If you operate a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) fleet, you might wonder, "Do I need more than one Transport Manager?" This is a crucial question for any HGV operator, as the answer directly impacts your compliance with the Operator Licence requirements. Understanding the role and responsibilities of a Transport Manager, as well as the guidance provided by the Traffic Commissioners, is essential to making an informed decision.
The Role of a Transport Manager
A Transport Manager is responsible for ensuring that your transport operations comply with all relevant legislation. This includes managing drivers' hours and tachographs, overseeing vehicle maintenance, ensuring vehicles are not overloaded, and keeping accurate records for at least 15 months. The Transport Manager also has to ensure that vehicles are kept at the authorised operating centre when not in use and report any significant issues, such as resignations, to the Traffic Commissioner.
Factors to Consider: Do You Need More Than One?
The number of Transport Managers required is not explicitly defined in legislation. Instead, the decision depends on several factors, which are outlined in the Traffic Commissioners' Statutory Document on Transport Managers. These factors include:
- How many operator licences does the Transport Manager oversee? If your business holds multiple licences, it might be challenging for one Transport Manager to effectively manage all of them.
- How much time does the Transport Manager dedicate to their duties for each operator? If the Transport Manager is stretched too thin, they may not be able to provide the necessary oversight.
- The more centres and vehicles under a Transport Manager’s responsibility, the higher the workload. This can become unmanageable for a single person, leading to potential compliance issues.
- Is the Transport Manager located near the operating centres they oversee? Proximity can affect how effectively they can manage operations on a day-to-day basis.
- Does the Transport Manager have other jobs or responsibilities that could interfere with their ability to manage the operator licence effectively?
- Are the terms of the Transport Manager’s employment clear and sufficient to allow them to fulfil their responsibilities?
These considerations suggest that while a single Transport Manager might be sufficient for smaller operations, larger or more complex businesses may require multiple Transport Managers to ensure compliance.
The Importance of Effective Control
The key takeaway from the Traffic Commissioners’ guidance is that continuous and effective control is paramount. It’s not just about having a Transport Manager on paper; they must be able to demonstrate they have the time, resources, and proximity to manage the fleet effectively. Failing to do so could result in a Public Inquiry, where the adequacy of your transport management arrangements will be scrutinised.
Making the Right Decision
Ultimately, whether you need more than one Transport Manager depends on the specifics of your operation. If you manage a large fleet, multiple operating centres, or geographically dispersed operations, you should seriously consider appointing additional Transport Managers. This decision should be made in consultation with your current Transport Manager and, if necessary, with legal or compliance experts.
By ensuring that your transport management arrangements are robust and compliant, you can avoid the risk of being called before a Traffic Commissioner at a Public Inquiry. Remember, the goal is to maintain continuous and effective control over your transport operations—something that might be difficult for a single individual to achieve in more complex scenarios.
I hope you enjoyed reading this article – if you need our support, please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@transportldp.co.uk or info@hauliershub.uk
