A new Road Transport Forum policy prohibits its truck drivers from drinking alcohol eight hours before starting a shift.
Chief executive Tony Friedlander said the policy was driven by its members, who voted for it at the last annual conference.
"While there is no evidence of significant drug or alcohol
abuse within the industry, members have taken the approach to act now rather than wait for a real problem to emerge," he said.
The policy allows drinking in moderation up to 12 hours before work and bans the use of illegal drugs. The forum felt an outright ban on alcohol was too draconian.
"Legally, road users are allowed to have a certain level of alcohol in their blood and still drive," said Mr Friedlander.
About 80 per cent of commercial road freight operators were forum members.
"We hope the owners of other trucks, which make up the vast majority of heavy vehicles, will adopt the industry's initiative in tackling a potentially serious issue before it arises."
