Cost of Man and Van Services
across the UK

# Man and Van Services: Trade Body Accreditation

Several UK trade bodies and schemes oversee man and van operators, though the sector is less heavily regulated than some industries. The main schemes include membership with the Road Haulage Association (RHA), which represents professional moving and haulage companies and requires members to meet safety and operational standards; Checkatrade, an independent accreditation platform that vets traders and publishes customer reviews; and individual membership with Citizens Advice Consumer Service or Trading Standards frameworks, though these are advisory rather than mandatory. Some operators hold Statutory Off-Road Notification (SORN) registration or comply with the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) standards if they operate larger fleets. Additionally, many reputable providers obtain public liability insurance verification through schemes like Insure and Go. These accreditations signal that a provider has undergone background checks, maintains proper insurance, and agrees to adhere to professional standards and dispute resolution procedures. Unlike some professions, there is no single mandatory licensing body for sole traders offering man and van services in the UK, which means accreditation serves as a trusted marker of reliability rather than a legal requirement.

To verify a provider's credentials, start by requesting their accreditation certificates or membership numbers and check these directly on the relevant website rather than relying on copies provided by the trader. For RHA membership, visit the RHA website and use their member finder tool; for Checkatrade, search their directory and read verified customer reviews from the past six to twelve months. Ask the provider for proof of public liability insurance (typically at least £1 million cover) and request the insurer's details so you can verify the policy is active. Check whether they are listed on Trading Standards approved trader schemes in your local area, and search their name on the Citizens Advice ScamTracker website to see if there are any complaints on record.