Your External Transport
Manager

Named External Transport Manager

Available as an add-on  ·  £350/mo first vehicle  +  £115/mo per additional vehicle

Named External Transport Manager

Available as an add-on  ·  £250/mo first vehicle  +  £80/mo per additional vehicle

Assess international operations

Identify whether any vans are used, even occasionally, for EU cross-border transport.

Review compliance processes

Evaluate how driving time, scheduling, and operational oversight are currently managed across the fleet.

Which vans need a tachograph from 1 July 2026?

A second-generation smart tachograph (Smart Tacho 2 / G2V2) is required where the vehicle — or vehicle and trailer combination — has a MAM between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes and is used for international transport within the EU/EEA for commercial purposes (hire and reward or own account), including cabotage. It is not required for vans operating exclusively within the UK with no cross-border journeys, or where a specific EU drivers' hours exemption applies. The trigger is the international nature of the journey: whether your van is UK- or EU-registered, if it crosses a border commercially these rules apply — bringing it under EU drivers' hours (daily and weekly driving limits, mandatory breaks and rest, and digital recording of driving activity). We set up and manage all of this for you.

What does an external transport manager do?

An external transport manager acts as your nominated CPC-qualified transport manager for operator licence purposes without being a full-time employee. They oversee fleet compliance, DVSA liaison, driver documentation, and ensure your operator licence remains in good standing — giving you professional oversight at a fraction of the cost of an in-house hire.

How much does an external transport manager cost in Doncaster?

Our fixed-fee packages start from £350 per month for a single vehicle (TMS Starter), rising to £130 per month for up to 4 vehicles (TMS Foundation). The TMS Professional plan is £330 per month and includes active monthly oversight, while the TMS Elite plan at £790 per month provides a dedicated compliance officer and full external TM cover. Additional vehicles are charged at a per-vehicle rate on each plan.

Do I legally need a transport manager for my operator licence?

Yes. UK law requires every standard operator licence holder to have a nominated CPC-qualified transport manager responsible for the transport operation. The transport manager must be genuinely responsible for the transport activities and accessible to the Traffic Commissioner. An external transport manager satisfies this requirement legally and is accepted by the Office of the Traffic Commissioner.

Can Transport Manager Solutions help with a DVSA roadside stop or PG9 prohibition?

Yes. We provide direct support for DVSA roadside stops, PG9 vehicle prohibitions, and OTC compliance audits. Our team helps you understand the prohibition, gather the evidence needed for a rectification check, and put systems in place to prevent recurrence. Clients on our TMS Elite plan receive DVSA response management as part of their package.

Which areas do you cover?

We are based in Doncaster and work with operators across South Yorkshire, including Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley, and surrounding areas. We also support operators across the wider UK on a remote basis. There is no geographic restriction on who we can assist.

How quickly can you get started?

We can typically onboard a new client within 48 to 72 hours of initial contact. We review your existing compliance documents, identify any gaps, and take responsibility immediately. For urgent situations — such as an upcoming DVSA audit or a licence at risk — contact us directly and we will prioritise your case.