More than 7,600 miles worth of parked trucks have undergone inspections by FTA since it launched its pioneering Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) in 1966. To mark its 750,000th vehicle inspection, FTA presented the VIS team with a certificate at the Plumbing Trade Supplies site, a Travis Perkins business, in Birmingham on 26 June 2019.
David Wells, CEO of FTA, the organisation representing the logistics sector, commented: “FTA has always had a clear mission: to improve safety for all those working within the logistics sector while driving forward efficiencies and innovation. The creation of a vehicle inspection service was an essential step in achieving this aim; as we reach this significant milestone, I have great respect for our skilled engineers who have dedicated their careers to keeping our roads safe and the UK’s supply chain moving.
“The VIS team has inspected more than 7,600 miles worth of parked trucks since its inception; enough to stretch from London to Detroit and back again, or 15 return trips to the International Space Station. With this anniversary, VIS has firmly taken its place in history and we are so proud of what the team has achieved.”
Jerry Humpage, FTA’s Area Engineer for Central England, accepted the award on behalf of the entire VIS team. He commented: “I am thrilled to be a part of this monumental moment in VIS’ history; the service has achieved so much over the past 53 years. I look forward to seeing the service evolve as alternative fuels and new technologies increase their influence. I would like to thank my fellow vehicle inspectors for their unwavering dedication – both past colleagues and present – and a special thank you to Travis Perkins and Plumbing Trade Supplies for marking this anniversary with us.”
The VIS team of engineers covers the UK and Republic of Ireland and works with some of the biggest names in logistics across a wide range of industry sectors such as retail, construction and 3PL (third party logistics) operations. It also provides this service to a large number of small and medium-sized enterprises. VIS’ wide range and type of vehicle inspections are carried out on everything from vans and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) to buses and specialist lifting equipment. All the inspections are accredited by United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).v
Efficient logistics is vital to keep Britain trading, directly having an impact on more than seven million people employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. A champion and challenger, FTA speaks to Government with one voice on behalf of the whole sector, with members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers.
