MANHEIM Europe has established a service level agreement with a number of logistics companies regarding the collection of end-of-contract fleet vehicles by 'the forgotten men' of the fleet business. John Hillier, Manheim's group logistics manager, said the company used about 40 such firms - known in the trade as 'plate collection companies'.

Plate collectors are often seen by the side of the road, tax plates in hand, trying to hitch a lift as they travel between collections. Hillier said it was time for both collectors and remarketers to establish some ground rules for accepted methods of practice.

'It is all about standardisation, getting things like receipts for petrol, or doing a full appraisal when the collectors deliver cars to an auction centre,' he said. 'We are also giving gold, silver and bronze awards for service.'

Manheim uses vehicle collection agencies to collect single cars at the end of lease agreements, and said demand for the service is increasing as fleets cut costs by scrapping car compounds. About 18 months ago, 21% of total pick-ups were 'single point collections', but this has now nearly doubled to 38%.

Hillier said it was time to try to make the collectors' jobs easier and their hours shorter by working more closely with them to 'organise it so they go from A to B to C in the shortest route'.