uberdrive.com

Category: Blog

  • The Hidden Danger of Wet Timing Belts: What Fleet Managers Need to Know

    In recent years, some vehicle manufacturers have adopted wet timing belts as a way to improve engine efficiency and reduce emissions. Brands such as Ford, Citroen, Honda Toyota, and Peugeot have these systems in certain models. While they operate without fault and do go some way to reducing emissions and improving engine efficiency, their longevity and reliability have been called into question – and fleet operators need to be aware of the potential risks.

    At FleetCheck, we’re committed to helping you stay ahead of emerging challenges like this. Understanding the unique issues associated with your fleet is vital to keeping you on the road.

    What Are Wet Timing Belts and Why Are They Problematic?

    Unlike traditional timing belts, which operate in a dry environment wet timing belts are submerged in engine oil. This design was introduced to reduce friction, improve efficiency, and lower emissions. However, the constant contact with oil can lead to faster degradation of the belt- especially if the wrong type of oil is used or if regular maintenance isn’t performed.

    Even more concerning is the risk of engine failure caused by the wear and tear of the belt itself. Over time, small particles from the degrading belt mix with the engine oil. Because the belt and oil bath are housed inside the engine these particles are circulated throughout the entire system. This can lead to blockages or damage in critical engine components, preventing proper oil circulation and ultimately causing catastrophic engine failure.

    Manufacturers’ handbooks often overestimate the lifespan of wet timing belts, leaving you fleet vulnerable to unexpected breakdowns if proper precautions aren’t taken.

    How Can Fleets Mitigate the Risk?

    To protect your vehicles from the unique challenges posed by wet timing belts, proactive maintenance and careful monitoring are essential. Here’s the top 5 tips fleet operators can follow:

    1. Regular Inspections and Oil Changes

    Ensure that oil changes and timing belt inspections are carried out the recommended intervals- or even more frequently for vehicles operating in demanding conditions. Using the correct type of oil is critical to preventing premature belt degradation.

    1. Customised Servicing Alerts

    Leveraging Fleet Management tools that allow you to set customised alerts for servicing intervals based on manufacturer guidelines. This ensures that timing belts are inspected and replaced before they pose a risk to the engine.

    1. Driver Awareness Training

    Educate drivers about the importance of reporting unusual engine performance, such as unusual noises, reduced power, or warning lights. Early detection can prevent minor issues from escalating into major failures.

    1. Monitor Vehicle Health

    Implement systems to track vehicle health and service histories. Automated reminders for critical maintenance tasks ensure no vehicle is overlooked.

    1. Work with Trusted Mechanics

    Partner with skilled technicians who understand the unique risks of wet timing belts and can perform thorough checks during routine servicing.

    Why Wet Timing Belts Are a Growing Concern for Fleets

    While wet timing belts were introduced as an innovative solution to improve efficiency, their reliability has proven to be less robust that anticipated. The combination of faster belt degradation and the risk of particle contamination makes them a potential liability for fleets. While some manufacturers have amended and shortened the service interval for this part it is still important to have a full view and record of your vehicle’s health.

    For fleet managers, the stakes are high. Engine failure caused by poor maintenance of wet timing belts can result in costly repairs, extended downtime, and disrupted operations. With many fleets relying on vehicles equipped with this technology, staying informed and taking preventative action is crucial.

    Wet timing belts may offer efficiency benefits, but their risks cannot be ignored. By implementing proactive measures and leveraging the right tools, you can mitigate these risks and keep your fleet operating efficiently. Vehicle monitoring and maintenance planning is the best way to keep your fleet safe, reliable, and ready for anything.

  • Government Boosts Electric Van Adoption with New Licence Rules

    The UK Government has announced a significant update to driving licence rules for heavier electric vans, aligning them more closely with their lighter petrol and diesel counterparts. This move aims to remove barriers to the adoption of zero-emission vehicles and accelerate the transition to cleaner road transport solutions.

    Under the new rules, drivers holding a standard Category B Licence will soon be able to operate zero-emission vehicles weighing up to 4.25 tonnes up from the current limit of 3.5 tonnes for conventional vehicles. The change accounts for the additional weight of electric vehicle (EV) batteries, ensuring that EVs are not penalised under outdated regulations.

    A key highlight of the announcement is the removal of the five-hour training requirement previously mandated for drivers of electric vans in this weight category. Additionally, towing allowances for electric vans weighing up to 4.25 tonnes will be brought in line with those for equivalent petrol and diesel vehicles. It’s important to mention these changes are subject to parliamentary approval but are expected to come into force this spring.

    These updated rules are likely to coincide with an extension to the plug-in van grant, offering fleets up to £5,000 off of the cost of an electric van until April 2026. However, industry stakeholders are eagerly awaiting the outcome of an ongoing consultation titled ‘Zero Emission Vans: Regulatory Flexibility’, which seeks to address further regulatory barriers.

    Key proposals in the consultation include shifting annual testing for zero-emission goods vehicles (3.5t to 4.25t) from heavy vehicle testing systems to the MOT network, exempting these vehicles from tachograph use and drivers’ hours rules when operating within Great Britain, and implementing a three-year initial testing period post-registration. Industry leaders have welcomed the changes but stress that more needs to be done. Logistics UK’s senior policy manager Chris Yarsley emphasised the importance of full regulatory alignment between 4.25-tonne electric vans and 3.5-tonne diesel vans.

    “Vans are the workhorses of the UK economy”, said Yarsley. “Removing unnecessary barriers, such as the extra training requirements, will make it easier for operators to integrate zero-emission vehicles into their fleets”

    The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), alongside other members of the Zero Emission Van Plan coalition, has been actively lobbying for these reforms. A spokesperson noted that while the latest updates mark progress, electric van registrations remain far below targets.

    “This is a positive step forward, but there’s still much work to be done”, the spokesperson added. “We must continue pushing for greater fiscal support, improved charging infrastructure, and the removal of remaining regulatory hurdles to ensure the UK meets its green ambitions.”

    As policymakers take action, the focus now shifts to accelerating the pace of change. For the UK to achieve cleaner, greener road transport, the van sector must remain a priority-and this announcement signals momentum in the right direction.

  • Paulsons achieves 100% FORS compliance using FleetCheck software

    Traffic management specialist Paulsons has achieved 100% audit compliance under the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) using software provided by FleetCheck.

    Previously, the St Albans-based company employed spreadsheets and paper check sheets to manage its 25 Renault Master and Ford Transit 3.5 tonne tail lift vans, but adopted FleetCheck’s FORS-FMS system after managing director James Hawkes encountered it while undertaking voluntary work as a St John Ambulance paramedic.

    “While driving an ambulance for St John, I raised a defect on their FleetCheck app and the fleet manager called me almost immediately, less than 10 minutes after driving out of the gate. I would never have caught a defect that quickly at work, so it was worth investigating.

    “We tried a 30-day trial with FleetCheck using the FORS-FMS system and were able to very quickly automate processes and centralise data to the extent that we were saving around two hours daily and 10 hours weekly.

    “The software not only boosted operational efficiency but we have also been able to achieve a perfect score on our FORS audit for the first time, showing how it is having a direct influence on our fleet and its compliance levels.”

    FORS is an accreditation scheme that aims to raise the level of quality within fleet operations, demonstrating high levels of best practice in safety, efficiency, and environmental protection.

    First launched in summer 2018 and continually upgraded since, FleetCheck’s FORS-FMS is the result of an ongoing partnership between the two organisations. It includes an online checklist which allows FORS members such as Paulsons to quickly and easy access the specific fleet data required for accreditation, alongside a comprehensive data platform providing online document storage, an information portal and an advanced reporting suite.

    James said: “The software connects directly with FORS so we no longer need to log on to their site and work out what has expired and needs further attention. It presents all the information we need in one place, so we can see exactly what needs to be done.”

    Peter Golding, managing director at FleetCheck, said: “A large proportion of fleets operating under FORS now use the FORS-FMS system and achieve very high levels of compliance, similar to the results being seen at Paulsons. We’re pleased to see that the software is proving a success for them and having such a positive impact on their vehicle operations.”

    Paulsons Traffic Management is a provider of temporary traffic systems across the South and Midlands of England, primarily serving clients in the construction and utilities sectors.

  • New Updates to Driver CPC 2025: More Flexibility for Professional Drivers

    The UK Government has introduced significant changes to the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) to provide greater flexibility for drivers looking to stay qualified or return to professional driving. These updates, first introduced on 3rd December 2024 and further revised on 1st February 2025, aim to address the ongoing driver shortage in the UK by making it easier for drivers to maintain or regain their professional status.

    Changes for Returning to Professional Driving

    Previously, if a driver’s CPC had expired, they were required to complete 35 hours of periodic training before resuming work. However, as of 1 February 2025, new options are available to those whose International or National Driver CPC expired between 60 days and two years ago:

    Option 1: International Driver CPC Training

    • Complete 35 hours of International Driver CPC training.
    • Resume professional driving in the UK and EU.

    Option 2: National Driver CPC Training

    • Complete 35 hours of National Driver CPC training.
    • Resume professional driving in the UK.

    Option 3: International Driver CPC Training with a ‘Return to Driving’ Module

    • Complete a 7-hour ‘return to driving’ module.
    • Resume professional driving in the UK.
    • Complete a further 28 hours of International Driver CPC training within 12 months.
    • Resume professional driving in the EU.

    Option 4: National Driver CPC Training with a ‘Return to Driving’ Module

    • Complete a 7-hour ‘return to driving’ module.
    • Resume professional driving in the UK.
    • Complete a further 28 hours of National or International Driver CPC training within 12 months.

    Why These Changes Were Introduced

    The UK has faced a persistent shortage of professional drivers, exacerbated by multiple factors. While many refer to this as a “driver shortage,” some experts argue that the industry struggles more with retention and recruitment rather than a true lack of available drivers. Key contributing factors include:

    • Reliance on Overseas Labour & Brexit Impact: The UK historically depended on EU drivers, but Brexit led many to leave, reducing the workforce.
    • Ageing Workforce: A significant portion of professional drivers are nearing retirement age, with fewer younger drivers entering the industry.
    • COVID-19 Disruptions: The pandemic delayed around 30,000 HGV driving tests, slowing the entry of new drivers into the profession.
    • Poor Industry Conditions: Long hours, inadequate rest facilities, and low wages have discouraged new talent from joining the sector.

     Impact on Fleet and Transport Industry

    Fleet and transport managers have borne the brunt of these shortages, facing increased operational costs and reduced service reliability. Key challenges include:

    • Increased Strain on Existing Drivers: Overworked drivers face burnout, leading to higher turnover rates.
    • Rising Insurance Costs: The demand for new, less-experienced drivers has led to higher insurance premiums due to perceived increased risks.
    • Supply Chain Disruptions: Delivery delays and logistical inefficiencies impact businesses relying on timely transport, damaging customer satisfaction and business reputation.

    Strategies to Mitigate Driver Shortages

    While the recent CPC updates offer more flexibility, long-term solutions are needed to attract and retain drivers. Businesses and industry leaders can take the following steps:

    1. Invest in Driver Welfare

    • Offer competitive salaries, benefits, and training subsidies.
    • Improve working conditions, such as providing access to clean and secure rest areas.
    • Introduce flexible working hours to promote a better work-life balance.

    2. Leverage Technology

    • Implement telematics and fleet management systems to optimise routes, reduce workload, and enhance safety.
    • Use data-driven insights to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs.

    3. Develop Training and Recruitment Programmes

    • Partner with driving schools to create apprenticeship and mentorship programs.
    • Provide subsidised CPC training to make entry into the industry more accessible.

    Final Thoughts

    As someone who’s been in the transport industry 20 years, I see the recent updates to the Driver CPC system as a great step towards making professional driving more accessible and flexible. This could really help with some of the workforce challenges we’re facing here in the UK. But honestly, to keep our driving workforce stable and sustainable, we need to go further. We need broader industry reforms, better working conditions, and smart investment in recruitment and retention.

  • FleetCheck has been shortlisted for Fleet News Technology Provider of the Year 2025

    FleetCheck is thrilled to announce that we have been shortlisted for the Fleet News Technology Provider of the Year 2025. This recognition highlights our dedication to meeting and exceeding the needs of fleet customers through our innovative fleet management software solutions.

    The award honours technology providers that demonstrate:

    • Innovative solutions that address real-world challenges
    • A willingness to create bespoke solutions
    • Outstanding customer service and proven results

    Our nomination reflects our continuous investment in the fleet industry and our drive to provide valuable, reliable and safety-first services to our customers. Over the past year, we have rolled out many new features and enhancements that have helped fleet operators reduce costs, improve compliance, and boost efficiency.

    What sets us apart?

    • Customer-First Approach: we’ve built our platform with customers feedback in mind, constantly adapting to meet their evolving needs
    • Case Studies: Our work with clients has delivered measurable improvements in fleet performance, showcased through out testimonials and case studies. Take a look at some of our customers success stories
    • Innovation: FleetCheck continues to stay ahead of industry trends with new developments that always aim to simplify fleet management

    We would like to extend our thanks and gratitude to our customers and partners for their continued trust and support. Stay tuned for updates on the award announcement, and thank you for being part of the FleetCheck journey.

  • FleetCheck Growth in 2024

    Thanks to the support of our clients and partners, we’ve reached some truly incredible milestones. These achievements are not only a reflection of the hard work and dedication of those we work with, but also indicative of a growing commitment across the fleet sector to prioritise risk management and safety more broadly.  

    Ensuring Safety and Compliance 

    A major highlight from 2024 was the completion of 6.8 million vehicle checks via the FleetCheck Driver app, marking a 31% increase from the previous year. On average, this meant that around 26,150 vehicle checks were carried out every single working day by our users! Mondays emerged as the busiest day for checks, underscoring how fleet operators are increasingly putting safety and compliance at the forefront of their weeks.  

    One of our clients, Tony Sharpe, Transport Manager at Optilan UK, shared how FleetCheck’s vehicle checking system has streamlined their processes: “Having the app in place has meant that all our drivers can complete their daily safety checks properly and with ease. We no longer have to chase our drivers for their checksheets because it all feeds automatically into FleetCheck.”  

     Keeping Vehicles Road-Ready 

    Road-ready vehicles remained a priority, with 132,000 PMIs and 256,000 MOTs and services logged and completed. In this way, a quarter of a million vehicles were kept compliant and safe, reducing the risk of unexpected Vehicle Off Road (VOR) issues.   

    Matthew Neale, Group Fleet Manager at Platform Housing Group, noted the impact on his fleet’s operations: “We can now manage vehicle allocations efficiently, manage fines, run reports, pool vehicle management, fuel, RFL, MOT, and SMR data. My anxiety levels have reduced, and confidence in data accuracy has increased!” 

     Enhancing Fleet Visibility  

    A remarkable 26.8 billion miles were logged in 2024 – equivalent to travelling to the sun and back 144 times – alongside 19 million litres of fuel managed.  

    The ability to access real-time fleet data in this way has been proven to drive unexpected value, an example of which comes from one of our clients. In using FleetCheck’s fuel analysis tools, they uncovered an employee who had been using the company fuel card to fuel their own vehicle – and those of their eight drug running accomplices! This discovery exposed over £80,000 in unauthorised fuel expenses. The ability to track and analyse fuel data helped prevent further financial loss, going to show – you never know what surprises are hiding in your fleet! 

     Supporting Drivers 

    353,000 defects were rectified in 2024, thanks to FleetCheck’s instant alerts and actionable insights. Additionally, 132,000 driver licences were automatically checked – up 15% from the previous year – eliminating time-consuming paper-chasing.  

    Chris Ricketts, Fleet Manager at Land Sheriffs, explained the value of FleetCheck’s LicenceAssured: “FleetCheck’s automated licence-checking service displays accurate results almost immediately and feeds them into the system for a centralised view. We can be assured that our drivers are safe on the road; and with two-factor authentication, it helps keep us GDPR compliant.” 

     Building New and Long-Lasting Partnerships 

    Finally, we feel incredibly grateful to have maintained our growth trajectory of recent years, with 495 new clients joining us in 2024 – welcome to the FleetCheck family! Alongside this, it’s been especially rewarding to see our long-term customer retention figures rise – a testament to the trust our customers place in us. 365 clients celebrated 5 years with us, a 141% increase from 2023. This growth was further highlighted by the 23 clients who marked a decade of shared success with us, and the 13 clients who reached an impressive 15 years of partnership.  

  • How the 2025 Road Tax Changes Impacts Drivers and Businesses

    Driving is about to get more expensive in 2025, with significant changes to Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) coming into force on 1st April. For the first time, even electric vehicle (EV) owners will feel the pinch as the government eliminates exemptions and introduces new rates. These updates, outlined in Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ October 2024 budget, aims to raise billions in additional revenue but lead to substantial cost increases for individual drivers and businesses alike.

    Here’s everything you need to know about the changes, how they’ll affect you, and what steps you can take to manage the financial impact.

    How Road Tax Works

    VED, commonly known as road tax, is determined by a vehicles’ registration date, emissions and other factors. Cars registered after 1st April 2017, fall under the most recent tax rules, while older vehicles are taxed under legacy systems. The latest changes primarily affect cars registered after 2017, with adjustments for specific vehicle types, including vans, hybrids, and electric vehicles. [1]

    Higher Cost for Petrol and Diesel

    The most significant changes will hit the first-year VED rates for petrol and diesel cars, often referred to as the ‘showroom tax’. These rates are tied to CO2 emissions, with higher-emission vehicles seeing the steepest increases:

    • Zero-emission vehicles: First-year tax will rise from £0 to £10
    • Low-emission hybrids (1-50 g/km CO2): The tax on these vehicles will increase from £10 to £110
    • Moderate-emission vehicles (51-75 g/km CO2): Tax rises from £30 to £130
    • High-emission vehicles (76+ g/km CO2): Rates will double. For example, the first-year tax on a Range Rover could see an increase from £2,745 to £5,490

    Fortunately, the second-year rate for petrol and diesel cars remains unchanged at £190 per year.

    Latest VED tax bands (2025/2026)

    This table will show the tax you’ll need to pay from the start of April 2025. Theres a small increase in VED rates in line with RPI, but significant increases for first-year rates.

    CO2 emissions (g/km) Standard Rate First Year Rate
    0 £195 £10
    1-50 £195 £110
    51-75 £195 £110
    76-90 £195 £270
    91-100 £195 £350
    101-110 £195 £390
    111-130 £195 £440
    131-150 £195 £540
    151-170 £195 £1,360
    171-190 £195 £2,190
    191-225 £195 £3,300
    226-255 £195 £4,680
    Over 255 £195 £5,490

    Electric Vehicles: The End of Exemptions

    Starting 1st April, 2025 EV’s will no longer be exempt from VED. Here’s what to expect:

    • First-year tax: EV’s will pay a minimal £10
    • Second-year onward: EV’s registered after 1st April, 2017, will pay a flat rate of £195 Vehicles registered before this date will pay a reduced rate of £20 per year
    • Luxury Surcharge: EVs priced above £40,000 will incur an additional £425 per year from the second to sixth year of ownership

    This marks a significant shift in policy, as EVs have historically been promoted as a tax-free alternative to petrol and diesel vehicles.

    Hybrid Vehicles: Losing Discounts

    Hybrid vehicles will also lose their £10 annual discount. Starting in 2025, hybrids registered on or after 1st April, 2017, will pay the standard flat rate of £195 per year. Older hybrids will continue to be taxed based on CO2 emissions under the previous system.

    Older Cars and Specialty Vehicles

    Cars registered between 1984 and 2001 will see modest increases:

    • Small engines (<1549cc): Annual tax increases from £210 to £220
    • Larger engines (>1549cc): Annual tax increases from £360 to £375
    • Exemptions remain in place for classic cars over 40 years old, vehicles used by disabled drivers, and agricultural machinery

     What About Vans?

    The current flat rate of £335 will increase to £345. Electric vans, previously exempt, will now pay this same rate.

    The Financial Impact on Drivers

    For individual drivers, the changes mean higher upfront costs when purchasing new vehicles. First-year VED rates are often included in car finance and leasing agreements, so monthly payments may rise to reflect these increases. Electric vehicle owners, once shielded from VED, will now face similar costs to petrol and diesel drivers, particularly for high-end EVs subject to the luxury surcharge.

    What This Means for Businesses

     Fleet operators and business owners managing multiple vehicles face additional challenges:

    • Increased operating costs: Petrol, diesel, and hybrid fleets will incur higher taxes, especially for high-emission vehicles
    • Electric fleet considerations: While EVs remain more cost-efficient overall, the new VED rates will erode some of the savings
    • Strategic planning: Businesses may need to reassess fleet composition, replacing older models with more tax-efficient vehicles or investing in cleaner, low-emission options
    • Impact on Depreciation: As VED rates rise for high-emission vehicles, their resale value could take a hit. The increased annual tax burden may make these vehicles less appealing to prospective buyers, leading to faster depreciation. For businesses investing in such vehicles, this could significantly impact both the total cost of ownership and their eventual resale potential

    How to Prepare

    With these changes just months away, planning is key:

    • Budget for higher costs: Factor increased VED rates into your financial planning
    • Consider vehicle efficiency: When purchasing a new vehicle, prioritise low-emission models to minimise your first-year tax
    • Review your fleet strategies: Fleet operators should explore tax-efficient fleet upgrades and consider long-term savings by transitioning to electric or hybrid vehicles

    The 2025 VED changes represent a significant shift in vehicle taxation, affecting all drivers regardless of vehicle type. While they aim to increase government revenue, they also signal an effort to encourage cleaner, more sustainable transport. Whether you’re a private motorist or a fleet operator, understanding these changes and planning will help you navigate the rising costs and make informed decisions for the future.

    Get in touch with us today, to see how FleetCheck can help provide a wide view of your fleet, and easily see where these changes impact your business.

    [1] Vehicle Excise Duty rates for cars, vans and motorcycles — from 1 April 2025 – GOV.UK

  • Countdown to Compliance: Understanding the European Mobility Package Changes Ahead of December 2024 Deadline

    The European road transport industry is entering a transformative phase with the ongoing implementation of the EU Mobility Package. This key set of regulations, introduced in August 2020, is designed to streamline the industry, improve driver working conditions, and enhance road safety. [1]

    While the UK has now exited the EU, it’s crucial to note that any drivers working for UK companies and operating within Europe must comply with the changes set out in the EU Mobility Package.

    As we approach the final stages of implementation, let’s explore what changes 2024 brings and how they impact transport companies, drivers and the logistics sector as a whole.

    The EU Mobility Package: What Is It?

    The EU Mobility Package is a comprehensive set of regulations established by the European Union to improve the road transport sector. It focuses on four key areas:

    • Regulating drive working and rest times
    • Fair competition rules
    • Delegation of employees
    • Tachograph usage requirements

    The ultimate goal is to improve working conditions for drivers while fostering transparency and equal opportunities across the transport industry. However, adapting to these changes has required significant adjustments from businesses and drivers alike.

    Who Does the Mobility Package Apply To?

    The regulations target a broad spectrum of entities involved in road transport, including:

    • Carries: Companies transporting goods or passengers by road
    • Professional Drivers: Individuals operating in international or domestic transport
    • Logistics and Forwarding Companies: Organisations managing supply chain and transport logistics

    Whether operation large fleets or smaller enterprises, The Mobility Package impacts daily operations, compliance, and planning.

    Mobility Package in 2024: Key Changes

    As the industry moves closer to more complete compliance, 2024 brings a series of changes that require attention before the 31st December 2024 deadline:

    1. Latest Tachographs Installed before the end of 2024, all newly registered vehicles must be equipped with second-generation smart tachographs (Smart Tacho 2). These devices now automatically record national border crossings using satellite systems.

    2. Expanded Licencing Requirements

    3. Introduced in May 2022, Operator Licence regulations were extended to enterprises using vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) over 2.5 tons. This change affected smaller operators, particularly in the SME sector. Requiring them to align with the new standards. For further information please visit Transport goods in Europe in vans or car and trailers – GOV.UK

    4. Complete Compliance Monitoring the scope of roadside checks is increasing from 28 to 56 days, allowing inspectors to review driver activity over a longer period to ensure adherence to working and rest time rules.

    5. New Rest and Working Time Rules – Drivers must be given the opportunity to return to their home or company base at least once every four weeks. Carriers are responsible for planning routes that allow compliance with these rest time regulations.

    Annotating Tachograph Printouts

    The tachograph printout is an essential document in the transport industry, used to verify compliance with drivers’ working and rest time regulations. The Mobility Package introduces new requirements in this area, particularly when a driver opts to extend their driving time

    • Documenting Extended Driving Time – If drivers extend their driving time by one or two hours to reach a base or residence, this must be manually annotated on the tachograph printout before beginning the daily rest.
    • Compensating for Extended Driving Time – Any extended driving time must be offset by additional rest. Drivers must document when and how this compensation is taken, ensuring compliance with Mobility Package requirements.
    • Unintentional Exceedances – Unforeseen circumstances, such as tragic delays or adverse weather, may lead to unintentional exceedance of permitted driving time. In such cases, drivers must clearly annotate the reason for the exceedance on the tachograph.

    The Impact on Driver Confidence and Road Safety

    By ensuring consistent compliance with rest and driving time rules, the Mobility Package fosters safer road conditions and improves driver well-being. Tachograph updates and streamlined procedures reduce the administrative burden, giving transport companies greater control over operations.

    A Safer, Smarter Future

    The changes outlined above represent a pivotal step towards a fairer, safer, and more transparent transport industry. However, compliance requires vigilance and adaptability, and the right tools to manage the complexities of these regulations.

    At FleetCheck, safety is at the heart of everything we do. Our comprehensive fleet management solutions are designed to help businesses navigate fleet regulations with confidence.

    Get in touch with us today to see how we can help your fleet remain compliant and most importantly, safe.

    [1] Mobility package | European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions

  • FleetCheck Awarded Fleet News Reader Recommended for the 4th Year Running

    Thank you, Fleet News readers!

    For the fourth consecutive year, we’re thrilled to be recognised as the trusted name in fleet management software. Your ongoing support and trust mean everything to us. Giving fleet managers the tools to keep fleets safe, compliant and cost effective has always been our top priority, and we’re honoured that you continue to recommend us.

    The Fleet News Reader Recommended programme highlights the companies fleet decision-makers trust the most. This recognition is based on extensive research conducted by Fleet News, asking professionals to identify their best and worst suppliers. We’re proud to share that for 2024, FleetCheck has been recognised again with this prestigious status.

    Our Mission: Supporting Safer, Smarter Fleets

    At FleetCheck, we believe in a future where every fleet manager has the tools to keep drivers safe, vehicles compliant, and operations cost-effective. From our founding in 2006, our mission has been to make life easier for the thousands of individuals juggling fleet management alongside other responsibilities.

    Many of our clients started out relying on multiple spreadsheets-an accessible but often limited solution that made it challenging to achieve full visibility over their fleet. This lack of a 360° view often hindered forward planning, such as scheduling proactive maintenance and repairs, and led to issues like data inconsistencies, missed compliance deadlines, and time-consuming manual processes like chasing daily vehicle check paperwork.

    FleetCheck was created to solve these problems.

    Our software provides:

    •  A secure, centralised platform for managing fleet vehicles, drivers and assets.
    •  Proactive tools to track compliance, key dates, and reporting needs.
    •  Integration with over 250 data streams, including fuel cards and telematics
    •  Unlimited document storage for driver and vehicle records .
    •  A customisable driver App to conduct vehicle inspections and defect reporting.

    Trusted By Thousands

    Today, FleetCheck is a trusted partner to businesses of all sizes, delivering intuitive solutions that save time, reduce costs, and increase safety. Our software eliminates manual processes, allowing fleet managers to focus on what matters most – keeping drivers safe and fleets running smoothly. Our ongoing recognition as a Fleet News Reader Recommended brand underscores the difference we’ve made. This continual support has played a part in driving the hundreds of new features and improvements we’ve made to our platform in the past year alone. Today, FleetCheck empowers businesses of all sizes with the confidence and control they need to manage their fleets effectively. By providing intuitive solutions, we help customers save time, reduce costs, and enhance safety.

    Our software simplifies manual processes, giving fleet managers the freedom to focus on keeping drivers safe and fleets operating efficiently. Being recognised as a Fleet News Reader Recommended business for the fourth year running highlights the trust our customers place in us. This trust drivers our commitment to continuous improvement, reflected in the hundreds of new features and enhancements we’ve introduced to our platform over the past year.

    Explore FleetCheck today – fleet management software you can trust.

  • Changes to Driver CPC – December 2024

    From the 3rd of December 2024, changes to the Driver CPC requirements are coming into effect. Previously, there was one universal specification for all heavy goods vehicles, bus or coach drivers. The new rules introduce greater flexibility for those who only drive in the UK and don’t venture into the EU.

    What Stays the Same for Drivers Operating in the EU?

    For drivers who do drive in the EU, the requirements remain unchanged. Drivers must still complete 35 hours of training every 5 years. There are no changes to the course requirements themselves, meaning that:

    • courses you take must be at least 7 hours long
    • if a course is split over a day, you must complete it on 2 consecutive days
    • you’re allowed to do a total of 12 hours of e-learning towards your overall 35 hours of training

    This qualification will now be known as International Driver CPC.

    How Does National Driver CPC Offer More Flexibility for UK Drivers?

    Drivers operating solely in the UK will now qualify under National Driver CPC, which introduces more flexibility in how training is completed:

    • Courses must be at least 3 hours 30 minutes long, though providers can offer longer sessions
    • Split courses don’t need to be completed on 2 consecutive days– course providers are free to set their time limits
    • Training can be completed entirely through e-learning, making it more convenient.
    • A total of 12 hours of e-learning can count towards the required 35 hours

    The requirement for drivers to undertake 35 hours of training every 5 years remains, however, this can all be National Driver CPC training or a mixture of National and International courses.

    Drivers wishing to maintain their qualification after their current Driver CPC expires can take a National or International Driver CPC course. However, choosing the National Driver CPC will mean the driver is no longer eligible to drive in the EU.

    Are There Any Changes to Driver CPC Cards?

    The rules around Driver CPC cards are not changing and the card must still be carried when driving a lorry, bus or coach professionally.

    **Drivers can be fined up to £1,000 for driving professionally without Driver CPC.**

    Upcoming Changes in February 2025

    Further changes are coming into effect from 1st February 2025 for those whose current Driver CPC has already expired. More information on all these changes can be found on the DVSA website guidance for Driver CPC: changes in 2024 and 2025

    Stay Compliant with FleetCheck

    To ensure compliance, upload your drivers’ CPC qualifications and expiry dates to your FleetCheck account. This will help you stay ahead of deadlines and avoid penalties by ensuring refresher training is completed on time.