Stirling Sanderson, managing director at Insuregroup, has warned that crash rates rise more quickly once trucking operations reach a certain scale.
He said larger fleets face additional risks compared with smaller operators, with the trend continuing to show up in recent industry data.
“Bigger fleets often face more risk just by the nature of their operations. But not all of them have adjusted their insurance or internal processes to keep up. It’s not only about having a policy; it’s about having appropriate protection that aligns with your actual day-to-day risks,” Sanderson said.
His comments follow the release of the 2024 NTARC Major Crash Report, which found that incidents among bigger operators had grown more sharply than in the previous year.
According to Sanderson, the rise is partly explained by how risk oversight changes when operations grow.
Smaller companies typically rely on direct owner supervision – with managers personally monitoring drivers and vehicles. That approach becomes less feasible once dozens or hundreds of trucks are on the road.
“We see transport companies growing quickly to meet demand without updating their risk management practices,” Sanderson said. “The result is a higher rate of incidents and potentially inadequate insurance coverage when accidents happen.”
The report shows that crash incidents have increased substantially among larger carriers over the past 12 months.
Sanderson note that the trend will remain unless operators link safety investment to fleet growth.
Sanderson added that many operators focus on expansion without reviewing their insurance cover or internal procedures.
He recommends strategies such as scheduled driver training, telematics, and preventive maintenance.
Insurance professionals are also encouraged to help clients review cover to ensure it reflects operational realities.
“The right insurance partner will help identify specific risk factors within your operation and suggest practical ways to address them,” Sanderson said.
With freight demand projected to increase, Sanderson suggests businesses should not view insurance and safety measures as static.
“Many companies prioritise growth first and address safety later,” he said. “Operators who increase their safety measures at the same rate as they increase fleet size will be better positioned to manage crash risk.”
On a wider scale, the body responsible for the Motor Vehicle Insurance and Repair Industry (MVIRI) Code of Conduct has reconvened following a nationwide consultation.
The Code Administration Committee (CAC) – which includes representatives from the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) and the Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) – met in person for the first time since the consultation closed.
George Manos was reappointed as chair, providing continuity as the committee enters the next stage of the review.
Submissions received during the consultation came from independent repairers, insurance assessors, and associations such as the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC).
The MTAA also lodged a detailed response outlining concerns about governance, information sharing, and the balance of influence between repairers and insurers.
