What is a Transport Manager CPC and do you need one in Europe?

A Transport Manager CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) is the mandatory qualification required to be nominated as transport manager on a Standard National or Standard International road haulage operator licence in the EU, as set out in Regulation (EC) 1071/2009 . Without it, no licence can be granted or maintained.

If you want to run a road haulage business in Europe , at least one person holding this certificate must be nominated as transport manager on your operator licence - legally responsible for driver compliance and vehicle roadworthiness.

Who is legally required to hold a Transport Manager CPC in the EU?

Any company operating under a Standard National or Standard International operator licence must nominate at least one CPC holder as transport manager. The IRU defines this person as someone who "effectively and continuously manages" the transport activities of the undertaking. The nominated manager does not have to be an employee - an external transport manager under contract is permitted, subject to limits on how many companies one person may cover.

Before applying, see our guide on EU operator licence costs for what the process involves across member states - the Dutch national implementation is a useful concrete example.

How do you get a Transport Manager CPC - and how long does it take?

Candidates sit a written examination covering transport law, business and financial management, road safety, and technical standards. Preparation typically takes three to six months. The CPC is a lifetime award in most EU states - no periodic renewal required, unlike the Driver CPC, which requires 35 hours of refresher training every five years.

Day-to-day, managing your operator licence compliance means maintaining the records regulators inspect. EU member states intensified joint roadside checks under the European Register of Road Transport Undertakings (ERRU) through 2025-2026, and losing a nominated transport manager without a replacement inside the six-month grace period can now trigger immediate licence revocation under tightened national rules.

What is the difference between a Transport Manager CPC and a Driver CPC?

The two qualifications share the CPC label but serve completely different purposes.

A driver may hold both, but neither substitutes for the other.

Frequently asked questions

Can you run a transport company in Europe without a Transport Manager CPC?

No. Any company on a Standard National or Standard International operator licence must have a nominated transport manager with a valid CPC. Operating without one is grounds for licence suspension or revocation under Regulation (EC) 1071/2009.

Does a Transport Manager CPC expire or need renewal?

In most EU member states it is a lifetime award with no mandatory renewal. Competent authorities can require re-examination if the holder's good repute is called into question following a serious infringement.

Is the Transport Manager CPC the same across all EU member states?

The qualification is harmonised by Regulation (EC) 1071/2009, so a CPC awarded in one member state is recognised in all others. The examination syllabus and issuing body vary by country, but the legal standard is uniform across the EU.

What happens if a transport company loses its nominated transport manager?

The company has a statutory grace period - typically six months - to nominate a replacement CPC holder. If no replacement is nominated in time, the competent authority may suspend or revoke the operator licence. Under current ERRU enforcement, treat that deadline as firm.

Need help setting up a compliant road haulage operation in Europe? Get a quote from Logifie to speak with our team.