Most fleet managers are familiar with standard anti-theft measures such as never leaving the keys in the cab and parking in safe locations. However, fleets need to think beyond fundamental safety principals to protect their vehicles from thieves. Part of the problem is what is valuable to one thief isn’t to another. There is no such thing as thief-proof freight and fleets need to take a multifaceted approach to loss prevention.

  1. Common sense. Thieves are often criminals of easy opportunity. They won’t waste time on fortified defenses. Instead, they will go for the low-hanging fruit. Unlocked commercial motor vehicles (CMVs), CMVs left with the keys in the cab or the ignition, and CMVs parked in unlit locations are all prime targets for theft. Making good judgment calls can prevent a significant amount of would-be thieves.
  2. A visible deterrent. If thieves know the vehicle possesses some type of theft protection, they are less likely to try to steal it. This can be as easy as placing a club on the steering wheel to lock it in place. This basic measure adds a layer of irritation that can make a thief think twice about stealing the vehicle.
  3. A kill switch. Assuming a thief gets past the above security measures, a kill switch can stymie their attempts at getting away with the car. These switches cut off the flow of electricity from the ignition system or the battery while others disrupt the fuel pump.
  4. A tracking device. When all else fails, fleets need a way to get their vehicle and cargo back as fast as possible. Installing a tracking device allows fleets to monitor their assets at all times and locate them in the event of a theft.

Cargo theft is a significant problem that plagues the trucking industry. If the worst happens, fleets need to regain possession of their stolen property. Investing in a trailer tracking device can mean the difference between a total loss and a salvageable situation. To learn more about safeguarding your fleet’s vehicles, contact the experts at DriverCheck.