Online vehicle remarketing and pool fleet management specialist, CD Fleet Services, has launched an ‘Inspect & Collect' service for fleet and leasing firms.

CD Fleet Services said the new service will focus on providing high quality, accurate vehicle inspections and rapid collection of vehicles to minimise downtime during the remarketing phase.

It will be available to any fleet operator, not just existing remarketing customers of CD Fleet Services.

Andy Brown, managing director at CD Fleet Services, said: "We know from speaking to our customers that often they are not getting accurate condition reports when vehicles come to the end of their contract.

“Damage is being missed. It is costing the industry money and leading to disputes with drivers and fleet managers.

"There is a clear gap in the market for a better quality service with experienced vehicle inspectors and a properly integrated collection network."

The new Inspect & Collect service has been trialled with contract hire and fleet management company, Venson Automotive Solutions, which has recently renewed its remarketing contract with CD Fleet Services.

Gary Curran, strategic supply manager at Venson, said: "The new Inspect & Collect Service, using fully-trained and experienced vehicle inspectors, was an important factor in our decision to renew with CD Fleet Services.

"We are now confident that we are getting accurate condition reports, which means we can make sensible, costed decisions on behalf of our clients and then get the vehicle quickly to market. The rapid integrated collection service means it's a one-stop shop for us."

CD Fleet Services is partnering with specialist vehicle inspection company, Gain Solutions, to launch the new service.

CD Fleet Services said vehicle inspections will be carried out by ex-bodyshop managers and vehicle collection will then be completed within two hours of the inspection.

Inspection reports are uploaded through an online portal where they can be viewed instantly by the fleet or lease provider.

Brown added: "A key differentiator of CD Fleet Services Inspect & Collect is that we will be using only fully trained, ex-bodyshop staff and not drivers who have received some damage inspection training.”