Should You Audit Your Transport Manager?

As a business owner and Operator Licence Holder in the transport industry, you’re no stranger to the many responsibilities that come with the territory. One of the most crucial roles in your operation is that of the Transport Manager (TM). This individual oversees transportation activities, ensures compliance with legal requirements, and safeguards your livelihood and operator licence.

But how can you ensure your TM is doing their job correctly? The answer lies in auditing.

The Importance of Auditing Your Transport Manager

While you may employ a transport manager to handle the day-to-day operations and ensure compliance, it’s crucial to remember that it’s not their operator licence or livelihood at stake—it’s yours. The operator licence was granted to you as the business owner, not to your transport manager, so you could lose your operator licence if things go wrong.

So, whether you audit your transport manager or take other measures to ensure compliance and best practices within your transport company, remember that the ultimate accountability rests with you. It’s your licence, your business, and your livelihood that are at risk if things go awry.

Therefore, a proactive approach to monitoring and maintaining compliance is not just a good practice—it’s an essential duty of a responsible business owner operating in the transport sector.

Here’s why auditing your Transport Manager is a crucial step in protecting your business and your future:

1. Compliance Assurance: Transport managers are tasked with directing, coordinating, planning, and overseeing various transport activities. Regular compliance audits can help identify potential areas of weakness or non-compliance with legal requirements. This proactive approach allows you to address issues before they become serious problems.

1. Legal Requirements: The transport industry is governed by regulations, from safety standards to vehicle maintenance and driver qualifications. Failing to meet these requirements can lead to severe consequences, including the suspension or revocation of your operator licence. Auditing your TM allows you to address issues before they escalate into serious problems and ensures that you adhere to the 11 undertakings you agreed to when granted your operator licence.

1. Protecting Your Livelihood: Your business is not just a source of income; it’s your livelihood. Losing your operator licence due to non-compliance can have devastating financial and personal consequences. Auditing your Transport Manager helps protect your livelihood by reducing the risk of regulatory violations that could jeopardise your business.

1. Accountability: Auditing your TM also fosters a culture of accountability within your organisation. When your TM knows that their work is subject to scrutiny, they are more likely to prioritise compliance and adhere to best practices.

How to Audit Your Transport Manager

Now that you understand why auditing your Transport Manager is essential, here are some steps to help you get started:

1. Establish Clear Expectations: Clearly define the responsibilities and expectations of your TM. Ensure they understand the importance of compliance and the potential consequences of non-compliance.

1. Regular Reviews: Schedule regular reviews and audits of your TM’s work. This can include checking records, reviewing compliance documentation, and conducting spot checks on operations.

1. Training and Education: Invest in ongoing training and education for your TM to stay updated with changing regulations and industry best practices. A Transport Manager Refresher every year is best practice to keep up to date with the ever-changing legislation.

1. Seek Professional Help: If you need clarification on the auditing process or the specific regulations that apply to your business, consider seeking assistance from a transport compliance expert or consultant.

Conclusion

In the world of transport, your operator licence and livelihood are on the line. As the business owner and operator license holder, you must pay attention to auditing your Transport Manager. By doing so, you not only protect your business from potential legal issues but also ensure that your operations run smoothly and efficiently. Don’t wait until it’s too late – take proactive steps to audit your Transport Manager and secure your future in the industry. Your livelihood depends on it.