Straightline Consultancy - About Us
Gary Austin - Founder and Principal Consultant
I’m proud to bring over 40 years of experience in the transport industry — a journey that began behind the wheel as a C+E driver and has led to founding and leading Straightline Transport Consultancy. Transport isn’t just my profession — it’s part of who I am.
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work across a wide range of sectors including car transport, general haulage, waste, fuel deliveries, containers, ro-ro, and utilities. These experiences have shaped my understanding of what makes a transport operation truly effective: compliance, training, and driver welfare are just as vital as logistics and delivery.
I’ve had the privilege of learning from some truly inspirational individuals, and I’ve taken the best ideas — and learned from the worst — to build a consultancy grounded in honesty, integrity, and professionalism.
The name "Straightline" reflects my ethos: clear, direct, and dependable. Whether you engage me for training, compliance, or operational support, I guarantee a service built on trust and a genuine commitment to doing things the right way.
You’ll find a detailed overview of my career, qualifications, and achievements HERE but if you’d prefer a conversation, just give me a call on 07951 792408 — I’d be happy to talk.
Transport & Fleet Management
Whether you need an external Transport Manager for a small fleet, an experienced TM to audit your business and carry out a full compliance health check, a robust operating protocol developing or mentoring and support for newly qualified Transport Managers, Straightline Transport Consultancy provides the expertise you need.
Every business is unique, with its own challenges, priorities, and areas for improvement. We don’t offer off‑the‑shelf packages—our solutions are tailored specifically to your requirements.
Transport management goes beyond compliance; it’s about efficiency, safety, and strategic oversight. Whatever your transport management needs, we’ll work with you to deliver practical, effective solutions.
For more information please click HERE or get in touch for a friendly, professional chat—we’ll help you find clarity and direction.
Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor
The movement of hazardous goods is tightly regulated across the UK, Europe, and beyond. The ADR (Accord Dangereux Routier) framework sets the standard for road transport of dangerous goods across more than 40 countries, supported by additional regulations such as the UK’s Carriage of Dangerous Goods (CDG) Regulations 2009.
Every business moving goods within ADR scope must have access to a qualified DGSA — a requirement that now extends to consignors as well as transport operators.
At Straightline Transport Consultancy, our experienced DGSA provides clear, practical guidance to keep your operation compliant, efficient, and safe. Whether you’re a small company moving small pr occasional consignments or a larger operator handling bulk shipments, we offer tailored support without the cost of employing a full-time DGSA.
Moving hazardous materials is complex — but with the right advice, it doesn’t have to be risky. Let our knowledge keep your business safe and compliant. For more information click HERE
FORS Practitioner
What Is FORS?
FORS, (Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme), is a voluntary UK accreditation for commercial vehicle operators. It helps improve:
- Safety – driver training, vehicle checks
- Efficiency – fuel use, route planning
- Environmental impact – emissions reduction
Widely recognised in logistics, construction, and public sector contracts.
Who Is FORS For?
- Operators of HGVs, vans, buses, coaches, motorcycles, and mobile plant
- Contractors requiring FORS in tenders
- Fleets aiming to boost professionalism and reduce risk
Benefits of Joining
- Enhanced safety and compliance
- Competitive edge in bidding
- Access to training and resources
- Lower fuel and maintenance costs
- Stronger reputation and customer trust
As a FORS Practitioner with twenty years of experience preparing applications, procedures, policies and looking after annual audits we can guide you through the whole process while ensuring your annual audits go smoothly.
If you have no need to be a member of FORS for your business, but wish to have a tailor made Quality Management System for your business, we can help you achieve that. For more information click HERE
Professional Training
Your drivers are the most valuable asset in your business. Operating large vehicles is a skill that can always be refined, and continuous improvement is essential for safety, efficiency, and professionalism.
With over twenty years of driving experience — from vans to 44‑ton articulated vehicles — and eighteen years designing, delivering, and managing driver training, we provide tailored programmes that meet the specific needs of your operation. Every course is built around real‑world expertise and a clear understanding of the challenges your drivers face.
Our approach is simple: knowledge is power. Training is only effective when drivers understand why it matters and how it improves their performance, confidence, and your bottom line.
Some of our courses;
- ADR licence training & exams
- Defensive & Economical Driving
- First Aid
- TM Training
- TM Refresher
- OLAT
All training is fully documented and accredited. Many courses are supported by a comprehensive written report, customised to your requirements, ensuring clear records and measurable outcomes.
We also offer pre-employment driver assessments to assist in your recruitment process.
For more information click HERE
On Site, Branded & Freelance Training
Flexibility is as important to us as it is to you and we understand that every company has its own specific needs.
We are more than happy and capable to carry out training at a location of your choice with the same professionalism, enthusiasm and resources.
We can brand our courses to meet your corporate needs and be part of your team, and as fully committed as your employees.
We can also offer trainers on a freelance basis to employer providers and training providers with no fear of commercial compromise.
We have an exceptionally experienced ADR trainer available to deliver both full ADR and ADR Awareness courses. Known for delivering engaging, experience‑led, and enjoyable sessions, our trainer consistently achieves a first‑time pass rate of over 90%.
Fully approved by the Department for Transport to instruct in all ADR classes except Class 7, our trainer specialises in both Tanks and Packages. (Class 7 is excluded deliberately—without personal experience in that area, we believe it would not be right to train others. Integrity matters.)
In addition to ADR expertise, our trainer is an experienced exam invigilator and a qualified FAW and EFAW instructor, with a genuine passion for teaching first aid in a way that is practical, memorable, and confidence‑building.
We are happy to travel and are keen to build long‑term partnerships with organisations that value high‑quality, enthusiastic, and reliable training delivery.
Click HERE to find out more
DCPC Course & Trainer Development
Love it or hate it, the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence is a qualification that brings genuine value to both professional drivers and the businesses they represent. When it’s delivered well, DCPC training strengthens safety, compliance, confidence, and operational standards across your entire transport operation.
For some companies, contracting out DCPC training can be a cost‑effective, worry free and proactive solution. At Straightline we have a suite of courses to suit every company with an ethos of 'real world' training. We can also manage your training in full.
However, some companies find bringing this training in‑house often becomes the smarter choice — not just financially, but operationally. You gain the flexibility to design training around your own needs, and you can schedule sessions during quieter periods to minimise disruption.
At Straightline, we can support you through every stage of developing your own in‑house training capability. This includes:
- Setting up your training centre accreditation
- Writing bespoke DCPC training courses tailored to your operation
- Preparing your Scheme of Control
- Training your trainers to deliver high‑quality, compliant sessions
Embracing training — in any format — delivers real, measurable benefits. When your drivers feel supported, informed, and valued, the return on investment becomes clear across safety, efficiency, morale, and overall performance.
Read more HERE
Knowledge Is Power
At Straightline Transport Consultancy, our ethos is simple: to raise standards, strengthen compliance, and support people and businesses to operate with clarity, confidence and professionalism. We believe that good transport management is built on honesty, consistency and a genuine respect for the individuals who keep the industry moving.
With over 30 years of hands‑on experience across driving, training, compliance and operational leadership, we bring a practical, real‑world understanding of what works — and why it matters. My focus is on delivering straightforward, reliable guidance that helps organisations stay safe, legal and efficient, while creating environments where drivers and managers can develop and succeed.
We am committed to improving the industry from the ground up: through better training, stronger processes, and a culture where people take pride in doing things properly. Whether I’m supporting a business through compliance challenges, developing training programmes, or helping individuals progress in their careers, my goal is always the same — to make a positive, lasting difference.
Straightline exists to provide honest expertise, practical solutions and a steady hand. No jargon, no shortcuts — just clear direction, high standards and a genuine commitment to helping others move forward.
Our Values
Integrity
We believe in doing things properly, transparently and for the right reasons. Integrity sits at the heart of every decision, every process and every piece of guidance we provide.
Professionalism
High standards matter. Whether it’s compliance, training or day‑to‑day operations, we bring a calm, consistent and disciplined approach that reflects the responsibility of working within the transport industry.
Clarity
Transport can be complex — but good advice shouldn’t be. We communicate clearly, avoid jargon and provide straightforward solutions that people can trust and act on with confidence.
Respect
People are the backbone of this industry. We treat drivers, managers and clients with fairness, honesty and genuine respect, recognising the value each person brings.
Progress
We believe in continuous improvement — in systems, in standards and in people. From developing new training programmes to supporting individuals in their careers, we are committed to helping others move forward.
Accountability
Compliance isn’t a box‑ticking exercise; it’s a responsibility. We take ownership of the work we do and support others in building a culture where accountability is shared and understood.
Selected partners, accreditations & affiliations
Air Sea Containers Limited
British Association of Dangerous Goods Professionals
British Association of Dangerous Goods Professionals
Dangerous Goods Packaging Solutions & Accessories
Air Sea Containers offers over 700+ dangerous goods packaging solutions designed to protect hazardous goods during transportation.
Whether you’re shipping chemicals, flammable liquids, lithium batteries, or infectious substances, our range of UN approved packaging solutions fully comply with
Dangerous Goods Packaging Solutions & Accessories
Air Sea Containers offers over 700+ dangerous goods packaging solutions designed to protect hazardous goods during transportation.
Whether you’re shipping chemicals, flammable liquids, lithium batteries, or infectious substances, our range of UN approved packaging solutions fully comply with dangerous goods regulations.
Shop dangerous goods packaging solutions now and ensure your hazardous goods are transported safely, securely and in full compliance with DG regulations.
British Association of Dangerous Goods Professionals
British Association of Dangerous Goods Professionals
British Association of Dangerous Goods Professionals
A very proud and active member for many years
BADGP is a not-for-profit association serving people with a passion for dangerous goods transportation either as a Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser (DGSA) or other qualified / interested person.
We are committed to supporting and developing DGSA’s and Dangerous Goods professionals by providing kno
A very proud and active member for many years
BADGP is a not-for-profit association serving people with a passion for dangerous goods transportation either as a Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser (DGSA) or other qualified / interested person.
We are committed to supporting and developing DGSA’s and Dangerous Goods professionals by providing knowledge and developing skills to maintain safety and achieve compliance to the dangerous goods regulation within their work functions.
Member
British Association of Dangerous Goods Professionals
National Logistics Training Consortium (NLTC)
The Felixstowe Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to fostering a thriving business community through meaningful connections, strong representation, and valuable support. Our mission is built around three key pillars: Connect, Influence, and Support.
National Logistics Training Consortium (NLTC)
British Association of Dangerous Goods Professionals
National Logistics Training Consortium (NLTC)
Straightline Transport Consultancy is a member of the National Logistics Training Consortium (NLTC), providing our clients with added assurance that our services are supported by professionally developed, industry‑recognised training resources and systems.
When selecting professional partners, it was important to us to work with an organi
Straightline Transport Consultancy is a member of the National Logistics Training Consortium (NLTC), providing our clients with added assurance that our services are supported by professionally developed, industry‑recognised training resources and systems.
When selecting professional partners, it was important to us to work with an organisation whose standards and expertise reflected the depth of experience our trainers bring to the industry. The NLTC’s focus on quality, structure and consistency closely aligns with our own approach to training and compliance.
Established to raise standards across UK transport and logistics training, the NLTC operates on the same principles of continuous improvement, compliance and professionalism that underpin ADR and FORS. Its materials are designed to meet approval requirements while remaining engaging and effective for candidates.
Through its nationwide member network, the consortium supports the delivery of high‑quality CPC and ADR training, with professionally produced resources used by over 200 approved organisations across the UK. This promotes consistency, best practice and confidence in training delivery.
NLTC membership helps make CPC and ADR approval more attainable and sustainable, supported by systems that simplify course management, record keeping and certification. This enables training providers and consultants to focus on delivering training to the correct standard, rather than administrative complexity.
By combining robust training materials, proven systems and an established professional network, the NLTC plays an important role in improving training standards and supporting safer, more compliant operations on UK roads.
For our clients, membership of the National Logistics Training Consortium provides additional confidence that Straightline Transport Consultancy operates with strong professional backing, recognised resources and a commitment to the same high standards expected within ADR and FORS frameworks.