The Transport Manager (often abbreviated to “TM” ) role is one of the most important positions in UK transport operations. While it can sometimes be viewed as mainly administrative, the Transport Manager is actually vital to ensuring that vehicles, drivers and operational processes are safe and fully compliant with legislation. Their responsibilities have a direct impact on an organisation’s operator licence and its ongoing ability to operate within the law.

The Core Responsibilities of a Transport Manager

A Transport Manager’s responsibilities cover every area necessary to keep a fleet compliant and roadworthy. These duties are practical, ongoing and essential to safe transport operations. Key responsibilities include:

• Maintenance oversight: ensuring all vehicles are regularly inspected, defects are identified, repairs are carried out promptly, and the fleet remains fully roadworthy and safe for operation.
• Driver compliance: monitoring working time, driver hours, training, vehicle checks and general conduct on the road.
• Record-keeping: ensuring all vehicle, driver, tachograph, and compliance documentation is accurately recorded and maintained.
• Policies and procedures: ensuring that operational systems are in place, communicated to staff, and functioning effectively.
• Operational supervision: overseeing the running of transport activities to meet safety, regulatory, and operational standards.
• Advising leadership: keeping directors informed of risks, compliance gaps, and operational decisions that impact the operator licence.

How well these tasks are carried out directly affects road safety, operational performance, and compliance. An effective Transport Manager reduces downtime, prevents enforcement issues, and strengthens the company’s reputation

Continuous and Effective Management

Transport Managers are expected by the Traffic Commissioner to maintain continuous and effective management. They must be actively involved in the business and show real oversight, not merely hold a place on the O-licence. The degree of involvement depends on fleet size, operational complexity, and the systems used. Detailed guidance is provided in the Traffic Commissioners’ published documentation.

The Legal Basis of the Transport Manager Role

The legal obligations for Transport Managers are set out in Traffic Commissioner Statutory Document No. 3 – Transport Managers. This document outlines the responsibilities of Transport Managers, how their competence is assessed, and how the Traffic Commissioner determines whether they are meeting their obligations

You can read the full statutory document here:
Statutory Document No. 3 – Transport Managers

The document covers:

• the requirement for professional competence
• the meaning of “continuous and effective management”
• TM accountability and expectations
• how involvement is measured (including indicative hours)
• circumstances that may lead to regulatory intervention

These standards underline the seriousness of the role and why proper training and competence are essential.

Becoming a Transport Manager

Anyone wishing to act as a professionally competent Transport Manager must obtain the relevant qualification. This demonstrates an understanding of legislation, operator licence undertakings and the responsibilities outlined in Statutory Document No. 3.

If you or anyone in your organisation is considering becoming a Transport Manager, please contact us to learn more about the training we offer.

You can find details of our Transport Manager CPC training here:
Transport Manager CPC Training – Fleet Planner

Our course is designed to prepare individuals for the Transport Manager role and the practical demands of overseeing compliant, professionally managed transport operations.

We also provide tailored training for newly qualified Transport Managers, helping them learn best practices and the systems that assist in their role.