Transport Operations Management (Haulage)

This section introduces the candidates to the main issues in managing a road haulage business: distribution management, logistics, JIT, selecting the vehicles, fleet management, insurances, documentation for the driver, vehicles and loads, the role of information technology in transport management, organisation of work, operating efficiency and fuel economy.

Financial Management

This chapter provides students with the main financial information required when setting up and running a business. It also covers basic accounting information on keeping accounts, balance sheets, financial analysis, depreciation, costings, pricing, cost allocation, budgeting and managing cash flow. Other areas covered include, road user charges, cheques, methods of payment, renting, and factoring. There is also a section covering invoicing and incoterms, fares and pricing.

Technical Standards (Haulage)

This section deals with the EU Legislation on the common rules or standards in operating vehicles in Europe. Areas covered include: EU type approval, vehicle weights, dimensions and design, abnormal loads, special permits and vehicle testing, technical standards, vehicle selection, loading and unloading, cargo-handling and loading devices, noise and air pollution, drawing up periodic maintenance plans, compliance with the safety requirements, vehicle maintenance, and the carriage of dangerous goods by road.

Civil, Commercial and Social Legislation

This chapter focuses on the social issues concerned with road transport. Areas covered include employers' social security obligations, work contracts, obligations of the parties, working conditions and working hours, paid leave, remuneration, breach of contract, working time directive, main types of contract used in road transport, conditions of carriage, contract, agency and carriers liability in tort, consumer rights, employment health & safety legislation, driver qualifications, compliance with traffic regulations, compensation for loss or damage to goods, claims for injury to passengers and damage and loss of baggage.

Conventions and Documentation

This chapter examines the various conventions and documents in use in transport in passenger operations in Ireland and abroad. Areas covered include:  CVR Convention, Carnet de Passage en Douane and other Customs documentation, transit agreements and road user charges.