External Transport Manager
External Transport Manager
Qualified CPC holders in Passenger Transport (PSV) or Road Haulage (HGV) can become and work as a Transport Manager either as an Internal Transport Manager or an External Transport Manager.
An Internal Transport Manager will work for one company and manage their fleet solely and cover all duties associated to that role, company and fleet. They usually have a team working for them as well as having all the operations in order.
An External Transport Manager (or ETM) is a designated, contracted competent and qualified Transport professional who works for small to medium sized companies on a part time basis. They have a duty of care and responsibility to the Traffic Commissioner to ensure the operator they are representing is compliant as well as a duty of care to the public.
The benefits of being an Internal Transport Manager include:
- Cost efficiency for larger fleets.
- Internal Transport Managers can play a more comprehensive role in managing a business’s transportational needs. This includes hands on problem solving and developing strategies for the business.
- Internal Transport Managers are able to manage many tasks as part of their role such as managing driver schedules, maintaining vehicles, dealing with vendors and sub contractors, maximising their value as a Transport Manager within the business.
The benefits of being an External Transport Manager include:
- Having an External Transport Manager is a cost efficient solution for small business, this is because the business only needs to pay for the services they need and do not have to employ a full time Transport Manager, which will save overall costs.
- External Transport Managers can offer specialised knowledge and experience in a variety of areas which include compliance, regulations and logistics which will prove to be valuable to the business who lack the in house knowledge and expertise to efficiently run their transport business.
- External Transport Managers can be objective and will solely focus on providing the relevant information required for compliance, mitigating potential risks and ensuring the business is running a compliant operation.
How many hours will the External Transport Manager be expected to work?
The number of hours the External Transport Manager is expe cted to work really depends on the number of vehicles your operator licence has margin allowance for.
However, the guidelines are as follows:
| Motor Vehicles | Proposed hours per week |
|---|---|
| 2 or less | 2 - 4 |
| 3 – 5 | 4 - 8 |
| 6 – 10 | 8 - 12 |
| 11 – 14 | 12 - 20 |
| 15 – 29 | 20 – 30 |
| 30 – 50 | 30 – full time |
| Above 50 | Full time plus an assistant |
What does the External Transport Manager do?
Some of the duties will include (but not limited to) the following;
General duties include:
- Managing, reviewing and ensuring compliance systems are effective
- Address any prohibitions and/or annual test failures
- Keep up to date with relevant changes in standards and legislation
Driver Management and Admin:
- Ensure drivers hours compliance (EU or domestic hours rules)
- Drivers must record their duties, driving times, rest periods and breaks appropriately and records must be handed to the Transport Manager for inspection
- Download and store data from digital tachograph unit
- Ensure drivers are adequately trained
- Ensure regular checks are carried out on drivers
- Ensure that the drivers hold a valid CPC quafication
- Drivers records to be kept for no less than 12 months
- Working time records kept for no less than 24 month
- Drivers to complete and return driver defect reporting sheets
Vehicle Management and Admin:
- Vehicle maintenance records to be retained for no less than 15 months
- Operator licences to be displayed correctly
- Ensure suitable maintenance planner is completed and displayed including preventative maintenance inspection dates, at least 6 months in advance.
- Vehicles kept in roadworthy condition
- Reported defects are repaired and stored correctly
- Ensure that any safety inspections are carried out in accordance to rcommendations rom the Traffic commissioner as well as manufacturer recommendations
The Transport Consultant can help you decide which avenue to follow regarding becoming a Transport Manager. We will analyse your skills and experience and identify whether you would suit an Internal or External Transport Manager role. To discuss further, contact The Transport Consultant.