Original Committee Members 1977

Left to right, George Hughes, Transport Manager Coca Cola and original winner of "Transport Manager of the Year Award", Robert F. Pettigrew Assistant Regional Manager Beecham Products, Joe Dowling, Roger Cooper, Transport Manager Atlas, Copco, William Gavin, founder of the Institute.

The Institute of Transport Management, initially formed at an inaugural meeting on the 13th October 1977, is the foremost institute for transport management. Founded by William Gavin, ex-RAF apprentice and Crew Chief Transport Command, the history of the Institute has its roots in the first ever award for 'Transport Manager of the Year" which was presented in 1977.

Co-sponsored by the Transport Journal, Avis and Fiat, the first ever 'Transport Manager of the Year' award presented to George Hughes, Transport Manager, Coca-Cola, at a ceremony in 1977, was subject to extensive television coverage by ITN and BBC.

The recipient of the 'Transport Manager of the Year' title, George Hughes, went on to become the first Chairman of the Institute that same year.

The Institute was established to highlight and promote the role of Transport Management. Effective Transport Management is vital for substantial cost savings, which can make the difference between profit and loss in a company and consequently  can influence the economy of the industry.

From the outset, the Transport Journal, established since 1942 and adopted by the Institute as its official publication, has played a crucial role in the realisation of the Institute's aim of furthering the communication of transport solutions by providing a forum for members in all sectors of the industry to share ideas and views.

At a European level, the Institute, through the Journal, is fostering links in Europe by increasing its membership outside Britain so that the most up-to-date technical advancements can be communicated and shared.

In this way, members have an informed perspective of how technical know-how in, say, France or Germany, may influence greater efficiencies, resulting ultimately in economic saving in individual companies.