BFT Consulting Blog

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

Get A Free Quote

What Commissioners Look For – Blue Flag Transport Consulting Insight

by John | October 15, 2026 | Transportation | 0 Comments

Understanding the Commissioner’s Role When it comes to running a transport business in the UK, commissioners play a critical role in deciding whether your operator licence application is accepted. They ensure that companies and drivers follow strict rules to keep the...

The 2025 Financial Standing Rates for HGV Operators – Updated by Blue Flag Transport Consulting

by John | October 9, 2026 | Financial Standing | 0 Comments

For operators of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) in the UK, Financial standing is the requirement to show that your business has sufficient readily-available funds to run vehicles safely and compliantly. It forms one of the key tests when applying for or renewing a...

What Is FCILT? Why a Chartered Fellow of CILT Leads BFT Consulting

by John | October 1, 2026 | Operator's Licence, BFT Consulting | 0 Comments

What Is FCILT? Why a Chartered Fellow of CILT Leads BFT Consulting Running a haulage business takes more than keeping trucks on the road. You need sound plans, clear records and people who know their duties. When problems arise, you need advice you understand and...

Adding Categories to Your Driving Licence

by John | September 16, 2026 | Driving Licence | 0 Comments

Adding categories to your driving licence lets you drive larger or different types of vehicles. This step is often needed when moving into professional road transport. You may want to drive a lorry, bus, coach, minibus or vehicle with a trailer. Each category sets out...

Download and Order DVLA Forms: A Simple Guide for UK Drivers and Transport Operators

by John | September 15, 2026 | Driving Licence | 0 Comments

Drivers and transport operators often need official forms to update records, apply for a driving entitlement or report a change. Many DVLA forms are available online. You can download some forms, while others must come from a Post Office that offers DVLA services....

Driving Licence Fees for UK Transport Professionals

by John | September 14, 2026 | Driving Licence | 0 Comments

Driving licence fees form a small but important part of running a transport business. Drivers need the right licence for the vehicle they drive. Operators must also check each driver’s entitlement before giving them work. A missed renewal, an expired photocard, or the...

Driving in Great Britain on a Non-GB Licence

by John | September 11, 2026 | Licence Application | 0 Comments

Drivers come to Great Britain from many parts of the world. Some visit for a short work trip. Others move here to join a haulage firm or start a transport business. If you hold a non-GB driving licence, you must check whether it allows you to drive in England,...

Reapply for Your Driving Licence If You’ve Been Disqualified

by John | September 10, 2026 | Driving Licence | 0 Comments

A driving disqualification can stop you from working and affect your income. This is a serious issue for HGV drivers, bus drivers, owner drivers and transport companies. When your ban ends, your old driving licence does not always become valid at once. You may need to...

Seven Steps to Ensure Drivers Are Managed for Willing, Demonstrable, and Active Compliance

by John | September 9, 2026 | Compliance management | 0 Comments

Prepared by: BFT Consulting Ltd Principal Consultant: John Potgieter Cambridge / Marlow Company Number: 14943001 Contact: +44 7513 379221 Version Control Version Date Author Description 1.0 10 Dec 2025 J. Potgieter Initial document creation Important Disclaimer This...

Top Seven Transport Compliance Pitfalls for Transport Managers

by John | September 8, 2026 | Transport manager UK | 0 Comments

Prepared by: BFT Consulting Ltd Principal Consultant: John Potgieter 18 Chivers Way, Northstowe, Cambridge CB24 1AH Company Number: 14943001 Contact: +44 7513 379221 Version Control Version Date Author Description 1.0 10 Dec 2025 J. Potgieter Initial document creation...

Van Operator Licence Checklist: What You Need Before You Apply

Aug 5, 2026

Running vans for business involves more than buying a vehicle and finding drivers. You must first check whether Operator licensing rules apply to your work. A complete van operator licence checklist helps you prepare the right documents, choose the correct licence and...

New DVSA Van Operator Rules: What Transport Businesses Need to Know

Aug 4, 2026

The new DVSA van operator rules have changed how many UK transport firms manage international van work. Smaller goods vehicles no longer sit outside every part of operator licensing and drivers’ hours law. Since May 2022, some vans over 2.5 tonnes have needed a...

Operator Licence for Vans Over 2.5 Tonnes

Jul 31, 2026

Vans play a major role in UK transport. Couriers, freight firms, removals companies, and specialist delivery businesses rely on them every day. Yet the rules change when a van becomes heavier or starts carrying goods abroad. If your business uses a van over 2.5...

Operator Compliance Risk Score (OCRS): What UK Transport Operators Need to Know

Jul 30, 2026

For any haulage or transport business, compliance is part of daily work. Safe vehicles, correct drivers’ hours records, planned maintenance and accurate paperwork all matter. The Operator Compliance Risk Score, known as OCRS, brings many of these areas together. DVSA...

Expert Guidance on Licence Variations and Amendments by Blue Flag Transport Consulting

Jul 29, 2026

Transport businesses change. You add vehicles, move an operating centre, appoint a new transport manager, or change the type of work you carry out. When the business changes, your operator licence may need to change too. A variation affects what vehicles you may run,...

Everything You Need to Know Before Applying for an Operator Licence in 2025

Jul 28, 2026

Running goods vehicles in the UK comes with serious duties. Before your vehicles take to the road, you need to know whether your business requires an operator Licence, which type you need, and what evidence you must provide. An operator licence application is more...