Maintaining standards with 2 Start
Training provider 2 Start Ltd has emphasised the importance of the transport manager’s role in keeping teams in line with the laws governing commercial driving, and explained how it can assist prospective managers in qualifying for the role.
From ensuring correct tachograph use, arranging maintenance and MOTs and ensuring staff training is up-to-date, the transport manager must have continuous and effective responsibility for the management of the vehicles specified on the licence, the company points out.
The firm also highlighted some of the recent changes and challenges impacting the transport manager’s role.
“Over the years, the development and evolution of technology has been seen to creep into many businesses,” it said.
If anything, the digital era has only benefited transport managers, contends 2 Start, emphasising how the digital tracking of vehicles and drivers’ hours, and the ability to check licences online, have simplified the task of ascertaining whether drivers are remaining compliant.
Ensuring that drivers are familiar with and abiding by relevant laws and regulations – for example, that they are recording their hours correctly – is another core part of transport managers’ responsibilities underlined by the company. It emphasises the role that additional training for employees can play in achieving this, and helping drivers to understand the consequences should compliance falter.
Vehicle weight limits are another key area of compliance where the transport manager needs to exercise responsibility, adds the firm – as well as how vehicles are being loaded, such as whether the correct straps are being used for the load type.
2 Start warns of the detrimental effects to businesses and employees that can result should standards fall and compliance is not met – including the possibility that other businesses trading with the operator look elsewhere.
“When a business isn’t staying compliant, the standards will start to decrease, and quality can be disrupted. This is because there is subsequently a lack of effort.
“Standards can dip because drivers may not think about loading procedures, or the quality of their driving could become more erratic. A lack of knowledge is not an excuse, especially when training materials and updates are readily available.”
A lack of clarity around laws and regulations can cause further issues, impacting on fleet coordination, says the training firm.
“A transport manager must also have a strong knowledge of other international rules and regulations. This is so if a driver must transport goods overseas, they are keeping compliant with the country’s laws, as well as UK regulations. This keeps drivers compliant in other countries and prevents any issues arising.”
It continued: “To become a nominated transport manager, you must cover the following competencies when completing the full course 2 Start offers: managing business operations; managing drivers; managing compliance and risk; [and] managing transport operations.”
Knowledge of civil law, fiscal law, commercial law, business and financial management, access to the market, technical standards and aspects of operation, and road safety will also be required.
“Having a good understanding of the laws, competencies and management operations, as well as obtaining a good level of understanding, and showing knowledge implementation [will help] yourself, the fleet, and the business stay compliant,” said the training provider.
“It takes approximately two weeks to complete the full course, which includes both national and international CPC qualifications.
“This will also include both the multiple-choice and case study exam that you must pass in order to become a nominated Transport Manager. It takes up to six weeks to get your results.”
Prospective transport managers will need to complete a full course, says 2 Start, covering knowledge around the management of employees, compliance requirements, and ensuring business standards are consistently being met and are in line with the national quality standards.
“All of 2 Start’s Transport Manager courses are accredited by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT),” said the company.
“If you are someone who shows skills in leadership, compliance and communication, becoming a transport manager may be a great fit for you…
“2 Start provide a selection of transport manager courses that cater for both road haulage and passenger. You can also book specific parts of the course, such as the revision days or exams if you don’t need the full course.
“It is recommended that all certified transport managers should undergo a regular refresher course that lasts around 1-2 days in length every 5–10 years after passing their initial certification to keep up to date,” added 2 Start.
“This demonstrates to the traffic commissioner their commitment to compliance on an ongoing basis.”
