Creating a Career Path for Logistics Professionals

The Freight and Transport association has recently brought in a new set of certifications, specifically for fleet managers. While qualifications in the delivery work administrative sector are nothing new, and many veterans of the industry will already have their Transport Management Certificate of Professional Competence, these new qualifications aim to introduce a consistent set of standards for Transport Managers across the entire industry. Additionally, they are designed to provide a standardised way for those already in the industry, and new recruits, to work towards the position of Transport Manager.

These qualifications are called the Commercial Vehicle Fleet Management Qualifications, or FMQs.

What are the Commercial Vehicle Fleet Management Qualifications?

The FMQs are recently introduced, national qualifications specifically aimed at those hoping to move into the field of delivery work in a managerial capacity, as well as those already employed in such a capacity who wish to gain certifications relevant to their position. They take the form of a level three vocational qualification, developed by the Freight and Transport Association working closely with experienced professionals in the haulage industry in order to ensure that graduates will be equipped with skills that will be relevant and valuable in their field.

The FMQs aim to equip students with management skills applicable to any field, as well as skills and knowledge directly applicable to the logistics industry. These include fleet management techniques as well as knowledge of standards and generally successful or detrimental management styles that are used in the industry. The qualification is carefully timed so as to be studied alongside an existing job, taking six months to complete the certificate and twelve to complete the diploma. If you’re working in or out of delivery work part-time or studying full-time, there are options for increased hours on the course so as to finish earlier.

What Value do the Commercial Vehicle Fleet Management Qualifications Hold?

For those looking to enter delivery work, or already employed in the sector hoping to move to a managerial position, the FMQs equip you with some of the skills you’ll need in order to operate in such a capacity, as well as proving to those in charge of recruitment and promotion that you have a high level of competence in these core areas. What’s more, undertaking a course of study for six to twelve months and successfully gaining the qualification shows a valuable level of interest in and commitment to the field.

For those already employed in the role of Transport Manager or similar, these qualifications are a great way to ensure that you hold a rounded skillset, as well as a way of formally signalling your competence and experience. This can put you in line for promotion and can increase your value as a worker, potentially allowing you to command a higher salary while safeguarding your job security.

As a national vocational qualification, the FMQs look to be on their way to setting a national standard for managerial competence and education. As such, gaining one as early as possible looks like a wise move for those interested in the delivery work sector.

Norman Dulwich is a Correspondent for Haulage Exchange, the leading online trade network for the road transport industry. Connecting logistics professionals across the UK and Europe through their website, Haulage Exchange provides services for matching delivery work with available drivers. Over 4,000 transport exchange businesses are networked together through their website, trading jobs and capacity in a safe 'wholesale' environment.