ISO 9001 in a transport company makes it easier to manage business processes and helps build a strong, positive image among partners and clients. However, implementing a quality management system requires a lot of work and involves certain costs related to rolling out the ISO 9001 standard. What is it and how does it affect transport operations? We explain in this article.
What is the ISO 9001 quality management system?
The ISO 9001 quality management system is an international standard that defines requirements for how processes should be organized and carried out in companies and institutions. Its main goal is to ensure that products and services are consistently delivered at a high level— in line with applicable regulations and customer expectations.
ISO 9001 in road transport
ISO 9001 in a transport company is based on the process approach—one of the key principles of quality management. According to this principle, an organization achieves better results when individual activities and related resources are treated as processes that can be planned, monitored, and improved. That’s why a carrier implementing the ISO 9001 standard in transport should thoroughly identify all processes within the company and define how they relate to one another. To do this, the following action framework is often used:
- defining the safety policy,
- setting the company’s objectives,
- identifying processes within the transport company,
- defining the links between individual processes,
- appointing people responsible for each process.
Developing process documentation in line with the ISO 9001 standard in a transport company may include, for example, implementing procedures for handling a road accident or cargo theft. Instructions should also cover standard processes such as accepting transport orders or verifying clients.
Company management is usually responsible for setting objectives and the safety policy needed to implement the ISO 9001 standard in a transport company. Management’s responsibilities also include appointing people accountable for carrying out specific processes. It’s worth remembering that individual processes are designed to achieve the objectives defined in ISO 9001 in transport. All identified processes should be grouped into several categories:
- Main processes – directly affecting the delivery of the transport service, including planning and executing road transport.
- Supporting processes – providing support for the main processes. These include, for example, keeping the truck fleet in proper condition or managing human resources.
- Coordinating processes – focused on monitoring the performance of the entire transport company and taking appropriate actions to improve the organization. According to the Kaizen management philosophy, coordinating processes help shorten service lead times, improve quality, and reduce costs.
- Critical processes – responsible for ensuring the safety of the main processes, e.g., risk assessment related to transport orders or cooperation with a given contractor.
ISO 9001 certificate – what does it give you?
After implementation, the ISO 9001 certificate confirms that the carrier operates in accordance with a quality management system. The benefits of implementing ISO 9001 in a transport company fall into two groups:
- Internal – effective process management within the company.
- External – a professional image of an organization that meets the ISO 9001 standard requirements. Quality management requirements are often taken into account when deciding to cooperate with contractors, e.g., during transport tenders.
Is the ISO 9001 certificate mandatory?
ISO 9001 in a transport company can be a strong argument when building cooperation with customers. However, having a quality management certificate is not mandatory. Each carrier can decide individually whether to implement the ISO 9001 standard in transport.
How much does it cost to implement ISO 9001?
A carrier should be prepared for certain expenses related to implementing the ISO 9001 standard. How much does it cost to implement this solution? It’s difficult to give a single, clear answer. The cost of implementing ISO 9001 in a transport company depends, among other things, on the number of employees and the scale of the business. It’s also worth remembering that keeping the certificate valid requires periodic audits every three years.
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