Over recent months, I’ve supported several clients in preparing for and representing them at Public Inquiries in Northampton and Coventry (amongst other areas in the UK) — and one issue keeps coming up again and again: the worrying lack of knowledge amongst Transport Managers. Not all of them of course, most are brilliant and continue their CPD regularly to keep up to scratch with legislation updates and compliance, gaining further knowledge as Transport Manager however, in a recent case with my client – they had 3 Transport Managers over the past 3 years and none of them had no processes in place, or an understanding of what actually needed to be done. Most shocking was that neither of the 3 had even done a single drivers licence check.
I questioned the operator as to why they continued to use Transport Managers who didnt understand their role and what the main factor for recruiting them was and their response was that they didn’t know?
It’s becoming increasingly clear that many companies simply don’t realise how critical the role of a Transport Manager truly is. A Transport Manager isn’t just a name on your licence — they are legally responsible for ensuring that your operation is compliant with operator licence undertakings, maintenance schedules, drivers hours, and all the regulatory standards that keep your business running smoothly and safely.
Unfortunately, we’re seeing more and more cases where companies are being called to Public Inquiry following a DVSA roadside stop, which then triggers a DBA (Desk-Based Assessment), MEVR (Maintenance Evaluation Visit Report), or TEVR (Transport Evaluation Visit Report). In many of these situations, it becomes apparent that the Transport Manager had little to no understanding of their actual duties, leaving the operator exposed to serious regulatory action — including the risk of losing their licence altogether.
This is why I urge operators:
👉 Do not hire Transport Managers without checking their credentials and interviewing them thoroughly.
Remember, your Transport Manager works for you — and you’re trusting them with your business, your reputation, and your livelihood.
Far too often, companies recruit Transport Managers via social media platforms, driven by desperation to fill the role quickly rather than carefully. The result? A mismatch between the company’s compliance needs and the TM’s actual ability or experience. We understand that cost is a factor when sourcing through a Consultancy, as well as time as you’re often sourcing within a short timescale and therefore will take desperate measures but The Transport Consultancy has a network of Transport Managers as well the right tools, knowledge and experience to source an External Transport Manager in a short time.
At The Transport Consultancy, we specialise in transport compliance, recruitment, and matching the right Transport Manager to the right client. We understand the regulatory framework, we know what good compliance looks like, and we ensure that every Trandpost Manager we recommend is both qualified and competent. And we also understand time constraints, and thats why most of our clients get presented with a shortlist of Transport Managers within 24 hours and often named on your Operators Licence within that timescale too.
If you want to safeguard your licence, protect your business, and avoid the stress (and cost) of a Public Inquiry — don’t take shortcuts. You may feel like it is a time or cost constraint but believe us, preparing and attending a Public Inquiry with the uncertainty is alot more stress, takes more time and definitely alot more costly.
Work with experienced professionals who know the transport industry inside and out.
📞 Get in touch with The Transport Consultancy today — we’re here to help you stay compliant, confident, and in control.
Telephone us now on 01788891608 or email info@thetc.co.uk and put subject as ‘Find a TM’.