This article on funeral vehicle and transportation options is provided by Sydney Coffins. Sydney Coffins is a memorial product and funeral provider in Australia, specialising in unique and personalised coffins, caskets and Funerals.

Funerals require specialised vehicles for transfers. It is easiest to arrange funeral transportation with the funeral home you have selected.

After a funeral service, a burial or cremation will usually occur at a cemetery. Most people will use their own vehicles to travel there, however, there will need to be a funeral hearse to carry the deceased. There can also be additional cars depending on what the family requested in the funeral such as a lead car or escort vehicles. These vehicles are used to form what is known as a ‘motorcade’, ‘procession of cars’

Funeral vehicles

Hearse  (Mandatory)
Motor vehicle hearse or a side motorbike hearse or a Horse and carriage hearse.

Lead vehicle (optional)
A lead vehicle is a car driven at the front of the funeral processions. The car behind the lead vehicle would be the hearse.

Escort vehicles (optional)
 One or more cars usually taking the family and close friends. These cars are often black or white. Limousines, sedans, and vans are often used.

Disability vehicle (optional)
Vehicles modified and equipped to take wheelchairs and those who are less mobile.

Security and Police escorts (optional)
Police escorts may be able to be arranged by your funeral director.

Who organises funeral transportation?

Most people have funeral transportation as a service/item included in their total funeral bill. However, you do not have to use the funeral homes vehicles. You can make your own funeral transport arrangements. This is usually the case when people are seeking are more specialised and unique approach. For example a motorbike or a horse and carriage, a limousine to carry the guests, disability van for those that are less mobile. Most capital cities in Australia have privately owned funeral transportation companies who have a fleet of vehicles for different formal events, including funerals.

Can l transport the deceased myself?

Should you wish to transport the body yourself you will need to ensure you check the Australian state’s law on transporting a deceased person. You may be required to obtain a permit, you may need to obtain a certain licence to do so, and the vehicle may also need to be specially fitted or approved by governing bodies.