External Transport Manager Services
Standard National and Standard International Licence holders are required to demonstrate professional competence by employing qualified Transport Manager, in other words, someone who holds a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC). A Transport Manager will bring the necessary knowledge and experience as well as being responsible for ensuring an operator’s licence undertakings are met.
Often, it’s not feasible for small-medium sized companies to employ this person directly, so many opt to retain the services of an External Transport Manager. Platinum Ratio Transport Manager Services specialises in offering External Transport Manager services to small to medium-sized operators to ensure they stay legal, compliant and meet your undertakings as an operator.
Our core team is based in London, however, we can support you in your search for a TM more local to you.
Standard Operators
Most small to medium-sized Standard Operators will find it difficult to employ a full-time Transport Manager. Thankfully, the Office of the Traffic Commissioner allows a significantly more efficient solution – Both Standard National and Standard International Operators can hire an External Transport Manager to satisfy the Operator Licence undertakings.
Regardless of whether a Transport Manager is in full-time employment or is providing his/her services as an External Transport Manager, they will have the same core responsibilities. As such, mindfully outsourcing the services of a CPC Transport Manager is both an acceptable method of meeting Operator Licence compliance and provides a cost-effective solution over having to employ a dedicated full-time Transport Manager.
What your Transport Manager will:
- Help the operator oversee the Operator License
- Be responsible for the Vehicle Periodic Maintenance Inspection Schedule
- Oversee the Vehicle Defect Reporting Systems
- Oversee the Daily Walk round Inspection(s)
- Oversee and ensure Drivers Hours Compliance
- Oversee and Ensure Working Time Directive Compliance
- Be responsible for Tachograph Analysis and Infringement review
- Be responsible for (or support) Driver Reprimands/Disciplinary Hearings
- Responsible for periodic Driving Licence Checks
- Responsible for Driver CPC Training Delivery
- Deliver Toolbox talks periodically or as necessary
Statutory guidelines: Number of hours a Transport Manager should work
The Senior Traffic Commissioner for Great Britain issues guidance and directions under section 4C(1) of the Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981 (as amended). This guidance explains how the Senior Traffic Commissioner believes that traffic commissioners should interpret the law in relation to the requirements for and on transport managers.
This guidance is considered a starting point for assessing the capacity to exercise continuous and effective management. The guidance goes so far as to suggest the amount of time that is considered an appropriate starting point expected in terms of hours worked.
| Motor Vehicles | Proposed Hours (per week) |
|---|---|
| 2 or less | 2- 4 |
| 3 to 5 | 4 – 8 |
| 6 to 10 | 8 – 12 |
| 11 to 14 | 12 – 20 |
| 15 to 29 | 20 – 30 |
| 30 to 50 | 30 – Full Time |
| Above 50 | Full Time and additional assistance required |
Additional hours may be required for trailers.
Restricted Operators
Unlike Standard operators, operators that hold a Restricted Operators Licence are not legally required to engage the services of a transport manager however, they are required to comply with exactly the same standards as Standard Licence holders. As such, it is imperative that the operator remain up to date with current requirements and complete all the necessary tasks the transport manager would do. The easiest way to cover this issue is to hire external consultant to look after your operator licence.
Platinum Ratio Transport Manager Services offers a flexible solution to help keep Restricted Operators compliant. Our team provides structured support and open lines of communication to help operators meet their compliance goals.
Our team will:
- Provide guidance and advice on Operator License Compliance
- Support and structure the Vehicle Periodic Maintenance Inspection Schedule
- Provide oversight and guidance on Vehicle Defect Reporting Systems
- Support compliance with Daily Walk round Inspection(s)
- Advise on Drivers Hours Compliance
- Help ensure Working Time Directive Compliance
- Provide Tachograph Analysis and Infringement review
- Support Driver Reprimands/Disciplinary Hearings
- Help carry out periodic Driving Licence Checks (if required by operator)
- Support Driver CPC Training Delivery
- Help the operator deliver Toolbox talks periodically or as necessary