Truck drivers are accusing Coles and Woolworths supermarkets of compromising road safety by forcing them to meet ''ridiculous'' deadlines.

In a submission to be handed in next week to the newly formed Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal, truck drivers will allege they have been forced to work up to 18 hours a day to meet the supermarkets' demands, causing sleep deprivation and undue stress.

Punishing: Coles is out of favour with truck drivers. Credit:Nic Walker

Truck driver Craig Ballinger from Serpentine in Western Australia wrote: ''It's the likes of Coles who are making the industry more dangerous for everyone.''

Mr Ballinger said he was forced to drive for 18 hours in one day to meet the deadline for Coles. ''I'm an owner-driver and I know how hard it is to say no to them when you need the work,'' he said.