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Why Choose Straightline

Gary Austin

I’ve spent more than five decades working in and around transport — from shipping and driving trucks to managing compliance, training, and large operational teams. It’s an industry I’ve grown up in, one I care deeply about, and one I’ve always tried to leave better than I found it.


My approach has always been simple: be organised, be fair, be thorough, and do things properly. That mindset has carried me through roles as a Driver Administrator, Transport Manager, Training Manager and Compliance Manager, and eventually into positions where I was responsible for the legal compliance and training needs of more than 2,000 drivers and a large national fleet. I’ve never taken that responsibility lightly.


One of the achievements I’m most proud of is developing a Professional Driver Scheme that opened new pathways into the industry. It gained strong recognition in the trade press and attracted over 1,000 applicants, with more than a quarter of the company’s drivers coming through the programme. For me, it wasn’t just about recruitment — it was about raising standards, offering opportunity, and giving people a clear route to progress.

Encouraging new talent into transport has always mattered to me. Over the years I’ve built relationships with schools, colleges and organisations to help young people understand what the industry can offer. I also had the privilege of co‑chairing the Transport Apprenticeship Trailblazer Group, helping shape the new HGV apprenticeship standards and their funding. It was a chance to influence the future of the sector in a meaningful way.


Training has been a constant thread throughout my career. I’ve written, developed and delivered a full suite of accredited courses, built training teams, and supported individuals as they’ve grown from drivers into assessors, mentors, trainers and even transport managers. Seeing people progress has always been one of the most rewarding parts of the job.

I’ve also spent many years developing compliance systems, policies and processes that keep operators safe, legal and efficient. Whether it’s FORS, DVSA, JAUPT, DfT or internal audits, I’ve always believed that good compliance isn’t about ticking boxes — it’s about building a culture where people take pride in doing things right.


Across every role, I’ve tried to bring the same values: honesty, professionalism, consistency and a genuine respect for the people who keep this industry moving.


What I Bring

  • A National & International Transport Manager CPC
  • Over 30 years’ hands‑on experience across transport, training and compliance
  • A proven record of developing people, improving standards and building strong teams
  • Deep knowledge of legal compliance, auditing and operational best practice
  • Extensive experience writing and delivering accredited training
  • A calm, structured and fair approach to leadership
  • A genuine passion for raising standards across the industry


Why I Do What I Do

Transport has given me a career, a purpose and a community. I’ve worked with thousands of drivers, dozens of managers and countless teams, and I’ve always believed that when you invest in people — properly — everything else follows.


Helping someone progress from driver to trainer, or from administrator to manager, has always meant more to me than any title I’ve held. Seeing people grow, gain confidence and build careers is what has kept me passionate about this industry for so long.


Straightline is built on those same principles: clarity, honesty, professionalism and a genuine desire to help people and businesses operate at their best. The below information confirms  my abilities giving you peace of mind and assurance that I will deliver for you.


· National and International Transport Managers CPC holder

· Proficiency in all areas of Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word and PowerPoint

· Knowledge of TOP’s transport software

· Experienced user of TeamTrak HR & Payroll system and iTrent

· Many years’ experience, and development involvement, of Logistics UK Vision

· Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal 

· C+E vocational licence holder including DQC and full ADR with Class 1 and tanks.

· Trained Driver assessor

· Fully qualified Fire Marshall 

· Fully qualified First Aider

· Fully qualified FROS (First Responder on Scene)

· Trained and fully conversant with Microlise Telematic systems

· Gained earned recognition from DfT Transec

· Involved in bench marking for DVSA Earned Recognition

· FORS Bronze accreditation achieved for depots and company

· Consistently achieving no CI’s or AI’s in FORS audits

· FORS Practitioner

· Constantly pushing for improvements and high level of professionalism from all members of staff

· IOSH qualification holder

· Level 3 award in Education and Teaching

· Qualified First Aid Instructor

· Fully qualified FROS instructor

· Accredited DfT ADR instructor all classes except 7 in packages and tanks

· Accredited JAUPT/DVSA trainer

· Section 5 holder

· DGSA qualified (expires June 2028)

· Conceived, developed and implemented recruitment, induction, mentoring and all driver training for company

· Conceived, developed and implemented investigation and disciplinary process

· Conceived, developed and implemented all legal compliance procedures and policies

· Written and implemented all-in house-training courses accredited by DVSA

· Conceived, developed and implemented Professional Driver Scheme.

· Conceived, developed and implemented Family Ties driver recruitment Scheme.

· Conceived, developed and wrote internal handbooks. (Driver, Trainer, Manager and Depot)

· Ex Co-Chair of LGV apprenticeship standard trailblazer group 2018 - 2021

· Very experienced driver manager with significant HR knowledge

· Accomplished article writer for internal and external publications.

· Worked with and developed a hugely successful partnership with the Career Transition Partnership developing a route for service leavers into the transport industry, resulting in a strong, honest reputation within the armed forces.


Experience That Delivers Results


Transport & Fleet Manager — Water Direct Ltd

2025 – March 2026

I lead fleet and driver compliance for a national operation, driving major improvements in safety, efficiency and cost control. I delivered around £500k in savings, strengthened supplier relationships, and introduced robust systems that keep the fleet legal, reliable and performing at its best. I also oversaw the compliance team and implemented clear KPIs that support consistent, high‑quality performance across the business.


Driver Training & Compliance Manager — Maritime Transport Ltd

2022 – 2025

I managed a nationwide team of 22 trainers across 28 depots, ensuring 2,300 drivers received high‑quality, accredited training every year. Under my leadership, driver infringements dropped to 0.017% — 85% better than the national average. I developed new training programmes, improved compliance year on year, and led all major audits (FORS, DVSA, JAUPT, DfT). I also reported directly to the Board on compliance and training performance.


Training & Development Manager — Maritime Transport Ltd

2017 – 2022

I built and developed a high‑performing training team, delivering accredited courses across 23 depots. My work strengthened recruitment pipelines, introduced new training initiatives, and improved standards across the business. I also led FORS and DfT audits and ensured full legal compliance while shaping long‑term training and development strategy.


Transport Manager — Maritime Transport Ltd

2010 – 2017

I managed 300 drivers, a fleet of 190 vehicles and a multi‑site operational team. My responsibilities covered everything from compliance and tachograph management to HR processes, investigations and safety. I introduced new systems for recruitment, mentoring and training, built strong partnerships with external organisations, and was appointed Named Transport Manager in 2014 with company‑wide tachograph responsibility.

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