SIC 49.20 130 enterprises in the UK
Freight rail transport
What this covers (3 activity descriptions)
- Freight transport by inter-urban railways
- Freight transport on mainline rail networks
- Shortline freight railways
What you must comply with
Unique to freight rail transport
ORR safety authorisation
Infrastructure managers and freight operators must hold safety authorisation from ORR. Covers safety management for freight operations.
Network access agreement
Track access contracts must be approved by ORR. Governs rights and obligations for using rail network infrastructure.
Dangerous goods by rail (RID regulations)
RID (Regulations concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail) applies to dangerous goods consignments. Staff must be trained and certified.
Applies to all freight rail transport
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
General duties to employees, passengers, and others. HSENI enforces in Northern Ireland.
Employers' Liability Insurance
Required for all employers. Sole traders with no employees exempt.
RIDDOR 2013 (Accident Reporting)
Must report deaths, specified injuries, over-7-day incapacitations, dangerous occurrences, and occupational diseases.
UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018
Must register with ICO unless exempt. Applies to passenger data, CCTV, employee records.
Equality Act 2010 (Accessible Transport)
Duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled passengers. Transport-specific provisions in Part 12.
Guidance for this activity
Running a maritime business
How to register ships with the UK Ship Register and comply with maritime regulations. Covers ship registration, seafarer certification, ISM Code compliance, and maritime security requirements.
Read guideGet an operator's licence for goods vehicles
How to apply for an O-licence to operate goods vehicles for business. Covers Standard and Restricted licences, financial standing, transport manager requirements, and ongoing compliance including tachographs and drivers' hours.
Read guideAviation cargo security compliance
How to become a Known Consignor or Regulated Agent for air cargo. Covers CAA certification, security vetting requirements, cargo screening, and dangerous goods training.
Read guideVehicle Type Approval
Get type approval for vehicles manufactured or imported into GB.
Read guideSet Up an MOT Testing Station
Become a DVSA Authorised Examiner to conduct MOT tests.
Read guideRun an MOT Testing Station
Maintain DVSA compliance, manage testers, handle inspections, and avoid disciplinary action as an MOT Authorised Examiner.
Read guideVehicle Dealer Regulation
Understand FCA authorisation, consumer rights, and trading standards for motor dealers.
Read guideEV Charging Infrastructure
Install EV chargepoints and access government grants.
Read guideGoods Vehicle Operator Licensing
Understand O-licence requirements for operating goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes.
Read guideDriver CPC Requirements
Understand Driver Certificate of Professional Competence requirements for HGV and bus drivers.
Read guideTachographs and Drivers' Hours
Understand tachograph requirements and drivers' hours rules for goods vehicle operations.
Read guideTransporting Dangerous Goods (ADR)
Comply with ADR regulations for transporting dangerous goods by road.
Read guideVehicle Maintenance and MOT
Understand vehicle maintenance standards and MOT requirements for goods vehicles.
Read guideApply for development consent for major infrastructure
How to apply for a Development Consent Order (DCO) for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects. Covers the 6-stage application process, NSIP thresholds, community consultation requirements, examination procedures, and the Section 35 route for business projects of national significance.
Read guideAvoid overloading and secure your loads
How to comply with load security requirements and avoid overloading offences. Covers the DVSA code of practice, maximum weight limits, shared duty between operator, driver, and loader, and penalties for non-compliance.
Read guideClean Air Zones and emission requirements for goods vehicles
How Clean Air Zones affect goods vehicle operators. Covers the CAZ classification framework, current zones and charges by vehicle type, Euro emission standards, London LEZ/ULEZ/Congestion Charge, and options for managing compliance costs.
Read guideInsurance for goods vehicle operators
What insurance goods vehicle operators need. Covers mandatory motor fleet insurance under the Road Traffic Act 1988, goods in transit cover, CMR liability for international carriage, and when to move from individual policies to a fleet policy.
Read guideVehicle excise duty and HGV Levy for goods vehicles
Current VED rates for heavy goods vehicles by weight band and axle configuration, and the status of the HGV Road User Levy.
Read guideCompliance for van and light goods vehicle operators
What applies when operating vans and light goods vehicles under 3.5 tonnes. Vans do not need an operator licence but must meet motor insurance, MOT, road tax, Clean Air Zone, driving licence, and loading requirements under the Road Traffic Act 1988.
Read guideSmart tachograph requirements and transition
Smart tachograph v2 requirements, the transition from analogue and digital units, retrofit deadlines for international and domestic vehicles, and how UK requirements have diverged from EU rules since Brexit.
Read guide