At Traxion, we can offer expert support from qualified External Transport Managers to help your business maintain compliance with its Operator Licence undertakings.
We specialise in providing bespoke assistance, mainly for smaller operators and holders of Restricted Licences, who often face challenges in allocating full-time staff and resources to transport management.
Our services are tailored to the needs of your organisation, providing the best value, whilst ensuring that you receive the appropriate level of support required to maintain legal standing.
External Transport Manager
For holders of Standard or International Operator Licences, Traxion currently has the availability to be able to provide an external Transport Manager who can be named on your licence.
An external transport manager is far more than just a consultant; they are a professionally competent, legally qualified individual holding the Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC). They are contracted to provide continuous and effective management of your transport operations, acting as the crucial link between your business and the requirements set out by the UK Traffic Commissioners and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). Their ultimate responsibility is to ensure your operator’s licence remains valid and your fleet, drivers, and operations consistently meet the appropriate standards of safety and compliance.
For many UK businesses, particularly those with smaller fleets, employing a full-time, in-house transport manager simply isn’t financially possible. This is where an external transport manager offers a cost-effective and flexible solution, providing access to professional expertise without the overheads associated with a permanent employee. They bring fresh, objective perspectives and up-to-date knowledge of legislation, acting as your dedicated guardian against potential infringements and regulatory pitfalls.
Please note, some operators are simply looking for a qualified person who will put their name to their licence for the lowest monthly fee, but not be meaningfully involved. Please do not enquire if this is your objective. Our External Transport Managers will only take responsibility for licences where they have continuous and effective control. We do the job properly!
Traxion is not an agency, and we will only introduce you to External Transport Managers from within our close network of consultants and instructors. Any contracts are between the Operator and Transport Manager directly.
External Transport Manager costs vary depending on the size, history and complexity of your operation. Please complete the enquiry form at the bottom of the page, or give us a call for more information and a quote.
External T.M. Services Include:
- Assistance with Initial Operator Licence Applications & Changes: The process of obtaining or adjusting an Operator Licence in the UK demands attention to detail, and knowing what you are doing can avoid significant delays. An external transport manager can guide you through the process, ensuring that all requirements are comprehensively addressed, significantly increasing your chances of a successful application and preventing common errors that lead to delays or rejections.
- Drafting of Bespoke Policies & Procedures: Effective compliance is built upon a foundation of clear, well-documented policies and procedures. An external transport manager can assist in creating and implementing robust management systems that align with UK industry standards and regulatory requirements. These bespoke policies provide a framework for your organisation, but also provide evidence of your commitment to the Traffic Commissioner.
- Professional Tachograph Analysis & Driver Hours Compliance: Compliance with drivers’ hours and working time regulations is a cornerstone of UK transport law and a primary focus for the DVSA. A Transport Manager will help you to monitor driver hours, identify patterns of non-compliance, and implement corrective actions. They will also advise and keep you up-to-date with regulations where applicable, ensuring a proactive approach to Drivers’ Hours compliance.
- Vehicle Maintenance & Defect Management: Vehicle maintenance is paramount to ensuring the safety, roadworthiness, and legal compliance of a commercial fleet. A Transport Manager will establish and oversee a robust maintenance system.
- Ongoing Support & Guidance: The regulatory landscape in the UK road transport sector is constantly evolving. Staying up-to-date with the latest pronouncements from the Traffic Commissioners and DVSA can be a daunting task for busy operators. A competent external transport manager provides continuous, proactive guidance on all aspects of operator licence compliance.
You can find out more about a Transport Manager’s responsibilities on the government website by clicking here.
Transport Managers for Restricted Operators
Holders of Restricted Operators Licences are not required to name a specific Transport Manager on their licences, even though they are expected to comply with the same standards.
This discrepancy often leads to these operators finding themselves struggling due to a lack of knowledge and general understanding. They also often don’t realise the importance of their undertakings until they find themselves coming to the attention of the authorities!
If that sounds like you, you’re not alone. Traxion frequently assists restricted operators in these situations.
We can provide a bespoke solution, suitable for your particular organisation and ensuring that we provide support in the areas where it’s needed most.
Restricted Operator Services Can Include;
- Reviews of Current Procedures: Less stringent than an audit, a more informal review gives our Transport Managers the chance to informally discuss where your operation might be lacking, and how you might improve. We often recommend this as the first step for Restricted licence holders. There’s no ongoing commitment or contract involved, and it can be an extremely useful tool in identifying gaps in your compliance.
- Bespoke Training: If you don’t have staff with any formal training, they can often feel overwhelmed by transport compliance. Traxion can provide bespoke training on aspects like tachograph management, disciplinary procedures and other relevant areas, equipping them with the tools to be able to handle the tasks effectively.
- Drafting of Bespoke Policies & Procedures: Just as with standard operators, Traxion can help you to draft robust policies and procedures to provide a framework for the organisation to operate per necessary standards.
- External Transport Management: Although it may not be a legal requirement, many operators might find ongoing support necessary. This often relieves a lot of pressure from drivers and staff within the organisation, and rather than being an unnecessary expense, can often provide a cost-effective solution, due to the increased efficiency of your internal staff.
Why Choose Traxion Training for Your External Transport Manager Services?
Choosing the right external transport manager can be a pivotal decision for your business, and can even mean the difference between succeeding or not as a business as a whole!.
At Traxion, we recognise that operators require affordable, expert guidance that considers their unique challenges. We aim to provide a cost-effective solution that’s tailored to your organisation.
Although an external Transport Manager is there to tick a box, we aim to go beyond minimum requirements, so that you can feel genuinely confident in your operation, instead of having that lingering feeling that you’re winging it because you haven’t seen the bloke with his name on your licence for 6 months!
External Transport Managers have to act independently, and any agreement is always between the Transport Manager and Operator directly; however, by engaging with one of our associates, you have the peace of mind that they do have the support of a wider network.
As a training provider, we can also throw in the added little bonus of discounted training services for all of our operators!
Beyond Transport Management: Dangerous Goods Safety Advisers (DGSA)
For businesses involved in the carriage of dangerous goods, compliance with ADR rules is a critical legal requirement. It is a legal requirement to appoint a Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser (DGSA), unless specific exemptions apply.
Traxioin can also provide this service. Find out more by clicking here.
To enquire about any of our Transport Management services, please complete the enquiry form below, and we will get back to you at the earliest opportunity.