BFT Consulting Blog

Get the latest news and articles about the transport industry right here on our blog.

Get A Free Quote

How to Apply for an Operator Licence in the UK in 2026

by John | January 9, 2026 | Operator Licence Application | 0 Comments

You need an operator licence if you use vehicles over 3.5 tonnes for business.The Traffic Commissioner controls approval.Poor preparation causes delays or refusal. There we will shows how to apply in 2026. Who Needs an Operator Licence You need a licence if you use...

Why Correct Loading Matters at Your Annual Test

by John | January 8, 2026 | Transportation | 0 Comments

Correct loading is one of the most important factors at your annual HGV test. The DVSA requires vehicles to be presented with the right load or simulated load to ensure accurate brake testing and overall roadworthiness assessment. If your vehicle arrives underloaded...

DVSA Updates to the HGV and PSV Inspection Manuals, What It Means for You

by John | January 7, 2026 | HGV Operators Licence | 0 Comments

The DVSA has updated the HGV and PSV Inspection Manuals, and every transport operator needs to understand what has changed. These manuals guide how vehicles are inspected at the MOT, during roadside checks, and during maintenance inspections. Even small updates can...

Operator Licences and Periods of Grace, Guidance from the Traffic Commissioner

by John | January 6, 2026 | Operator's Licence | 0 Comments

Periods of grace are an important safety net for transport operators who temporarily fall short of key Operator Licence requirements. They allow businesses extra time to correct issues without immediately losing their licence. However, Traffic Commissioners apply...

How Traffic Commissioners Review Agency Driver Arrangements

by John | January 5, 2026 | Transportation | 0 Comments

Many transport operators rely on agency drivers to cover busy periods, sickness, holidays, or staff shortages. While agency drivers are common in the industry, Traffic Commissioners look at these arrangements very closely. Poor control, weak oversight, or unclear...

DVSA Earned Recognition, How Blue Flag Transport Consulting Supports Your Application

by John | December 22, 2025 | Transportation | 0 Comments

The DVSA Earned Recognition scheme is the highest compliance standard a UK operator can achieve. It proves your fleet is safe, well-managed, and fully compliant with all transport regulations. Operators who join the scheme enjoy fewer roadside stops, improved business...

Important Notice for All HGV Operators, Stay Compliant and Avoid Penalties

by John | December 19, 2025 | HGV Operators Licence | 0 Comments

Every HGV operator in the UK has a legal duty to run safe, well-managed, and fully compliant transport operations. Failing to meet these standards can lead to penalties, prohibitions, and even the loss of your Operator Licence. This notice highlights the key areas all...

2025 HGV and PSV Inspection Manual Updates, Key Changes for Operators

by John | December 18, 2025 | HGV Operators Licence | 0 Comments

The DVSA has released the 2025 updates to the HGV and PSV Inspection Manual, and every operator needs to understand what has changed. These updates affect safety inspections, defect standards, and how vehicles are assessed during roadside and annual checks. This guide...

M48 Severn Bridge Weight Limits, What Operators Need to Know

by John | December 17, 2025 | Transportation | 0 Comments

The M48 Severn Bridge is a key route linking England and Wales. Because of its age and structural needs, restrictions apply to certain vehicles. These limits affect HGV operators, fleet planners, and drivers who rely on this crossing for regular transport work. There...

Taking a Trailer Abroad Over 750kg, What You Must Register Before You Travel

by John | December 16, 2025 | Transportation | 0 Comments

If you plan to take a Trailer over 750kg abroad, there are clear registration rules you must follow before leaving the UK. These rules apply to both commercial operators and private users, and failing to comply can lead to delays, fines, or your trailer being stopped...

Advertising Rules Made Easy – Blue Flag Transport Consulting Guide

Sep 22, 2025

Running a successful transport business in the UK requires more than keeping vehicles on the road. One of the key responsibilities for operators is ensuring that advertising and promotion follow the rules linked to the operator licence. These rules can be confusing at...

Single-Vehicle Operators-Finance Guide from Blue Flag Transport Consulting

Sep 19, 2025

Running a business as a single-vehicle operator has its advantages. You have fewer costs than large fleets, and you can stay flexible in your operations. However, when it comes to applying for an operator licence, you still need to prove financial standing. Many small...

Record-Keeping Made Easy – Blue Flag Transport Consulting Advice

Sep 19, 2025

Running a transport business is demanding. Between maintaining vehicles, managing drivers, and keeping clients happy, paperwork often feels like an unwanted chore. Yet, record-keeping is a legal requirement for anyone holding an operator licence in the UK. Done right,...

Show Financial Standing Without Loans – Blue Flag Transport Consulting Tips

Sep 17, 2025

When applying for an operator licence in the UK, one of the key requirements is proving financial standing. This means you must show that your business has enough money to run vehicles safely and responsibly. Many operators believe they need bank loans or credit lines...

Good Repute Requirement Explained by Blue Flag Transport Consulting

Sep 16, 2025

When applying for an operator licence in the UK, one of the key conditions you must meet is good repute. This is not just a tick-box exercise. It is a fundamental measure of whether you, as a transport operator, can be trusted to run vehicles responsibly and in line...

Choosing an Operating Centre – Blue Flag Transport Consulting Advice

Sep 15, 2025

Securing an operator licence is one of the most important steps for any transport business. But beyond the paperwork, one crucial factor often overlooked is the operating centre. This is the base where your vehicles are kept when not in use, and it plays a vital role...