Top Safety Practices Used by Car Transport Drivers

Top Safety Practices Used by Car Transport Drivers

5 min read

Key Takeaways:

  • Pre-trip inspections and compliance with NHVR standards are essential for safe transport.
  • Correct loading and weight distribution ensure stability and prevent accidents.
  • Fatigue management, rest breaks, and electronic work diaries support driver safety.
  • Defensive and predictive driving techniques reduce risks on long routes.
  • Continuous training, GPS tracking, and routine maintenance maintain professional safety standards.

Transporting vehicles across Australia is a specialised task that demands precision, skill, and responsibility. Whether moving a single car or a full load of vehicles, car transport drivers and their transport trucks follow strict safety practices to ensure every journey is completed safely and efficiently. Here’s an inside look at the top safety measures professional drivers use to protect vehicles, themselves, and other road users.

1. Comprehensive Pre-Trip Inspections

Before any transport truck leaves the depot, drivers carry out detailed pre-trip inspections to ensure everything is roadworthy and compliant. This includes checking:

  • Tyre condition and pressure on both the prime mover and trailer
  • Brakes, air lines, and hydraulic systems
  • Trailer couplings, ramps, and securing chains
  • Lights, reflectors, and warning beacons
  • Load restraints and tie-down points

Identifying potential issues before departure helps prevent mechanical failures and ensures the transport truck meets all National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) safety standards.

2. Correct Vehicle Loading and Securing

Loading vehicles onto a transport truck requires precise technique. Drivers position each vehicle based on its weight and dimensions to maintain the truck’s balance and stability.
Each car is then secured using rated straps, chains, or wheel locks in accordance with the National Load Restraint Guide. Proper weight distribution is critical to safe handling and braking performance, particularly when navigating steep or uneven terrain.

3. Fatigue Management and Rest Compliance

Operating a loaded transport truck for long hours demands full concentration. To reduce fatigue-related risks, drivers must comply with NHVR fatigue management rules, which regulate driving and rest hours. Professional operators often use Electronic Work Diaries (EWDs) to log rest periods and ensure they remain within legal limits. Regular breaks, hydration, and proper sleep schedules are key to maintaining alertness on long routes.

4. Defensive and Predictive Driving Techniques

Car transport trucks can stretch 20 metres long or longer and weigh many tonnes when fully loaded. Because of this, defensive driving is essential.

Experienced drivers:

  • Maintain longer following distances to account for braking lag
  • Use low gears for better control on descents
  • Avoid sudden lane changes or harsh braking
  • Continuously scan ahead for hazards such as merging traffic or wildlife

Predictive driving keeps the transport truck stable, prevents load shift, and reduces the risk of accidents.

5. Routine Truck and Trailer Maintenance

Regular maintenance is one of the cornerstones of transport safety. Fleet vehicles undergo scheduled mechanical inspections covering the engine, suspension, braking system, and hydraulics. Trailer components,  including ramps, winches, and load restraints, are also checked frequently. Preventative maintenance reduces breakdowns on the road and ensures the transport truck performs reliably under all conditions.

6. Communication and Tracking Systems

Modern transport trucks are equipped with GPS tracking systems and telematics that allow operators to monitor routes, driving behaviour, and vehicle performance in real time.
Drivers can instantly report incidents, weather changes, or delays to dispatch teams. This level of communication ensures fast responses and helps maintain consistent delivery schedules without compromising safety.

7. Route and Weather Planning

Professional drivers plan each trip carefully, factoring in weather forecasts, roadworks, bridge clearances, and gradients. High winds, heavy rain, and poor visibility can all impact the handling of a loaded transport truck, so planning ahead is crucial. Route planning also ensures compliance with heavy vehicle route restrictions and bridge weight limits.

8. Ongoing Training and Professional Conduct

Professional car transport drivers undergo continuous training to stay current with industry regulations and safety standards. Training often covers:

  • Load restraint and weight distribution
  • First aid and emergency procedures
  • Vehicle dynamics and braking control
  • Customer service and incident reporting

A well-trained driver not only protects the vehicles they carry but also represents the high safety standards of the broader road transport industry.

Conclusion

Safety in car transport is about far more than just driving carefully, it’s a complete system of truck maintenance, driver discipline, and operational planning. From thorough pre-trip inspections to fatigue management and route planning, every safety practice plays a part in ensuring vehicles reach their destination securely and on time. Behind every safe delivery is a driver and transport truck working together with professionalism and precision.

At Car Transport Express, safety isn’t just a policy, it’s our promise. Every driver follows industry-leading safety standards to ensure your vehicle arrives in perfect condition. Request a quote today and move your car with confidence and peace of mind.