Tyne and Wear reckons it is the first region outside London to adopt the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS).
The scheme offers impartial, independent advice and guidance to motivate operators to improve their lawfulness and environmental, social and economic performance.
It was established by Transport for London in 2008 and now has more than 115,000 vehicles within the scheme.
Councillor James Blackburn, vice chairman of the Tyne and Wear Integrated Transport Authority (TWITA), said: “This new scheme will give operators the chance to learn ways to improve their business and also to pick the brains of industry experts, as we work towards greener, safer and more efficient haulage in our region.”