Transport consultancy contract template

When you engage a transport consultant to satisfy Public Inquiry undertakings, audit your systems or maintain robust compliance, a clear written agreement matters. It defines the scope of work, sets expectations on both sides and makes responsibilities explicit — protecting your Operator Licence and the consultant alike. Our Consulting Services Agreement is a professionally drafted template designed exactly for this purpose, and we are happy to provide it.

What a consultancy agreement is for

A consultancy agreement is a contract between you (the operator) and your transport consultant. It records that the client holds a Goods Vehicle Operator's Licence and requires expert support — for example to satisfy undertakings given at a Public Inquiry, to audit existing systems, or to ensure ongoing robust compliance. Having this in writing avoids ambiguity later, demonstrates a structured, professional approach, and gives the Traffic Commissioner confidence that you are taking compliance seriously.

Key clauses explained

Our template sets out the elements that matter most:

• Services and term. The consultant agrees to provide a defined package of services for an agreed period, with a clear commencement date.
• Client responsibilities. The operator agrees to provide accurate information and full access to records and premises, to cooperate fully, and — crucially — to commit to implementing the systems and recommendations needed to achieve compliance.
• Compliance and regulatory obligations. The client remains responsible for its licence undertakings, and provides authority for the consultant to notify the Traffic Commissioner of any notifiable matter, in addition to the client's own duty.
• Fees and payment. Fees are set out in a schedule, with clear invoicing and payment terms (typically 14 days).
• Confidentiality, IP and liability. Both parties keep information confidential; the consultant's materials remain its property under a licence for the client's internal use; and the agreement makes clear that ultimate responsibility for licence compliance rests with the operator, its directors and its Transport Manager.
• Termination. Either party may end the agreement on one month's notice, with specific provisions where a client becomes insolvent or loses its licence.

Schedules you complete

The template includes fillable schedules so the agreement can be tailored to your operation: Schedule 1 records the parties, commencement date and term; Schedule 2 sets out the scope of services — which might include a full compliance audit, training and rollout of digital walkarounds, setting up driver licence checks and conducting tachograph data analysis; and Schedule 3 records the total fee, payment schedule and instalments. You simply complete the bracketed placeholders offline.

Why use a structured agreement

A clear contract is more than housekeeping. It protects you commercially, sets realistic expectations on both sides, and — by committing both parties to a programme of improvement — supports the credible, evidence-led approach the Traffic Commissioner expects. It is particularly valuable where compliance work follows a Public Inquiry or DVSA investigation.

Get your copy

If you would like our consultancy contract template, or you would like us to scope and deliver a compliance programme under it, get in touch. You can also read more about our transport consultancy services and External Transport Manager support.