Fleet Geeks Podcast by Flagship Partners

Policies vs Behaviour: Why Your Handbook Isn’t Protecting You Core truth: Most operators think policies protect them. In reality, behaviour does. Policies just sit there like a fire extinguisher behind glass – useful only if people know it’s there, trust it, and actually use it. In todays episode we explore this theory and how behaviour is what really matters. The Fleet Geeks Podcast is here to support fleet managers, transport managers, and fleet professionals at every stage of their journey. Our mission is simple: to develop safer, smarter, and more confident fleet and transport leaders. From operator licence compliance and fleet safety, to leadership, culture, and performance – we bring you practical insight, real-world experience, and conversations that actually help you do the job better. 🚛 If you manage vehicles, drivers, risk, or compliance – this podcast is for you. 👉 Discover our peer-to-peer mentoring and professional development for fleet and transport professionals: https://www.flagshippartners.co.uk/peer-to-peer-mentoring-flagship/ 🤝 Join the Fleet Geeks Community Continue the conversation, ask questions, and learn alongside other fleet and transport managers inside our FREE Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/244794840391782/ 🎧 Podcast Sponsor – Flagship Partners The Fleet Geeks Podcast is proudly sponsored by Flagship Partners, specialists in helping fleet and transport businesses become safer, greener, and greater. If you’d like support with: Fleet compliance & operator licensing Transport manager development Fleet risk, safety & culture Leadership and performance in transport operations 📩 Email us at hello@flagshippartners.co.uk 🌐 Visit www.flagshippartners.co.uk  

Weightmans takeover 2026 update part 2 In this episode,  Pete speaks to Sarah Jennings and James Harvey of Weightmans Transport Regulatory team about; Driver Management System: Optifile streamlines compliance by giving drivers app access to documents, enhancing engagement and oversight. Maintenance Tool: Transport Manager Comply ensures thorough verification of vehicle safety documents, reducing risks of unsafe vehicles on the road. Telematics Importance: Active telematics use helps manage driver behavior and is increasingly expected by regulatory bodies for compliance. Tech Adoption Urgency: DVSA encourages tech and AI usage for close monitoring, making proactive management essential for 2026 compliance. Driver Training Focus: Ongoing training and wellbeing initiatives enhance driver performance, loyalty, and safety, crucial amidst driver shortages. Proactive Management Culture: Operators need to shift towards proactive strategies to improve compliance, risk control, and overall fleet safety. The Fleet Geeks Podcast is here to support fleet managers, transport managers, and fleet professionals at every stage of their journey. Our mission is simple: to develop safer, smarter, and more confident fleet and transport leaders. From operator licence compliance and fleet safety, to leadership, culture, and performance – we bring you practical insight, real-world experience, and conversations that actually help you do the job better. 🚛 If you manage vehicles, drivers, risk, or compliance – this podcast is for you. 👉 Discover our peer-to-peer mentoring and professional development for fleet and transport professionals: https://www.flagshippartners.co.uk/peer-to-peer-mentoring-flagship/ 🤝 Join the Fleet Geeks Community Continue the conversation, ask questions, and learn alongside other fleet and transport managers inside our FREE Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/244794840391782/ 🎧 Podcast Sponsor – Flagship Partners The Fleet Geeks Podcast is proudly sponsored by Flagship Partners, specialists in helping fleet and transport businesses become safer, greener, and greater. If you’d like support with: Fleet compliance & operator licensing Transport manager development Fleet risk, safety & culture Leadership and performance in transport operations 📩 Email us at hello@flagshippartners.co.uk 🌐 Visit www.flagshippartners.co.uk  

Weightmans takeover 2026 update part 1 In this episode,  Pete speaks to Sarah Jennings of Weightmans about; Fuel Duty Stability: Fuel duty frozen until September 2026 offers cost stability; planning needed for post-2026 changes. EV Adoption Opportunity: Car supplement increase to £50,000 in April 2026 allows for more expensive EVs and hybrids in fleets. CAZ Expansion Impact: Clean air zones in cities charge £50 to £300 daily for non-compliance; strategic planning essential to minimize costs. Fuel Cost Management: Fuel costs at 30% of fleet expenses; tracking usage and prices is vital for savings and compliance. Proactive Compliance Benefits: Proactive measures reduce stress and penalties; early preparation for regulations and compliance ensures operational continuity. Preparation for 2026: Balancing costs and compliance is crucial; investing in training now helps meet future industry standards and expectations. The Fleet Geeks Podcast is here to support fleet managers, transport managers, and fleet professionals at every stage of their journey. Our mission is simple: to develop safer, smarter, and more confident fleet and transport leaders. From operator licence compliance and fleet safety, to leadership, culture, and performance – we bring you practical insight, real-world experience, and conversations that actually help you do the job better. 🚛 If you manage vehicles, drivers, risk, or compliance – this podcast is for you. 👉 Discover our peer-to-peer mentoring and professional development for fleet and transport professionals: https://www.flagshippartners.co.uk/peer-to-peer-mentoring-flagship/ 🤝 Join the Fleet Geeks Community Continue the conversation, ask questions, and learn alongside other fleet and transport managers inside our FREE Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/244794840391782/ 🎧 Podcast Sponsor – Flagship Partners The Fleet Geeks Podcast is proudly sponsored by Flagship Partners, specialists in helping fleet and transport businesses become safer, greener, and greater. If you’d like support with: Fleet compliance & operator licensing Transport manager development Fleet risk, safety & culture Leadership and performance in transport operations 📩 Email us at hello@flagshippartners.co.uk 🌐 Visit www.flagshippartners.co.uk  

The Road Safety Strategy 2026 from DfT - the Fleet Geeks take In this episode,  Pete the Department for Transport recent road safety strategy release. He breaks down the Department for Transport’s Road Safety Strategy and what it really means for fleet operators, transport managers, and fleet professionals across the UK. We cut through the policy language to explore the practical implications for fleet safety, driver behaviour, risk management, compliance, and leadership, helping you understand what actions you need to take now and what’s coming next. Whether you’re responsible for operator licence compliance, reducing collisions, improving driver safety, or embedding a stronger road safety culture, this episode gives you clear insight into how the DfT strategy will shape expectations, enforcement, and best practice for UK fleets. The Fleet Geeks Podcast is here to support fleet managers, transport managers, and fleet professionals at every stage of their journey. Our mission is simple: to develop safer, smarter, and more confident fleet and transport leaders. From operator licence compliance and fleet safety, to leadership, culture, and performance – we bring you practical insight, real-world experience, and conversations that actually help you do the job better. 🚛 If you manage vehicles, drivers, risk, or compliance – this podcast is for you. 👉 Discover our peer-to-peer mentoring and professional development for fleet and transport professionals: https://www.flagshippartners.co.uk/peer-to-peer-mentoring-flagship/ 🤝 Join the Fleet Geeks Community Continue the conversation, ask questions, and learn alongside other fleet and transport managers inside our FREE Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/244794840391782/ 🎧 Podcast Sponsor – Flagship Partners The Fleet Geeks Podcast is proudly sponsored by Flagship Partners, specialists in helping fleet and transport businesses become safer, greener, and greater. If you’d like support with: Fleet compliance & operator licensing Transport manager development Fleet risk, safety & culture Leadership and performance in transport operations 📩 Email us at hello@flagshippartners.co.uk 🌐 Visit www.flagshippartners.co.uk  

State of UK Fleet & Transport what's really changing? In this episode,  Pete explores as a transport manager what do you need to know and be prepared for in 2026. The Fleet Geeks Podcast is here to support fleet managers, transport managers, and fleet professionals at every stage of their journey. Our mission is simple: to develop safer, smarter, and more confident fleet and transport leaders. From operator licence compliance and fleet safety, to leadership, culture, and performance – we bring you practical insight, real-world experience, and conversations that actually help you do the job better. 🚛 If you manage vehicles, drivers, risk, or compliance – this podcast is for you. 👉 Discover our peer-to-peer mentoring and professional development for fleet and transport professionals: https://www.flagshippartners.co.uk/peer-to-peer-mentoring-flagship/ 🤝 Join the Fleet Geeks Community Continue the conversation, ask questions, and learn alongside other fleet and transport managers inside our FREE Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/244794840391782/ 🎧 Podcast Sponsor – Flagship Partners The Fleet Geeks Podcast is proudly sponsored by Flagship Partners, specialists in helping fleet and transport businesses become safer, greener, and greater. If you’d like support with: Fleet compliance & operator licensing Transport manager development Fleet risk, safety & culture Leadership and performance in transport operations 📩 Email us at hello@flagshippartners.co.uk 🌐 Visit www.flagshippartners.co.uk  

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all! In this episode,  Pete wishes you a Merry Xmas and advises the podcast will be back and firing in 2026 after a short Christmas break. The Fleet Geeks are here to support you on your journey. Our mission is to Develop Fleet and Transport Professionals. Find out more here; https://www.flagshippartners.co.uk/peer-to-peer-mentoring-flagship/ Join our FREE community over on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/244794840391782/ The podcast is sponsored by Flagship Partners; If you are interested in finding out more about us drop an email hello@flagshippartners.co.uk or check out the website www.flagshippartners.co.uk.

Optifile - the MUST HAVE software for your Fleet Business in 2026 In this episode,  Pete the new software Optifile.  The app that helps you track policies in your business.  Update, distribute and track your policies in real time. Interested in Optifile? Find out more here; https://www.optifile.co.uk/ The Fleet Geeks are here to support you on your journey. Our mission is to Develop Fleet and Transport Professionals. Find out more here; https://www.flagshippartners.co.uk/peer-to-peer-mentoring-flagship/ Join our FREE community over on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/244794840391782/ The podcast is sponsored by Flagship Partners; If you are interested in finding out more about us drop an email hello@flagshippartners.co.uk or check out the website www.flagshippartners.co.uk.

Should I sack my driver who deliberately removed his tachograph card on shift? In this episode,  Pete explores tachograph misuse and driving without a card. The Fleet Geeks are here to support you on your journey. Our mission is to Develop Fleet and Transport Professionals. Find out more here; https://www.flagshippartners.co.uk/peer-to-peer-mentoring-flagship/ Join our FREE community over on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/244794840391782/ The podcast is sponsored by Flagship Partners; If you are interested in finding out more about us drop an email hello@flagshippartners.co.uk or check out the website www.flagshippartners.co.uk.

6 key reasons to be wary of the work Christmas Party In this episode,  Pete explores the annual Christmas Party and what specifically you should be keeping your eye on. The Fleet Geeks are here to support you on your journey. Our mission is to Develop Fleet and Transport Professionals. Find out more here; https://www.flagshippartners.co.uk/peer-to-peer-mentoring-flagship/ Join our FREE community over on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/244794840391782/ The podcast is sponsored by Flagship Partners; If you are interested in finding out more about us drop an email hello@flagshippartners.co.uk or check out the website www.flagshippartners.co.uk.

Should I sack my driver who used his mobile phone whilst driving? In this episode,  Pete explores mobile phone use by professional drivers and what you should do as a Fleet Manager if they get caught. The Fleet Geeks are here to support you on your journey. Our mission is to Develop Fleet and Transport Professionals. Find out more here; https://www.flagshippartners.co.uk/peer-to-peer-mentoring-flagship/ Join our FREE community over on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/244794840391782/ The podcast is sponsored by Flagship Partners; If you are interested in finding out more about us drop an email hello@flagshippartners.co.uk or check out the website www.flagshippartners.co.uk.

10 MORE Policies you must have for your Fleet Operation, these include. 1. Wheel Security & Torque Policy Sets out the process for wheel fitting, retorquing, and inspection. 👉 Purpose: Prevents catastrophic wheel loss and shows DVSA you take mechanical integrity seriously. 2. Bridge Strike Prevention Policy Outlines route-planning expectations, height-awareness checks, and driver training on vehicle heights. 👉 Purpose: Reduces one of the most reputation-damaging and costly incidents possible. 3. Speed Management Policy Defines your stance on speed compliance, use of limiters, and telematics monitoring. 👉 Purpose: Protects safety, OCRS scores, and fuel efficiency. 4. Parking, Security & Load Theft Policy Sets out secure parking expectations, use of high-risk route plans, and incident response if theft occurs. 👉 Purpose: Protects high-value goods and driver safety. 5. Driver Induction & Training Policy Ensures every driver receives consistent onboarding, safety briefings, and ongoing training refreshers. 👉 Purpose: Builds competence and consistency across the fleet. 6. Mobile Plant, Shunter & Yard Safety Policy Covers the operation of yard vehicles, reversing protocols, and segregation of pedestrians. 👉 Purpose: Prevents serious injuries in depots — often overlooked by operators. 7. Tyre Management Policy Goes beyond wheel torque — covers selection, inspection, tread depth, pressure checks, and age limits. 👉 Purpose: Prevents blowouts, reduces costs, and supports sustainability goals. 8. Fuel Card, Refuelling & Spill Control Policy Details safe refuelling procedures, use of fuel cards, and environmental response to spills. 👉 Purpose: Prevents pollution and theft while ensuring cost control 9. Breakdown & Recovery Policy Explains what drivers should do during a roadside breakdown or recovery situation. 👉 Purpose: Ensures safety, minimises downtime, and reduces risk to other road users. 10. Communication & Reporting Policy Defines how operational information flows between drivers, TMs, planners, and workshops. 👉 Purpose: Stops critical info getting lost in translation and supports audit trails. In this episode,  Pete explores these policies and why you need them. The Fleet Geeks are here to support you on your journey. Our mission is to Develop Fleet and Transport Professionals. Find out more here; https://www.flagshippartners.co.uk/peer-to-peer-mentoring-flagship/ Join our FREE community over on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/244794840391782/ The podcast is sponsored by Flagship Partners; If you are interested in finding out more about us drop an email hello@flagshippartners.co.uk or check out the website www.flagshippartners.co.uk.

10 Policies you must have for your Fleet Operation.  these include. 1. Driver Hours & Working Time Policy Defines the rules and company stance on tachograph use, rest breaks, working time, and how infringements are managed. 👉 Purpose: Keeps you compliant with EU/GB drivers’ hours laws and the Working Time Directive. 2. Vehicle Defect & Daily Walkaround Check Policy Sets the standard for pre-use inspections, defect reporting, rectification, and sign-off. 👉 Purpose: Demonstrates a safety-first culture and keeps vehicles roadworthy. 3. Roadworthiness & Maintenance Policy Outlines how the operator ensures vehicles are maintained, inspected, and repaired. 👉 Purpose: Links directly to your OCRS score and DVSA’s earned recognition standards. 4. Driver Conduct & Behaviour Policy Covers expectations around professionalism, language, dress, customer interaction, and incident reporting. 👉 Purpose: Protects reputation and ensures consistent behaviour across the fleet. 5. Accident & Incident Reporting Policy Sets out what drivers must do after collisions, near misses, or damage — including evidence capture and immediate reporting. 👉 Purpose: Manages risk, insurance exposure, and investigation consistency. 6. Fuel, Emissions & Environmental Policy Details your approach to fuel efficiency, idling reduction, route planning, and sustainability goals. 👉 Purpose: Supports your “greener” agenda and can save thousands in fuel. 7. Load Security & Safe Loading Policy Explains how loads are to be secured, checked, and documented. 👉 Purpose: Reduces incidents, protects public safety, and satisfies DVSA load enforcement checks. 8. Licence & Driver Qualification Policy Covers how you check and monitor driver entitlements, CPC, medicals, and endorsements. 👉 Purpose: Prevents unqualified or disqualified drivers operating vehicles. 9. Drugs, Alcohol & Fatigue Policy Lays out the company’s zero-tolerance approach to substance misuse, random testing, and managing driver fatigue. 👉 Purpose: Protects safety, reputation and legal standing. 10. Mobile Phone, Telematics & Technology Use Policy Defines acceptable use of in-cab devices, telematics data, and dashcams. 👉 Purpose: Prevents distraction, misuse, and data breaches. In this episode,  Pete explores these policies and why you need them. The Fleet Geeks are here to support you on your journey. Our mission is to Develop Fleet and Transport Professionals. Find out more here; https://www.flagshippartners.co.uk/peer-to-peer-mentoring-flagship/ Join our FREE community over on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/244794840391782/ The podcast is sponsored by Flagship Partners; If you are interested in finding out more about us drop an email hello@flagshippartners.co.uk or check out the website www.flagshippartners.co.uk.

Appeals decision on RT International Transport Ltd.  The information can be found here; https://www.gov.uk/administrative-appeals-tribunal-decisions/rt-international-transport-ltd-t-2025-ukut-283-aac In this episode,  Pete explores this appeal and the process.  Why was the decision overturned?  Why do we get asked for 'wet signatures'? The Fleet Geeks are here to support you on your journey. Our mission is to Develop Fleet and Transport Professionals. Find out more here; https://www.flagshippartners.co.uk/peer-to-peer-mentoring-flagship/ Join our FREE community over on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/244794840391782/ The podcast is sponsored by Flagship Partners; If you are interested in finding out more about us drop an email hello@flagshippartners.co.uk or check out the website www.flagshippartners.co.uk.

The mechanics of mentoring for Fleet Managers.  Why quality mentoring skills are vital to develop our next generation of talent. In this episode,  Pete explores mentoring.  If you want to mentor, already mentor, or have mentored others this podcast is vital listening to better understand, what the skills, attributes and process for supporting a mentee as a mentor. The Fleet Geeks are here to support you on your journey. Our mission is to Develop Fleet and Transport Professionals. Find out more here; https://www.flagshippartners.co.uk/peer-to-peer-mentoring-flagship/ Join our FREE community over on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/244794840391782/ The podcast is sponsored by Flagship Partners; If you are interested in finding out more about us drop an email hello@flagshippartners.co.uk or check out the website www.flagshippartners.co.uk.

Under the bonnet - mental health in transport.  Let's keep the narrative going in this vital podcast! In this episode,  Pete explores (on World Mental Health Day); what mental health in the workplace and transport is, why it's important, how to spot the signs in yourself and others as well as how to provide support. The Fleet Geeks are here to support you on your journey. Our mission is to Develop Fleet and Transport Professionals. Find out more here; https://www.flagshippartners.co.uk/peer-to-peer-mentoring-flagship/ Join our FREE community over on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/244794840391782/ The podcast is sponsored by Flagship Partners; If you are interested in finding out more about us drop an email hello@flagshippartners.co.uk or check out the website www.flagshippartners.co.uk.

8 benefits of a peer group for Transport Managers. In this episode,  Pete explores the options out there for peer groups.  Outlining 8 reasons they are really beneficial for professionals working in the role.  As well as how to find out more about our fantastic peer mentoring scheme. The Fleet Geeks are here to support you on your journey. Our mission is to Develop Fleet and Transport Professionals. Find out more here; https://www.flagshippartners.co.uk/peer-to-peer-mentoring-flagship/ Join our FREE community over on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/244794840391782/ The podcast is sponsored by Flagship Partners; If you are interested in finding out more about us drop an email hello@flagshippartners.co.uk or check out the website www.flagshippartners.co.uk.

Why I think the industry guidance should be version controlled and probably why it isn't! In this episode,  Pete explores industry guidance.  Who is writing it?  Who is proofreading it?  What happens when there is amendments made and how do we know about it?  How do we know what has been changed, edited, amended?  The challenge is we often don't.  Usually there is an 'updated for clarity'.  Which in it itself is a a paradox.  In ISO 9001 it is a requirement to version control documents and note down what is changed, by who and why.  I believe this would be a more transparent way of issuing guidance to the our industry. The Fleet Geeks are here to support you on your journey. Our mission is to Develop Fleet and Transport Professionals. Find out more here; https://www.flagshippartners.co.uk/peer-to-peer-mentoring-flagship/ Join our FREE community over on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/244794840391782/ The podcast is sponsored by Flagship Partners; If you are interested in finding out more about us drop an email hello@flagshippartners.co.uk or check out the website www.flagshippartners.co.uk.

I want to do my TM CPC should I do an online or in person course? In this episode,  Pete explores your training options for a Transport Manager CPC course.  Should you learn online or in person.  Explaining the pros and cons of each option. The Fleet Geeks are here to support you on your journey. Our mission is to Develop Fleet and Transport Professionals. Find out more here; https://www.flagshippartners.co.uk/peer-to-peer-mentoring-flagship/ Join our FREE community over on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/244794840391782/ The podcast is sponsored by Flagship Partners; If you are interested in finding out more about us drop an email hello@flagshippartners.co.uk or check out the website www.flagshippartners.co.uk.

3 reasons fixed pricing for External Transport Management doesn't work. In this episode,  Pete explores how External Transport Managers or ETMs price their time and their work.  As well as clear reasons why the fixed pricing per vehicle format many ETMs use, is not good news. The Fleet Geeks are here to support you on your journey. Our mission is to Develop Fleet and Transport Professionals. Find out more here; https://www.flagshippartners.co.uk/peer-to-peer-mentoring-flagship/ Join our FREE community over on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/244794840391782/ The podcast is sponsored by Flagship Partners; If you are interested in finding out more about us drop an email hello@flagshippartners.co.uk or check out the website www.flagshippartners.co.uk.

Public Inquiry Deep Dive with Tom Reddy Part 2 - so what is it really like to go to a PI? In this episode,  Pete explores with Tom a recent public inquiry experience, what he found, what he learned.  This episode will help you understand more about the PI process and what to expect, the epsiode is the 2nd of 2 parts. The Fleet Geeks are here to support you on your journey. Our mission is to Develop Fleet and Transport Professionals. Find out more here; https://www.flagshippartners.co.uk/peer-to-peer-mentoring-flagship/ Join our FREE community over on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/244794840391782/ The podcast is sponsored by Flagship Partners; If you are interested in finding out more about us drop an email hello@flagshippartners.co.uk or check out the website www.flagshippartners.co.uk.