The Fleet Compliance Audit
Principles, Systems Assurance, and Sectoral Practice for UK Commercial Vehicle Operations
Authored by senior transport auditor and accredited DGSA Martyn McIntee, this definitive operational guide bridges the vital divide between statutory transport legislation and boots-on-the-ground fleet compliance.
Built from 24+ Years on the Frontlines of UK Haulage
In transport management, compliance isn't just paperwork—it is the lifeblood of your commercial survival. Discrepancies on your Vehicle Operator Licensing (VOL) portal, missed brake test calibrations, or unaddressed driver infringement patterns can trigger catastrophic public inquiries and licence revocations.
Aligned with DVSA & Traffic Commissioner Standards
Every audit element in this book directly references the DVSA Earned Recognition Scheme (ERS), the Desk Based Assessment Questionnaire (DBAQ), and the Senior Traffic Commissioner's Statutory Documents.
Actionable Defense & Field Verification
Move beyond abstract theory. Learn exactly what evidence auditors look for, which red flags trigger DVSA scrutiny, and how to conduct rigorous 05:30 yard gate checks before vehicles depart.
Who Needs This Book?
What's Inside The Book
A comprehensive walkthrough of the core operational pillars of commercial vehicle compliance.
The Operator's Licence: Your Foundation of Compliance
Auditing legal entities, Companies House alignment, VOL management, the strict 28-day notifiable change rule, authorised vehicle margin controls, operating centre suitability, and statutory financial standing calculations.
The Transport Manager: The Professional Standard
Continuous and effective responsibility in practice. Auditing external TM contract hours, internal governance, CPD records, driver debriefing protocols, and defending against Senior Traffic Commissioner Statutory Document 3 scrutiny.
Vehicle Standards: Ensuring Roadworthiness Through Systems
Inspection intervals, safety inspection sheet verification, laden roller brake test compliance (EBPMS vs RBT), calibrated torque wrench records, tire management protocols, and workshop supplier service level agreements.
Drivers' Hours, Working Time & Tachograph Compliance
Download frequencies (28-day driver card / 90-day vehicle unit), missing mileage reconciliation, unknown driver records, EU Drivers' Hours rules, and the 48-hour Road Transport Directive average working week.
Dangerous Goods Carriage (ADR & CDG 2009)
Statutory DGSA appointments under ADR 1.8.3, threshold calculations (ADR 1.1.3.6 Small Load Exemption), emergency equipment inspections, transport document verification, driver training, and spillage incident reporting.
Martyn McIntee
CMILT • Certified DGSA • Lead Auditor
A Quarter-Century of Operational Transport Leadership
With a distinguished career spanning over 24 years, Martyn McIntee has operated across the demanding landscapes of commercial road haulage, dynamic waste management, container logistics, and high-scrutiny hazardous goods transport.
As a Chartered Member of the Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), an accredited Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser (DGSA), and a Regional Council Representative for the Road Haulage Association (RHA), Martyn combines deep regulatory expertise with pragmatic Lean Six Sigma problem-solving to protect transport operators across the UK.
Equip Your Fleet with Statutory Assurance
Whether preparing for an upcoming DVSA maintenance investigation, upgrading your internal auditing regime, or safeguarding your Operator's Licence, The Fleet Compliance Audit is your indispensable desk and field companion.