Compliance is not optional in bulk haulage. It's a legal requirement — and in some sectors, a criminal liability if it's wrong. This guide maps out what certifications apply to different load types, how to verify them, and how BulkMatch will help you manage them in one place.
All bulk haulage
Operator Licence (O-Licence)
MandatoryStandard National licence required for any commercial movement of goods for hire or reward. Verify at vehicle-operator-licensing.service.gov.uk.
Public Liability Insurance
MandatoryMinimum £1m cover required. Certificate should show the policy is current and covers the type of work.
Waste and muck-away
EA Waste Carrier Registration (Upper Tier)
MandatoryRequired under EPA 1990 s.34 for any commercial carriage of controlled waste. Verify at wastecarriersbrokers.environment-agency.gov.uk.
Waste Transfer Note (WTN)
Per loadRequired for every transfer of controlled waste. Both parties must sign and retain a copy for minimum 2 years.
Potable water
WRAS Approval
MandatoryWater Regulations Advisory Scheme approval required for tanks and equipment in contact with drinking water. Verify at wras.co.uk.
Hazardous / chemical loads
ADR Certificate (driver)
MandatoryVocational Training Certificate for carriage of dangerous goods by road. Issued after DVSA examination. Valid 5 years.
Vehicle ADR equipment
MandatoryFire extinguisher, protective equipment, hazard placarding, orange plate markings.
Construction sites (FORS / CLOCS)
FORS Bronze
Common requirementFleet Operator Recognition Scheme Bronze. Often required by main contractors on funded construction projects. Self-assessment plus audit.
CLOCS Membership
Some London sitesConstruction Logistics and Community Safety. Required on some TfL and urban authority construction sites. Focuses on interactions with vulnerable road users.
How to verify manually
For each key credential, here's where to check:
O-Licence
vehicle-operator-licensing.service.gov.uk
Search by licence number or operator name.
EA Waste Carrier
wastecarriersbrokers.environment-agency.gov.uk
Search the public register. Upper tier shows 'WCB'.
WRAS
wras.co.uk/approved-products
Tanker/equipment must be listed as approved.
FORS
fors-online.org.uk
Search by company name or licence plate.
ADR
gov.uk/dvsa
ADR certificates are issued per driver. Ask for the certificate — there is no public register.
The BulkMatch Compliance Control Tower
BulkMatch's Compliance Control Tower is a dashboard designed to give hauliers a single view of their compliance status across their entire fleet and team.
The Compliance Control Tower will be available on Starter, Pro and Fleet plans. A basic compliance profile is included on the Free plan.
Manage all your compliance in one place
Join the waitlist for early access to the BulkMatch Compliance Control Tower when we launch Summer 2026.
Join the waitlist