Compliance, Efficiency & AutomationHGV & PSV operators · England & Scotland
0113 534 8006  ·  support@theftc.co.uk
External Transport Managers

CPC-qualified External Transport Manager services

Our experienced, CPC-qualified External Transport Managers keep HGV and PSV Operator Licence holders compliant, efficient and safe — managing drivers, vehicles and your O-Licence so you can focus on running your business.

Based in West Yorkshire and Hertfordshire and operating across the UK, Fleet Transport Consultants offers External Transport Manager (ETM) services to HGV and PSV Operator Licence holders. Our team of experienced, CPC-qualified transport managers keeps your operation compliant with all relevant regulations, staying abreast of every DVSA change and initiative so your vehicles are always on the right side of the law.

The three pillars we manage

  • Drivers — hours, breaks, driving time, training, infringements and HR
  • Vehicles — maintenance regime, PMIs, spot checks, fuel/AdBlue and tachograph data
  • O-Licence — supporting the licence holder so the business runs compliantly

What does an External Transport Manager do?

An External Transport Manager is a CPC-qualified professional responsible for ensuring your transport operations comply with all relevant regulations. The exact duties vary with the size, vehicle count, driver numbers and complexity of your operation, but they typically include:

  • Developing and implementing transport policies and procedures
  • Managing transport risks and building robust routines
  • Monitoring driver compliance and managing infringements
  • Conducting audits and automated checks
  • Preparing and reviewing reports
  • Ensuring the Operator Licence is relevant and accurate
  • Ensuring driver and vehicle digital tachograph data is uploaded promptly
  • Ensuring daily driver inspections and defect reports are actioned with a tight paper trail
  • Ensuring vehicles are maintained to schedule and PMI documents are scrutinised
  • Supporting the licence holder with any DVSA or Traffic Commissioner request for information

External Transport Manager pricing

We believe in clear, transparent pricing. Our monthly ETM fee is structured by your Operator Compliance Risk Score (OCRS) band — a base retainer plus a per-vehicle charge. A lower-risk score means a lower price, so the work we do to improve your compliance pays you back.

OCRS bandBase monthly feePer-vehicle charge
Restricted£299+£75 per vehicle
Green£449+£99 (up to 5 vehicles) / £79 thereafter
Amber£469+£99 / £89 per vehicle
Red£499+£99 per vehicle
Need an Operator Licence too? Our Operator Licence application support is a single, fixed fee of £395. See the Operator Licence page for details.

Why choose FTC's External Transport Manager services?

There are many benefits to appointing FTC as your External Transport Manager. Our CPC-qualified team helps you:

  • Save time and money
  • Reduce your risk of non-compliance
  • Improve operational efficiency
  • Gain peace of mind
  • Free yourself to run your core business
  • Upskill your team

Cost-effective and hassle-free

We understand that the cost of compliance is a real concern. That is why we offer External Transport Manager services at a competitive, transparent price and make it easy to get started. We can also support you with automated driver licence checks, DVSA-style audits and ongoing transport consultancy as part of a complete compliance package.

Ready to appoint a qualified External Transport Manager? Contact us today for a quote tailored to your fleet and OCRS band.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

How much does an External Transport Manager cost?+
Our monthly ETM fee is set by OCRS band: Restricted is £299 base plus £75 per vehicle; Green is £449 base plus £99 (up to 5 vehicles) or £79 thereafter; Amber is £469 base plus £99/£89 per vehicle; Red is £499 base plus £99 per vehicle.
What is the difference between an internal and external Transport Manager?+
An internal TM is a full-time employee, which suits larger fleets. An External Transport Manager is an independent professional retained part-time — usually more cost-effective for fleets under around 10 vehicles while still meeting the legal requirement on a Standard Licence.
Do I legally need a Transport Manager?+
A Standard Operator Licence (national or international) legally requires a CPC-qualified Transport Manager named on the licence. A Restricted Licence does not require one, though we can still provide oversight to keep you compliant.
Is the External Transport Manager CPC qualified?+
Yes. All our External Transport Managers hold the Transport Manager CPC and have extensive HGV and PSV experience, keeping abreast of every DVSA change and initiative.
What areas do you cover?+
We are based in West Yorkshire and Hertfordshire and operate across the UK, supporting HGV and PSV operators throughout England and Scotland.
Get in touch

Talk to a transport compliance specialist.

Book a free, no-obligation consultation and we'll talk through exactly what your fleet needs — no pressure, no jargon.

0113 534 8006Mon–Fri 9–6 · Sat 9–4
support@theftc.co.ukWe reply within 24 hours
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