Setting up 3.5ton transport business.

[Puzzled]

Hello, I am considering setting up a transport business (3.5 ton lorry) and just wondering if anyone has any experience of doing this? I understand I won’t need ad operators license due to the vehicle size but will I need to certificate to say I am competent in handling horses? TIA.

 

[Goldenstar]

Just make sure your truck has enough payload to carry your customers.
Many struggle to legally carry two full sized horses within the weight .

 

[Quigleyandme]

I know someone who does it quite successfully. The majority of his income is derived from companies that offer onward transport in their breakdown insurance policies, hospital/referral centre appointments, stud and training long stays and rendezvous with Irish transporters in the wee small hours to take a horse to it’s final destination. He is a superb driver and very calm when his equine passenger is chucking itself around which makes steering a challenge in a small box.

 

[Puzzled]

Thanks, it will only be part time, I already work 3 days a week so just some to think about doing. Just wonder what certification I need?

 

[Kizzy2004]

My friend has a transport business and she has to go through regular assessments. Just had a quick google and it came up with this (this was from my local,Hampshire, council website);

Commercial journeys

During transport, horses must be accompanied by an animal transport certificate, giving details of the journey and the horses being transported. Persons transporting their own horses by their own means of transport and for a distance of less than 50 km from their holding are exempt from this requirement.

Anyone transporting horses in connection with an economic activity on journeys over 65 km and under eight hours must:

have a short journey transporter authorisation (type 1) issued by Defra
complete an animal transport certificate
be in possession of a certificate of competence (for drivers or attendants)
For journeys over eight hours transporters must:

have a long journey transporter authorisation (type 2) issued by Defra
be in possession of a certificate of competence (for drivers or attendants)
complete an animal transport certificate if journey is within the UK
ensure a journey log is completed for journeys going outside the UK (this does not include registered horses)
ensure the vehicle used has been inspected and approved
ensure that contingency plans are in place in the event of an emergency
have a navigation system in use
Animal transport certificates must be kept as a record for two years. Records obtained using the navigation system keep must be kept for three years (this requirement does not apply to registered equines).