Operator/transport manager CPC

Who needs it?

Every organisation running a national or international HGV fleet for hire and reward (i.e. who holds a standard or international O-licence) needs an appropriate number of CPC holders.

Who oversees it?

Ultimately the Department of Transport, but several qualifications providers offer accredited courses.

What is it?

It is the qualification that ensures understanding of safe and compliant freight management and movements. Since 2011 all transport management CPCs qualification combine the international and standard national CPC.

Courses can be completed at a centre, or be self-taught, but examinations must be overseen by an accredited centre. The syllabus is wide-ranging mix of basic commercial knowledge and specific fleet-related knowledge.

It covers contracts, conditions of carriage, basic commercial, fiscal and employment law, EU and domestic drivers’ hours rules, company finance and record keeping and costings; O-licensing, insurance, enforcement, customs, job allocation and scheduling, maintenance, carriage of dangerous and temperature-controlled goods and Driver CPC. This list is not exhaustive.

For small companies wishing to hire a consultant CPC holder, rather than a full-time employee, the rule is that they cannot work for more than four fleets, nor oversee a total of more than 50 vehicles.

There are some other qualifications that equate to CPC-accreditation, such as being a Fellow of the member of Institute and Logistics; a road freight Certificate in Transport; or membership of the Society of Engineers.

Penalty

Without a valid CPC holder, an O-Licence will not be granted; and should the registered CPC holder leave the business or lose their good repute, the licence can be revoked.