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Glossary

Common Acronyms & Vocabulary  

100 Terms and words that every transport manager and Operator's Licence holder should know.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A

Abnormal Load Permits - Permits required for the transportation of oversized or overweight loads on UK roads.

ADR - European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road

AETR - Agreement on the European Regulations Governing the Work of Drivers Engaged in International Road Transport

C

COC - Certificate of Conformity, a document that certifies that a vehicle complies with EU regulations

Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Testing - The testing of commercial vehicles to ensure roadworthiness and compliance with legal requirements and regulations.Community Licence - A licence that allows a commercial vehicle operator to transport goods or passengers within the European Union (EU).

Compliance - Adhering to legal requirements and regulations as set out by the DVSA.

Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) Compliance Manual - A manual published by the CPT to help operators of passenger transport comply with legal requirements and regulations.

Continuous Professional Development (CPD) - The ongoing process of developing knowledge and skills in a professional field, required for transport managers and some commercial vehicle drivers. Also commonly defined as the process of regularly updating and improving skills and knowledge in a particular profession.CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) training is a program designed to provide professional training to individuals who are employed or wish to be employed as professional drivers of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) or passenger-carrying vehicles (PCVs) in the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU). The training is mandatory for all new professional drivers seeking to obtain a license to drive HGVs or PCVs. It also applies to existing drivers who are required to undertake periodic training to maintain their CPC certification. The training covers a range of topics, including driver safety, legal requirements, vehicle maintenance, and customer service. The aim of the CPC training is to ensure that drivers are competent, skilled, and safe on the road, as well as to improve road safety and reduce accidents involving commercial vehicles.

CPC Transport Management (TMCPC) - The Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) for Transport Managers course is essential for those seeking a career in road haulage or passenger vehicle management. For more information about the couse, watch the following quick video:

CPC Transport Manager Exam Preparation, Hints & Tips

CPC Transport Manager Exam Preparation, Hints & TipsCross-Border Transport - The transportation of goods or passengers across international borders by commercial vehicles, including compliance with customs and import/export regulations.

CMR (Convention relative au contrat de transport international de marchandises par route)- Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road

D

Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser (DGSA) - A person responsible for the safe transport of dangerous goods by commercial vehicles, ensuring compliance with regulations. Also commonly defined as the person who provides advice on the safe transportation of dangerous goods by road.

DDI (Driver Defect Inspection) commonly known as Driver Walkaround Checks and DDR (Driver Defect Reporting) are important components of ensuring safe and efficient transportation of goods and people. By conducting regular driver inspections and keeping accurate records of driver activity, transport managers can identify and address any potential safety issues before they become more significant problems.

Department for Transport (DfT) - The UK government department responsible for transport policy and regulations.

Desk Based Assessment Questionnaire (DBAQ) - Compliance self-assessment form sent to operators to complete and return to the DVSA within a given timescale.

Digital Operators Licence (DOL) - A digital version of the O-Licence that allows operators to manage and share their licence information online.

Digital Tachograph - An electronic device that records information about a commercial vehicle driver's activities, including driving time and rest breaks.

Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) Enforcement - The enforcement of driver and vehicle standards and regulations by the DVSA agency.

Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) - A qualification required for commercial vehicle drivers, demonstrating their knowledge and skills.

Driver Conduct Hearings - Hearings held by the Traffic Commissioner to investigate and adjudicate on allegations of misconduct by commercial vehicle drivers.

Driver CPC Exemption - Exemptions to the Driver CPC training requirements for certain types of commercial vehicle drivers.

Driver CPC Periodic Training - Regular training that drivers must complete to maintain their Driver CPC.

Driver Qualification Card (DQC) - A card that shows a commercial vehicle driver has completed the required Driver CPC training.

Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) - A report completed by a commercial vehicle driver to identify defects or issues with their vehicle.

Driver's Hours - The maximum amount of time a commercial vehicle driver can legally drive and work within a set period.

DVSA - Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency

DVSA Earned Recognition - A voluntary accreditation scheme that allows commercial vehicle operators to demonstrate their compliance with UK road safety standards. This scheme is run by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), which is the UK government agency responsible for setting and enforcing road safety standards. In return for meeting these standards, operators are given recognition by the DVSA and can benefit from reduced regulatory inspections and improved compliance ratings. This can help to reduce costs and administrative burdens, while also improving road safety and the reputation of the operator's business.

E

Enforcement - Ensuring compliance with legal requirements and regulations.

European Agreement Concerning the Work of Crews of Vehicles Engaged in International Road Transport (AETR) - An international agreement that regulates the working conditions of commercial vehicle drivers engaged in international transport.

External transport managers -  Professionals who provide transport management services to companies on a freelance or consultancy basis. They work with companies that operate commercial vehicles, such as lorries, vans, and buses, and are responsible for ensuring that the company is in compliance with all relevant regulations, such as those related to driver hours, vehicle maintenance, and road safety. External transport managers can be a cost-effective solution for small and medium-sized enterprises that do not have the resources to employ a full-time transport manager, or for larger companies that require additional support during periods of high demand or when expanding their operations.

F

Fleet Management - The management of a commercial vehicle fleet to ensure compliance with legal requirements and regulations, safety, and efficiency.

Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) - A voluntary accreditation that transportation companies can obtain to demonstrate their compliance with a range of safety, environmental, and operational standards. FORS accreditation help can be provided by consultants who are knowledgeable about the accreditation process.

Freight Transport Association (FTA) - An organization that represents the logistics and supply chain industry in the UK.

Freight Transport Association (FTA) Accident Guide - A guide published by the FTA to help commercial vehicle operators prevent and manage accidents.

Freight Transport Association (FTA) Compliance Guide - A guide published by the FTA to help commercial vehicle operators comply with legal requirements and regulations.

G

Goods Vehicle Operating Centre (GVOC) - The physical location from which a commercial vehicle operator manages their fleet.

Goods Vehicle Operator Licensing (GVOL) - The process of obtaining and maintaining an O-Licence for operating commercial goods vehicles.

H

Hazmat - Haz (Hazordous) Mat (Material) substances that pose a threat to human health, property, or the environment due to their chemical, physical, or biological properties.

HGV - Heavy Goods Vehicle, truck/ lorry over 3.5 Tonnes Gross Combination Mass (GCM)

HGV Levy - A charge levied by the UK government on heavy goods vehicles that use UK roads.

L

LGV - Light Goods Vehicle or Large Goods Vehicle

Laden Brake Test -When the vehicle is tested on roller brake test whilst carrying the desired weight, the opposite of this called a un-laden brake test.

N

National Road Haulage Association (NRHA) - A trade association representing road haulage operators in the UK.

O

O-Licence - Operator's Licence

O-Licence Suspension or Revocation - The suspension or revocation of an O-Licence by the Traffic Commissioner for non-compliance with legal requirements and regulations.

Operator Compliance - The process of ensuring that a commercial vehicle operator complies with all legal requirements and regulations.

Operator Compliance Audit (OCA) - An audit carried out by the DVSA to assess the compliance of a commercial vehicle operator or an inspection conducted by the DVSA to ensure that a commercial vehicle operator complies with legal requirements and regulations.

Operator Compliance Management System (OCMS) - A system used by commercial vehicle operators to manage their compliance with legal requirements and regulations.

Operator Compliance Risk Assessment (OCRA) - A tool used by the DVSA to assess the compliance risk of commercial vehicle operators.

Operator Compliance Score (OCS) - A score assigned to commercial vehicle operators based on their compliance with legal requirements and regulations.

Operator Compliance Toolkit - A toolkit provided by the DVSA to help commercial vehicle operators comply with legal requirements and regulations.

Operator CPC - Operator Certificate of Professional Competence

Operator Licence Application - The process of applying for an O-Licence with the DVSA.

Operator Licence Compliance Risk Score (OCRS) - A scoring system used by the DVSA to assess the compliance risk of commercial vehicle operators.

Operator Licence Conditions - Conditions set by the DVSA that an operator must adhere to in order to maintain their O-Licence.

Operator Licence Fees - Fees charged by the DVSA for the application, renewal, and amendment of O-Licences.

Operator Licence Maintenance - The ongoing process of ensuring compliance with legal requirements and regulations to maintain an O-Licence.

Operator Self-Assessment - A voluntary assessment carried out by commercial vehicle operators to check their compliance with legal requirements and regulations.

Operator's Licence Application Process - The process of applying for a new or amended O-Licence with the DVSA.

OTC - Operator's Traffic Commissioner

P

Passenger Vehicle Operator Licensing (PVOL) - The process of obtaining and maintaining an O-Licence for operating commercial passenger vehicles.

Preventative Maintenance Inspection (PMI) - During an HGV preventative maintenance inspection, a qualified technician will carry out a series of checks and tests on the vehicle's various components and systems, including brakes, steering, suspension, lights, tyres, and engine. The inspection will also include a review of the vehicle's service history and any previous repairs or issues.

R

Rest Periods - The minimum amount of time a commercial vehicle driver must take for rest breaks and rest periods to comply with legal requirements.

Road Haulage Association (RHA) - A trade association representing road haulage operators in the UK.

Road Traffic Act - UK legislation that governs the use of motor vehicles on public roads.

Road Transport Directive - EU legislation that regulates road transport activities within the European Union.

Road User Levy - A charge levied on commercial vehicles that use UK roads.Roadworthiness - The state of a vehicle being fit for the road.

S

Saftey Inspections - Another name for PMIs

T

Tachograph - A device fitted to a vehicle that records its speed and distance, as well as the driver's activity, such as driving, rest, and breaks.

Tachograph Analysis - The analysis of tachograph data to ensure compliance with legal requirements and regulations.

Tachograph analysis software - Helps   companies to manage their drivers' hours and ensure compliance with regulations related to working hours and rest breaks.

TIR - Transports Internationaux Routiers, a customs transit system for goods transported by road across international borders.

Traffic Area Network - The network of regional offices of the Traffic Commissioners responsible for operator licensing and compliance.

Traffic Commissioner - A government official responsible for the regulation of commercial vehicle operators in the UK.

Traffic Commissioner Public Inquiry - A hearing held by the Traffic Commissioner to investigate and adjudicate on issues related to operator licensing and compliance.

Traffic Commissioner Public Inquiry Decision - The decision made by the Traffic Commissioner after a public inquiry, which may include penalties, revocation, or suspension of an O-Licence.

Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGD) - Regulations that govern the design and use of road traffic signs in the UK.

Transport compliance audits - These are assessments that are carried out to ensure that a transportation company is complying with all relevant regulations and standards. This includes compliance with operator licenses, tachograph regulations, and other industry-specific requirements. Compliance audits can help to identify any areas of non-compliance and provide recommendations for improving processes and procedures.

Transport consultants and transportation consultancies - Firms that provide guidance and advice to transportation companies on various aspects of their business, including regulatory compliance. 

Transport Law - The body of law that governs the use of vehicles for commercial transportation in the UK.

Transport Management Software - Software used by commercial vehicle operators to manage their fleet and ensure compliance with legal requirements and regulations.

Transport Manager - A person responsible for managing a commercial vehicle fleet and ensuring compliance with legal requirements and regulations. Transport managers are professionals who are responsible for managing the operations of transportation companies or departments. They oversee the planning, organising, and controlling of the movement of goods, people, or services from one place to another. Their job may involve managing a fleet of vehicles, coordinating transportation schedules, and ensuring compliance with regulations related to safety, quality, and environmental standards. Transport managers may work in various industries, including logistics, supply chain management, public transportation, aviation, and shipping. They may have a wide range of responsibilities, including managing budgets, negotiating contracts, hiring and training employees, and developing strategies to optimise efficiency and profitability.

Transport Manager CPC - A qualification that demonstrates a person's knowledge and competence in transport management.

Transport Manager Refresher Training - Training required for transport managers to refresh their knowledge and skills.

U

UK Driving Licence Categories - The different categories of UK driving licences that allow individuals to operate different types of vehicles. These categories are as follows:

  1. Category A: This category is for motorcycles and motor tricycles with a power output of over 15kW. It also includes mopeds with speed over 50 km/h.

  2. Category A1: This category is for light motorcycles and motor tricycles with a power output of up to 11 kW.

  3. Category B: This is the most common driving category and is for standard four-wheeled vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tonnes. It also includes vehicles with up to eight passenger seats, as well as a trailer weighing up to 750 kg.

  4. Category BE: This category allows drivers to tow a trailer weighing more than 750 kg, as long as the combined weight of the vehicle and trailer does not exceed 3.5 tonnes.

  5. Category C: This category is for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, such as large goods vehicles (LGVs), with a trailer weighing up to 750 kg.

  6. Category CE: This category allows drivers to operate Category C vehicles with a trailer weighing over 750 kg.

  7. Category D: This category is for passenger vehicles with more than eight seats, such as buses and minibuses.

  8. Category DE: This category allows drivers to operate Category D vehicles with a trailer weighing over 750 kg.

V

Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) Enforcement - The enforcement of vehicle and operator standards and regulations by the former VOSA agency.

Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) - A tax paid by owners of vehicles to use UK roads.

Vehicle Maintenance - The regular upkeep and repairs of commercial vehicles to ensure their roadworthiness and safety.

Vehicle Operator Licensing - The process of obtaining an O-Licence to operate commercial vehicles in the UK.

Vehicle Operator Services Agency (VOSA) - The predecessor of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), responsible for road safety and vehicle standards in the UK.

VOR - Vehicle Off Road, when a vehicle is out of use for repairs or maintenance

Vehicle Roadside Inspections - Inspections conducted by the DVSA to ensure that commercial vehicles are roadworthy and comply with legal requirements and regulations.

Vehicle Roadworthiness Test (MOT) - A mandatory annual test for commercial vehicles to ensure their roadworthiness.

Vehicle Safety Compliance - The process of ensuring that a commercial vehicle meets safety requirements and standards.

Vehicle Standards Agency (VSA) - A former UK government agency responsible for vehicle standards and safety.

Vehicle Weighing - The process of weighing commercial vehicles to ensure compliance with weight limits and regulations.

W

Working Time - The amount of time a commercial vehicle driver spends working, including driving and other activities such as loading and unloading.

WTD - Working Time Directive. Legislation introduced by the European Union in 1993. Its purpose was to ensure individuals don’t work too many hours in the interests of their health and safety and wellbeing.