Beyond HGVs: Transport Management for Every Business

Zed Aziz

Right, let's have a chat about transport management. You see, at The FTC, we're not just about keeping those big HGVs and PSVs in line. We're here to lend a hand to any business that uses vehicles, no matter the size. Got a few company cars? Leasing a fleet? Relying on staff using their own motors? We've got you covered.

Now, you might be thinking, "Why bother with all this transport management fuss?" Well, let me tell you, it's not just about dodging those pesky fines from the DVSA. It's about something far more important: looking after your drivers, keeping other road users safe, and protecting your business's reputation. And let's be honest, a well-run transport operation can save you a pretty penny too!

The Nuts and Bolts of Transport Management

Over the years, I've seen it all when it comes to transport risk. Here's the blueprint for a system that truly works:

1. Journey Planning: It's Not Just About A to B

Sensible Routes: Think about the roads, the traffic, any restrictions, and the experience of your drivers. Get your drivers involved – they know their routes like the back of their hands.
Realistic Timing: Don't just guesstimate journey times. Factor in traffic, weather, and roadworks. And remember, a tired driver is a dangerous driver. Build in proper breaks and don't push for unrealistic deadlines.
Looking Out for Others: Make sure your drivers are trained to spot and react to vulnerable road users like cyclists and pedestrians.

2. Driver Management: Your Most Valuable Asset

Top-Notch Training: Don't skimp on driver training. Make sure it's comprehensive and up-to-date, covering everything from defensive driving to load security and company policies.
Fit for the Road: Keep tabs on driver health and fitness. Make sure they know how medications or health conditions might affect their driving.
No Distractions: We all know mobile phones are a menace. Have a clear policy, and enforce it.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs and alcohol don't mix with driving. Make that crystal clear.
Licence Checks: Don't forget those regular licence checks. Our friends at LicenceCheck.org can make this a breeze.

3. Vehicle Management: Keeping Things Roadworthy

Choose Wisely: When adding to your fleet, think safety first. Look for those 5-star Euro NCAP ratings.
Stay on Top of Maintenance: Regular maintenance is key. Have a solid system for inspections and defect reporting.
Secure Loads: Proper load securing is crucial. Make sure your drivers are trained and your vehicles are equipped.
Tech Savvy: Consider using telematics to keep an eye on driver behaviour and vehicle performance. But remember, data protection is key.

4. Incident Management: Learning from Mistakes

Report Everything: Have a clear system for reporting incidents, near misses, and even those little bumps. Encourage a "no blame" culture.
Investigate Properly: Don't just brush incidents under the carpet. Dig deep to find the root cause and take action to prevent it happening again.
Emergency Ready: Make sure your drivers know what to do in an emergency.

5. The Responsible Person: Your Captain of the Ship

Clear Responsibility: Appoint someone to take charge of transport safety. Make sure their role is clearly defined and they have the authority to get things done.
Risk Management: Make sure they're on top of risk assessments and that control measures are in place and working.
Compliance is King: They need to ensure you're ticking all the legal boxes and following best practices.
Always Improving: Encourage a culture of continuous improvement. There's always room to do things better.

Don't Forget...

Lone Workers: If you've got drivers out there on their own, especially on long journeys, make sure you've got a policy in place to keep them safe.
Gate Checks: A quick check of vehicles coming and going can prevent a lot of headaches.

Look, I know this might seem like a lot to take in. But trust me, a good transport management system is worth its weight in gold. It'll keep your drivers safe, your business running smoothly, and your reputation intact.

For those who want to get down and dirty, I've attached one of the audit templates that I would use for a Transport Management Audit for a business that does not have an operator licence, if you require any more information or any other type of audit templates, get in touch.

Download Transport Management Audit Template

Need a bit of help getting things shipshape? That's where we come in. At The FTC, we've got years of experience helping businesses just like yours. Give us a shout, and we'll help you navigate the road to transport safety.