Any Transport Managers here?

[markwilliams82]

Not sure if anyone on here can help or offer advise but I'm after some guidance regards to a license holder for a logistics company (small in comparison to the DHL's of this world - only 4 trucks I think)

A couple of months back one of the companies drivers got recruited as an 18T driver. He has the CPC qualification and believed he had the correct license hence applying for the job..turns out after being pulled over by VOSA for an insecure load, he didn't have an 18T license. Only 7.5T..

Nothing happened roadside except the driver being told he can't drive the truck so a replacement driver was sent in to take over and no visits to site to inspect the operation. After nearly 2 months, a letter has now arrived asking for the submission of tacho data, copies of licenses and insurance certificates for a compliance check

After the stop was investigated, driver in question was removed from all 18T driving and it appears it was an internal vetting error where the lack of license was missed by HR and the people completing the interview and a one off. All records otherwise are up to date including tacho downloads and analysis

What can he expect to happen or come of this? (Serious responses only please)

 

[markwilliams82]

From previous experience, company will be fined & depending on previous offences could have there operators licence removed.
Driver will be fined plus points plus possibly of disqualification again depending on previous.

Cheers for the helpful feedback - its first "offence" so was thinking along the lines of serious warning or fine
Just strange how slow they've been on following up on it and not penalising the driver road side

 

[markwilliams82]

This is a serious breach of your Operators license, expect the DVSA (preciously VOSA) to be going through your tachograph and vehicle maintenance records with a fine tooth comb.

I know a few drivers who have thought their CPC qualification was a gateway to a transport manager position, it’s not, the two types of CPC are entirely different.

I trust you’ve sacked him? There’s no way on this earth he legitimately thought he could legally drive a Class C 18 (17) ton vehicle on a 7.5T glorified car license!

I’m not a TM but 28 years of professional driving has taught me a thing or two.

DVSA so far have only asked to see insurance documents, driving license copies and tacho downloads / analysis - no vehicle maintenance yet. Suppose because the case is driver based

 

[markwilliams82]

Having been in front of a Traffic Commissioner for administrational errors with an Operators Licence, I would recommend employing a specialist transport solicitor and get ready to be bollocked thoroughly.

Thanks Freakbro - what were you infront of them for?