Transport Consultancy
What is an ‘O’ Licence?
You need a goods vehicle operator’s licence if your business uses goods vehicles above a certain weight. Historically this was requirement for vehicles over 3500 kg MAM or combination of vehicle and trailer over this weights. From 21.05.2022 rules have changed. An ‘O’ licence will be required to cover the use of vans, cars and trailers exceeding 2.5 tonnes to transport goods into and out of the UK. This will not affect you if you only operate in UK.
There are three deferent types of Licences depending on the work you do:
Restricted Licence
A restricted licence is required by a UK operator who carries goods only in connection with their own trade or business (but not for hire or reward) or that of a subsidiary or holding company — generally known as “own account operation”. In other words, a restricted licence holder can only carry their own goods and not goods belonging to anyone else. A restricted licence is also valid for international journeys to and from EU Member States.
Your company does not legally require Nominated Transport Manager, but is highly recommended to have a transport consultant who can help you to stay complaint as there is no difference in the rules between Restricted and Standard Licence holders to comply with exactly the same legislation.
Standard National Licence
A standard national licence is required by a UK operator who carries other people’s goods for hire or reward solely within the UK.
Your company will require to have a Nominated Transport Manager( internal or external) on the Licence who will be responsible to keep your company compliant with current legislation. We can help you with our expert advice how to put all your systems in place to work for you. Get in touch for more information and assistance.
Standard International Licence
A standard international licence is required by a UK operator who carries other people’s goods between the UK and other countries. These licence holders are also automatically granted a separate UK Licence for the Community for each vehicle authorised on the licence , which permits journeys to EU Member States and beyond so long as any necessary permits are carried on the vehicle along with the licence.
You will need Standard International Licence for vans, cars towing trailers etc., over 2500 kg MAM or combination of these weight and transporting goods for hire and reward.
An international licence also allows operations solely within the UK.
Your company will require to have a Nominated Transport Manager( internal or external) on the Licence who will be responsible to keep your company compliant with current legislation. We can help you with our expert advice how to put all your systems in place to work for you. Get in touch for more information and assistance.
How can we help you ?
We are committed to all of our clients by providing professional consulting services tailored to their needs.
PETM offers External Transport Manager (ETM) services working in Road haulage industry sectors across the UK, specialising in helping small to medium size Operators to stay legal and compliant.
External transport managers are there not only to ensure you are compliant but to help reduce your fuel bill, review your current H&S policy status, develop your driver training and introduce easily understood/robust policies & procedures.
Support by qualified transport consultant
Our transport consultant will visit you twice per month and will ensure your company is up to date with all legislations. You will receive advice and assistance on how to improve your compliance. We can work with you helping you to achieve all your goals in a legal and compliant manner.
For National and International Licence holders we can offer additional support by our transport consultant and giving you a second point of view of how systems put in place can be improved. We can come and complete an internal audit for your transport operations with a thorough report of what we can see as needing to be improved. We can also offer visits once a month to ensure your business is checked from a different point of view with a report sent to all parties responsible for transport compliance and advise given of where to improve.
Assistance for your O Licence application:
Advice, assistance and support throughout your application from beginning to the end.
Amendable templates for your transport business
Amendable templates policies and essential documents to help you to stay compliant.
Please look into our service section for the full details.
Frequently asked questions(FAQ)
1. What does your transport consultancy service include?
We offer expert support in licence applications, compliance systems, policy development, fleet management, and regulatory updates. Our expert team provides comprehensive guidance every step of the way, ensuring you fully understand the processes involved. We pride ourselves on delivering clear, detailed advice tailored specifically to your needs, leveraging extensive industry experience to provide practical solutions and continuous support.
2. Do you assist with new Operator Licence applications?
Yes, we guide you through the full application process, including supporting documentation and correspondence with the Traffic Commissioner. Our expert team provides comprehensive guidance every step of the way, ensuring you fully understand the processes involved. We pride ourselves on delivering clear, detailed advice tailored specifically to your needs, leveraging extensive industry experience to provide practical solutions and continuous support.
3. Can you help me if I’ve received a DVSA warning letter or PI (public inquiry) call-up?
Yes, we provide pre-Public Inquiry support, including evidence reviews, corrective action plans, and representation assistance. Our expert team provides comprehensive guidance every step of the way, ensuring you fully understand the processes involved. We pride ourselves on delivering clear, detailed advice tailored specifically to your needs, leveraging extensive industry experience to provide practical solutions and continuous support.
4. What sectors do you support?
We specialise in road haulage, including general haulage, construction, and logistics sectors. Our expert team provides comprehensive guidance every step of the way, ensuring you fully understand the processes involved. We pride ourselves on delivering clear, detailed advice tailored specifically to your needs, leveraging extensive industry experience to provide practical solutions and continuous support.
5. Do you provide interim Transport Manager cover?
Yes, we can act as your External Transport Manager on a part-time basis or during periods of transition. Our expert team provides comprehensive guidance every step of the way, ensuring you fully understand the processes involved. We pride ourselves on delivering clear, detailed advice tailored specifically to your needs, leveraging extensive industry experience to provide practical solutions and continuous support.
6. Can you help with FORS accreditation?
Absolutely. We assist with Bronze, Silver, and Gold FORS applications and audits. Our expert team provides comprehensive guidance every step of the way, ensuring you fully understand the processes involved. We pride ourselves on delivering clear, detailed advice tailored specifically to your needs, leveraging extensive industry experience to provide practical solutions and continuous support.
7. Do you offer ongoing compliance support packages?
Yes, we provide monthly packages including policy reviews, driver file audits, and regulatory updates. Our expert team provides comprehensive guidance every step of the way, ensuring you fully understand the processes involved. We pride ourselves on delivering clear, detailed advice tailored specifically to your needs, leveraging extensive industry experience to provide practical solutions and continuous support.
8. How do you stay current with legislation changes?
We monitor DVSA updates, attend industry events, and maintain CPD to ensure advice is accurate and up to date. Our expert team provides comprehensive guidance every step of the way, ensuring you fully understand the processes involved. We pride ourselves on delivering clear, detailed advice tailored specifically to your needs, leveraging extensive industry experience to provide practical solutions and continuous support.
9. What makes your consultancy different?
We combine real-world industry experience with qualified auditing and teaching backgrounds, offering tailored and practical solutions. Our expert team provides comprehensive guidance every step of the way, ensuring you fully understand the processes involved. We pride ourselves on delivering clear, detailed advice tailored specifically to your needs, leveraging extensive industry experience to provide practical solutions and continuous support.
10. How do I get started with your consultancy service?
Contact us to arrange a free initial consultation – this allows us to understand your needs and propose the right support. Our expert team provides comprehensive guidance every step of the way, ensuring you fully understand the processes involved. We pride ourselves on delivering clear, detailed advice tailored specifically to your needs, leveraging extensive industry experience to provide practical solutions and continuous support.