From 21 May 2022, transport companies and couriers using vans and car and trailers over 2.5 tonnes to transport goods in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland will need a Standard International Goods Vehicle Operator Licence and have a designated Transport Manager.
This will apply to you if you’re based in Great Britain or Northern Ireland and use:
- vans or other light goods vehicles/light commercial vehicles
- vans towing trailers
- cars towing trailers
If this applies you then you will need to either:
- add the vehicles to your existing goods vehicle operator licence, or
- get a goods vehicle operator licence for the first time
The new rules:
The new Operator Licence rules will apply to you if you use:
- vans with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) over 2,500kg (2.5 tonnes) and up to and including 3,500kg (3.5 tonnes)
- vans towing a trailer with a gross train weight (GTW) over 2.5 tonnes and up to and including 3.5 tonnes
- cars towing a trailer with a GTW over 2.5 tonnes and up to and including 3.5 tonnes
However, you will not need a goods vehicle operator licence if any of these apply:
- you only use your vehicles in the UK
- you are transporting goods on a non-commercial basis (not for ‘hire or reward’)
Transport Manager
As well as obtaining an Operator Licence, from 21 May 2022 you must also have a Transport Manager, who is responsible for things such as:
- planning routes and scheduling delivery times
- managing your team of drivers and administration staff
- making sure drivers follow company and industry regulations
- arranging vehicle maintenance, MOTs and tax payments
- organising vehicle replacements
By 21 May 2022, you must either:
- apply to get an existing member of staff (including yourself) temporarily recognised as a transport manager
- employ someone with a Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) qualification
- hire in an external qualified transport manager
We're here to help
If you currently operate, or intend to operate, in an EU member state and the new rules apply to you then you need to act now to obtain a Standard International Goods Vehicle Operator Licence and get a Transport Manager in place. Thankfully, Leafe’s Logistics are here to help you with our comprehensive and hassle-free Operator Licence Application Service and Transport Manager support.
