What Does a Transport Manager Do and Why Your Business Needs One
Discover the true Transport Manager cost in the UK. Learn monthly rates, compliance audit pricing, and consultancy fees. Transparent, expert guidance.
Introduction
If you operate heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) in the UK, having a qualified Transport Manager isn’t just good practice—it’s a legal requirement under your O-Licence. But what exactly does a Transport Manager do, and why is this role so crucial for compliance and business success? In this article, we’ll explain the key duties of a Transport Manager, how they keep your fleet compliant, and what your options are if you don’t have one in-house.
The Transport Manager Role Explained
A Transport Manager is responsible for ensuring your operation complies with all DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) requirements. Their main duty is to keep your business O-Licence compliant, which is essential if you want to run HGVs legally in the UK.
Typical transport manager responsibilities include:
Overseeing daily fleet compliance and driver activities
Ensuring maintenance schedules and records are kept up to date
Monitoring drivers’ hours and tachograph data
Carrying out compliance audits and preparing for DVSA inspections
Advising directors and operators on best practices to avoid penalties
Without a qualified Transport Manager, your O-Licence can be at risk—and that can put your entire business on hold.
Why Every Operator Needs a Transport Manager
The law requires every HGV operator to have “continuous and effective” management of their fleet. This is where a Transport Manager comes in. They not only protect your O-Licence but also reduce compliance risks that could otherwise lead to:
Expensive fines and penalties
DVSA investigations
Loss of contracts with clients
Licence revocation or suspension
In short, your Transport Manager is the backbone of your compliance strategy.
External Transport Manager: A Flexible Solution
Not every operator employs a full-time, in-house Transport Manager. Many companies—especially small to medium fleets—choose to hire an external Transport Manager instead.
At HireTM, we provide named, qualified Transport Managers to operators across the UK. This gives you the compliance coverage you need, without the cost of a full-time employee.
Learn more on our Hire a Transport Manager page.
Transport Manager Pricing
Wondering how much it costs to hire a Transport Manager? Pricing depends on your fleet size and OCRS score (Operator Compliance Risk Score).
At HireTM, our transparent pricing starts from:
£350–£450/month for the first vehicle
£100–£150/month per additional vehicle
Operators with a Green OCRS typically pay less, while those with an Amber or Red OCRS may require more oversight, which affects the cost.
See full Transport Manager pricing.
Compliance Audits and Transport Consultancy
A Transport Manager’s role often overlaps with compliance audits and consultancy services. If you want peace of mind before a DVSA visit or need expert advice on improving your processes, these services are essential.
Compliance Audit – From £450, a full review of your operation against DVSA and O-Licence requirements.
Transport Consultancy – From £75/hour or £500/day, tailored guidance on policies, systems, and compliance performance.
Explore our Compliance Audit and Transport Consultancy pricing pages.
Final Thoughts
A Transport Manager is more than just a legal requirement—they’re your partner in keeping your fleet safe, compliant, and profitable. Whether you need external support or expert consultancy, HireTM offers flexible, transparent solutions tailored to your operation.
Don’t leave your O-Licence to chance—hire a Transport Manager today and protect the future of your business.
Contact HireTM for a tailored quote.
Get Hired as a Transport Manager
If you’re a qualified CPC-holder looking for work, HireTM also helps connect professionals with operators in need of external coverage.
Visit our Get Hired page to join our network of skilled transport managers.