Transport manager jobs and cover

A transport manager runs the transport operation. GOV.UK says the manager has to make sure that drivers have a valid licence, vehicles are taxed and insured, vehicles have a valid MOT and are properly maintained, vehicles are loaded safely and not overloaded, drivers do not speed or break the drivers’ hours rules, and the operator does not break safety rules.

An operator needs a goods vehicle operator’s licence for a vehicle with a gross plated weight over 3,500 kg, or an unladen weight over 1,525 kg where there is no plated weight. There are three types: standard national, standard international and restricted, and a restricted licence covers an operator’s own goods only. An operator with a standard national or international licence needs a transport manager.

The job covers the vehicle maintenance programme, drivers’ hours and tachograph compliance, walkaround checks and defect reports, driver recruitment and supervision, and dealing with customers when something goes wrong. An operator must make sure drivers carry out a walkaround check before driving a vehicle for the first time each day, and must keep records of safety inspections and maintenance for a minimum of 15 months.

Managers also deal with the regulators. GOV.UK says a transport manager can be called to appear before a traffic commissioner’s public inquiry if the operator breaks the law, and can be banned permanently or temporarily if the traffic commissioner finds that they are responsible. A vehicle check or an operator review ends up on the manager’s desk, and the manager explains what happened and what has changed.

GOV.UK says you need a professional qualification called the Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) to become a transport manager. You do not need a driving licence. The exam must be approved by one of six organisations: CILT, City & Guilds, Innovate Awarding, NLTC, NOCN Group or SEG Awards. It has two parts, multiple-choice questions and case study questions, and you have to pass both.

The CPC is the first step. An operator applies to add the manager to its operator’s licence, and the traffic commissioner has to approve the application before the manager starts work. The traffic commissioner checks that the manager is qualified, will work enough hours to manage the vehicles in the fleet and has up-to-date knowledge, and looks at any criminal convictions or penalties. It usually takes 7 weeks for an application to be approved, and it can take longer.

The traffic commissioner sets recommended working hours for transport managers, based on the number of vehicles. They run from 2 to 4 hours a week for 2 vehicles or fewer to full time, with another staff member needed, for more than 50 vehicles. A manager who will not work the recommended hours has to explain why in the application.

Temporary cover is paid by the hour or the day, and permanent roles are salaried. The rate depends on the size of the fleet, the licence and the client. We do not publish rates on this site.

The National Living Wage is the legal floor for workers aged 21 and over, and no booking pays below the legal minimum wage. You are told the rate before you accept a booking.