Zero's "Star" Car Carrier Drivers: Their Appeal and Pride

This is the second installment of the "Behind the Scenes of Vehicle Transport" series presented by Zero Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kawasaki, Kanagawa; President: Toshihiro Takahashi; TSE Standard: 9028), a leader in vehicle transport. This time, we focus on the "car carrier drivers" who are the core of our transport operations and are often called the "stars" of the industry. We explore how they achieve safe and reliable transport with professional skill and pride. Through the voices of drivers active at the Saitama Customer Service Center (Ageo, Saitama), we delve into the appeal of this profession and share a message for future colleagues.

The Path to Becoming a Pro: Career Steps at Zero

A car carrier is a vehicle that loads multiple cars at once and transports them safely and reliably to customers all over Japan. The car carrier drivers who skillfully operate these vehicles are true transport professionals. At Zero, we provide a career path that allows even those with no experience to aim for this "star" role. Most start as "self-drivers" who deliver customer vehicles one by one, and as they gain experience, they step up as car carrier drivers by operating various sizes of carriers, such as "single-load," "3-car load," and "5-car load" trucks. Eventually, they grow into drivers who operate trailers. This step-by-step training system cultivates many professionals.

Turning "Passion" into a Career: Drivers Talk About Their Origins

Why did they choose the path of a professional driver? Driver Harada, who has over 10 years of experience at the Saitama Customer Service Center, says, "I had experience teaching others when I was younger, but I grew to truly love the job of driving itself." Meanwhile, young driver Iso, who has always loved cars, jumped into this world by taking advantage of a system that allows for skill development after joining the company, even without a large vehicle license. He says he feels the appeal of the job, noting that "the work gets more fun every year." From their words, it is clear that a pure passion for cars and driving is a major motivation for choosing this career.

Holding the Steering Wheel with Pride: A Commitment to Safety and Technology

For professional drivers, the most important thing is "safety." Driver Harada speaks of his high level of professionalism, saying, "The responsibility of a professional driver is heavy, and I always prioritize safety and ensure I drive with the utmost caution. I am constantly conscious of avoiding accidents every single day." This awareness is reflected in his long-term accident-free record (some centers have over 10 years of accident-free performance).

Furthermore, loading vehicles onto a car carrier is a task where skill and experience make all the difference. "You have to think about the size and placement of the vehicles like a puzzle, so it requires not just technical skill but also imagination," says Driver Harada. Driver Iso agrees, adding, "There is a joy in learning a job that is like a puzzle."

For example, height restrictions for transport vehicles, restrictions based on the vehicle model being loaded, and the order of unloading at the customer's site—how can one achieve safe and optimal loading under these complex conditions? It is precisely in situations where constraints make things difficult that a driver's experience, sense, and imagination to overcome the situation are tested, and professional skills shine. This quest for technical mastery and a thorough commitment to daily safe operation form their pride as professionals.

Sense of Achievement and Bonds with Colleagues: The "Fun" Felt in Daily Work

During busy seasons, working hours can be long and there are tough moments, but there is a great sense of achievement that comes after overcoming them. Many drivers say, "Ending the day without an accident is the greatest sense of achievement." Additionally, Driver Harada says, "The strong sense of camaraderie, such as interactions on-site and the network among colleagues, is also an appeal." The teamwork, where drivers share information and support each other to overcome difficult situations, leads to the "fun" and "reward" of daily work.

To Future "Star" Drivers: A Message from Zero

To ensure that our car carrier drivers can continue to work with pride, we are focusing on thorough safety education, career advancement support, and creating a comfortable working environment. Details of the specific steps and training systems that support driver growth will be introduced in future series.

With a solid support system, there is an opportunity here to take on a dynamic and rewarding job that supports the nation's automotive distribution. If you love cars, want to drive large vehicles, or want to acquire professional skills, realize that passion at Zero.

In the next installment, "Behind the Scenes of Vehicle Transport (3)," we will focus on the activities of "self-drivers" who are active with different skills and tasks than car carriers. Please look forward to it.

※This article is a reprint of an article published on April 28, 2025.

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