Since May 2022, transport companies and couriers using vans and car and trailers over 2.5 tonnes to transport goods in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland have needed a Standard International Goods Vehicle Operator Licence and have a designated transport manager.
Over the past year the Office of the Traffic Commissioner has been working with the 293 operators who relied on a transport manager that holds an Acquired Rights Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) for light goods vehicles.
As the certificate could only be used to satisfy the professional competence requirements on an operator's licence until 20 May 2025, it was important that they had a suitably qualified person specified on their operator's licence before this date. Without it, their operator's licence is at risk of revocation.
The transport manager is a vital part of a transport company. They are responsible for helping to ensure that all goods and passengers reach their destinations safely. They ensure drivers have a valid licence and do not speed or break the drivers' hours rules, vehicles are taxed and insured, have a valid MOT, are properly maintained and are loaded safely and the vehicle operator does not break safety rules.
Gaining the CPC can take up to a year and the majority of those with acquired rights have spent the time and effort gaining the CPC qualifications they need. Some operators have appointed new, already qualified transport managers. Some no longer need the licence and have surrendered them, but for around 90 operators, licence revocation is now immanent, jeopardising their businesses through inaction.
If you would like to know how to become a transport manager, visit https://www.gov.uk/become-transport-manager
