Transport Consultancy FAQ's

What is Operator Licence Acquisition?

Anyone wishing to run a vehicle or fleet of vehicles with vehicles that exceed 3.5t (Maximum Authorised Mass) including any trailers on he public highway in connection with a business, will need to apply for an operators licence.

We can assist anyone wishing to make this application to ensure the correct procedure is followed and all information required is supplied to the Office of the Traffic Commissioner in order to receive the required application back in a timely manner and avoiding long delays.

If you would like assistance with the application please contact us to discuss your requirements and we will be happy to provide an all inclusive quote for the application and associated costs payable to the Office of the Traffic Commissioner.

Depending on your needs you will be required to make an application for one of three types of operator licence.

Restricted Operators Licence
Standard National Operators Licence
Standard International Operators Licence

What is the difference between the Operator Licences?

Restricted Operators Licence.

This licence is required by companies who need to carry their own goods in connection with the business. Companies can operate across the UK and in Europe.

Standard National Operators Licence.

Operators wishing to deliver products for hire or reward across the UK only, will need to apply for a Standard National Operator Licence.

Standard International Operators Licence.

Those operators wishing to venture further afield and deliver goods across the UK AND into Europe must make an application for a Standard International Operators Licence.

A qualified Transport Manager will be required to be appointed on application of the Standard National & International Operator Licence, however this is not required for the Restricted licence but you must have someone knowledgeable enough to run a legally compliant operation. We can assist you in finding Transport Managers or consultants who hold the required skills and experience to assist you if required.

What are Fleet Compliance Audits?

All companies will have to undergo some form of an audit at some point be it an internal one to ensure all process have been followed or an external audit by suppliers, or customers to ensure compliance. The same can be said for all operators and audits can take place for a number of reasons. This could be an internal audit by colleagues to determine best practice has been followed, or an external audit may have be conducted in preparation for a Public Inquiry called for by the Traffic Commissioner, or other external body, or you may have made the decision to apply for Earned Recognition Scheme run by the DVSA.

What ever the reason for the audit we can assist you in preparing for the audit or conducting the audit on your behalf, we offer fixed pricing depending on the audit type and size of fleet.

Don't leave an audit until its too late arrange one with us now to measure you compliance before its to late. Discuss your requirements with us by calling us on 01482 699222

Why do I need assistance with a Public Inquiry?

The Traffic Commissioner can call an operator into a Public Inquiry for any reason where they suspect the operator isn't running their business in line with the undertakings signed off by the Director and Transport Manager or there have been disciplinary issues with their drivers.

Should you this happen to don't panic, but it is time to act and act now. Operators are advised to make contact with a transport consultant or seek legal advice to take steps to protect their operator licence.

The first steps are to arrange for an audit to be conducted and establish what steps need to be taken to rectify any issues uncovered by the audit. and implement any recommendations made the consultant.

When the operator is in the Public Inquiry they can then inform the Traffic Commissioner of issues identified that got them in front of the TC and rectifications made to policies and procedures that have been put in place to ensure the same mistakes will not be made again in the future.