Dangerous defects have forced Cootes Transport to pull dozens of its trucks off the road.

Inspections of the entire fleet were ordered after a tragic incident in New South Wales last week, when a fuel tanker crashed and exploded killing two people.

The Victorian-based company Cootes has been found to have quite a number of defects in inspections so far. Figures late Monday evening said out of 211 trucks inspected in New South Wales, 174 were found to be defective. Nearly a third were major problems too, such as failing brakes and faults in steering and suspension. NSW Road and Maritime Services have ordered eight off the roads.

In Victoria the inspections continue today, with reports saying 128 Cootes vehicles and trailers have been checked by safety authorities. Vic Roads spokesperson Peter Todd says already 48 rigs have been taken off the road.

“There's fuel leaks, we've got oil leaks, we've got issues with brakes, with suspension, and there are some structural issues too with some chassis,” he said.

“It's certainly disappointing that we've seen this number of vehicles detected through this operation... we want industry to be operating safe vehicles, to make sure that they're maintained properly and that they're on the road operating safely. It's absolutely imperative.”

It is understood the authorities have finished their checks of fuel tankers, and will now have a look at the LPG carriers.

With one of the region's biggest transporters taking a heavy blow over its poor safety levels, it is possible some industries may start to feel the pinch from a drop in services.

Independent analyst David Cumming says Victorian suppliers may need to find a way to keep the fuel flowing.

“There is a strong possibility that there could be some problems with fuel... but of course it will now be up to the oil industry to step up and perhaps utilise their own fleets a bit more to make sure these deliveries do occur.”

Word from retailers Shell and BP says they are looking for contractors and trucks to make sure they can keep supplies up, but will have a hard time without their regular networks.

Mr Cumming said he hopes this is not a cost they will try to recoup at the bowser.

“In my view it should not, because the terminal gate price wouldn't shift very dramatically and that would just be profiteering if there was to be some form of artificial shortage in some country areas... I don't think there's any justification for pushing up the prices.”

Victorian Premier Denis Napthine says: “I'm assured that they will have not effect on the distribution of fuel in Victoria.”

Official word from Cootes says they are working as closely as possible with the safety inspectors and authorities. Cootes say they have undertaken independent safety inspections on the rest of its fleet across Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.