NewsCan you afford to be the boss and the Transport Manager?

May 14, 2018by Jamie Campbell

Bosses of small businesses are in danger of falling foul of road transport laws in an effort to save costs by taking on the additional role of Transport Manager, so can you afford being the boss and the transport manager?

Companies, like scaffolders and builders, who transport their own materials and tools weighing over 3.5 tonnes are legally obliged to hold a Restricted Operator’s Licence issued by the DVSA.

To comply with the rules, companies must register a named individual who is responsible for vehicle maintenance and compliance with driver hours and health and safety rules.

Company owners are taking on too much responsibility
Anyone who runs their own businesses knows exactly how demanding it is to manage and recruit staff, market your business, meet financial accounting requirements and drive new business.

Adding the role of Transport Manager to the business owner’s already huge workload can sometimes be the straw that breaks the camel’s back.

And, as the business owner, you already have legal responsibilities as the official Operator in the eyes of the Traffic Commissioner, who is responsible for licensing and regulation.

The penalties are high if things go wrong
Failure to keep MOTs up to date and employing a driver with undeclared driving offences can lead to fines costing thousands, vehicles being seized and, in the worst case, imprisonment.

Keeping on top of your vehicle fleet may be simple when business is quiet but, how will you cope when work is flooding in and you’re taking on new staff who will drive your vehicles as part of their daily work?

Employ a Transport Manager or hire a professional Transport Management Consultant?
Delegating tasks that free you to focus on the company’s strategic direction and bottom line makes sound financial sense – and there’s more than one way to crack a nut.

You may have an employee with the capacity and knowledge to take on the additional role of Transport Manager. 

With the right training and support, developing an existing member of the team who knows your business can bring many advantages.

There are several reputable transport management consultants around who can provide the required level of training to help you successfully apply for a Restricted Operator’s Licence and train someone in the role of Transport Manager.

Develop a robust Transport Management System exclusively for your business
An experienced transport management consultant will work with you to create a Transport Management System that meets all your legal obligations and provides clear, written policies and procedures that your whole workforce can understand.

A good consultant will continue to work with your business until you’re confident your appointed employee has the skills, knowledge and confidence to ensure your drivers and vehicle fleet are legal and safe.

Benefits of an external Transport Manager v PAYE employee
If no-one in your team has the ability or capacity to take on the role of Transport Manager, you can hire a qualified transport management consultant to perform the role of Transport Manager for your business.

With none of the overheads associated with a PAYE employee, using a qualified transport consultant could be the cheapest option for your business.

In addition to applying for your Operator’s Licence and creating a comprehensive Transport Management System that meets your business needs, a good consultant will provide 24-hour support and manage compliance with your legal obligations.

How can JCS Transport Consultancy help your business?
JCS Transport Consultancy fulfils the role of Transport Manager for a number of companies who hold a Restricted Operator’s Licence.

We work closely with business owners and operators to create robust transport management processes and policies that are simple to implement and provide ongoing record-keeping and performance reporting. 

JCS Transport Consultancy can train and support your in-house Transport Manager

We can train internally-appointed Transport Managers to the required level of competency and knowledge to ensure your business remains compliant with all driver and vehicle maintenance regulations.

We provide 24-hour access and support, as well as ongoing training and advice.

Knowledge and experience you can trust
JCS Transport Consultancy are a Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) Approved Pre-Audit Provider.

Director Jamie Campbell CMILT, is a Qualified FORS Auditor and Practitioner and has conducted over 300 FORS audits on behalf of the prestigious Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme.

Contact us today for an informal discussion on how JCS Transport Consultancy can support your fleet management responsibilities. 

FORS Silver and Gold Accreditation

As well as making sure your business achieves and maintains its FORS accreditation at Bronze Level, we can also help you achieve the prestigious Silver and Gold FORS status.

These awards recognise the very best standards and practice in road transport management and put you one step ahead of the competition.

Start your journey to FORS accreditation

Contact us today for a free, no obligation quote and take the first step towards FORS accreditation.

GET CERTIFIED TODAY! CALL 0333 987 4657

GET FORS CERTIFIED. CALL US ON 0333 987 4657

About Us

JCS Transport Consultancy was setup by Managing Director Jamie Campbell, a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Logistics and Transport (FCILT), has over 24 years’ experience in road transport operations and is an Approved FORS Pre-Audit provider.

About Us

JCS Transport Consultancy was setup by Managing Director Jamie Campbell, a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Logistics and Transport (FCILT), has over 24 years’ experience in road transport operations and is an Approved FORS Pre-Audit provider.

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Site created by jcstransport.com | Copyright JCS Transport Consultancy | SEO by Grasshopper Digital