Galaxy Insulation & Dry Lining Ltd has become the latest FORS accredited operator to attain FORS Gold status.
In other words, it is recognition that the company’s fleet transport activities have achieved benchmark levels of safety, efficiency and environmental protection.
The Uxbridge-based operator achieved Bronze accreditation in December 2019.
However, it was keen to move swiftly through the scheme so went Gold just 17 months later.
Galaxy runs a mixed fleet of 73 vehicles.
Specifically, it is made up 17 3.5-tonne vans, 53 26-tonners and three tractor units.
That lineup includes a recently delivered 44-tonne 6×2 Mercedes-Benz Actros with a trailer-mounted Moffat forklift.
The truck and trailer are decked in the company’s new ‘stars and solar system’ livery.
As a result, it promotes the Children’s Hospital Charity in Sheffield for which Galaxy has already raised £20,000.
A number of benefits have been derived from FORS training and guidance.
For example, Galaxy has saves 30,000 gallons of diesel and cut CO2 emissions by 500 tonnes since 2019.
Those figures are despite the company’s fleet size increasing by 65%.
Furthermore, Galaxy is the only carbon neutral company in its sector and is looking to introduce more zero-emissions vehicles.
In preparation, 48 fully-electric forklifts are used throughout its network, while LPG-fed truck numbers have been reduced.
Wayne Allen, group logistics manager at Galaxy, said FORS benefits were almost immediate.
“We felt as though we had taken back control, pulling back central parts of the business that had fragmented.
“And, with more control, came a more efficient operation.”
Continuing, Allen said potentially the greatest benefit was the buy-in from Galaxy drivers.
“FORS training has really opened their eyes and they now see themselves,” he stated.
“They are much better at feeding back too – we now have an open-door policy regarding physical or mental health concerns.”
