
Whether you operate five tankers or fifty, FORS is more than a badge – it’s a business investment that can pay dividends in safety, efficiency, and trust.
A case in point: Craggs Energy and Moorland Fuels
The companies
West Yorkshire-based Craggs Energy, and Devon-based sister company Moorland Fuels recently achieved Fleet Operators Recognition Scheme Bronze accreditation – a key milestone in operational evolution.
The process
- Rigorous assessment of daily fleet operations
- Reviews of training, team commitment to vehicle safety and tanker emissions management
- Adoption of FORS-recommended systems such as:
- Tyre management policy
- Euro VI-compliant vehicles
- Latest on-vehicle safety technologies
In their words
“Becoming part of the FORS accreditation scheme not only endorses the best practice and safety measures that we already have in place, but it has also helped to inform, influence, and enhance internal standards, policies and procedures.”
“It has given both Craggs Energy and Moorland Fuels access to training courses and online learning modules alongside expert advice.
That’s aiding our ongoing commitment to the implementation of the safest, most fuel-efficient approaches to the running of our daily fleet operations.”
Matthew Crockett, Group Managing Director
Business Impact:
- Improved eco-routing
- AdBlue usage monitoring
- Staff access to online training and learning modules
Better alignment with commercial tenders requiring FORS
The goal of the voluntary scheme is to drive-up safety, efficiency and environmental standards across the road transport industry. This is achieved by helping fleets to operate as safely and fuel efficiently as possible, while reducing environmental impact through the reduction of emissions.
The companies are proud to have secured the Bronze standard by evidencing high levels of safety, efficiency, professionalism and environmental protection during the accreditation process.
Community commitment:
“Achieving FORS Bronze is a stamp of quality, reassuring our staff and customers that we operate with the highest standards of safety, efficiency, sustainability, and environmental performance.”
Matthew Crockett
“We’re proud to serve our commercial, agricultural and domestic customers throughout the North West, Yorkshire, and the South West,” Matthew continued.
“Our role here is to fuel the heartbeat of our communities, not only through excellent customer service and reliability, but through the implementation of best practice, making good on our safety, legal obligations, and practices to reduce our environmental impact.
“For commercial operators who require FORS accreditation as part of their tendering and re-tendering process, it endorses our operations.”
Image credit: Moorland Fuels
