Truck Theft Protection

Theft of a tractor is always bad news for a company.  Insurance claims, time off the road and reputation issues for failing to deliver a customer’s load are all negative outcomes. Add in the current high truck demand and manufacturing constraints and it may be quite a while before your equipment can be replaced, doing further financial damage to your business.  According to CargoNet’s 2021 Supply Chain Risk Trends Analysis 1,285 supply chain risk events occurred across the United States and Canada in 2021. Fifty-five percent of events involved theft of at least one heavy commercial motor vehicle, like a semi-tractor, semi-trailer, or intermodal chassis or container. So how can you protect your equipment? Below are 5 tips:
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• Utilize an ENFORCER® Air Cuff®​ Air Brake Lock. The Air Cuff Lock is an affordable, proven security device to protect tractors. Constructed of thermoformed, high impact resistant polycarbonate material, the lock completely covers and locks the dash mounted air valve levers to prevent the truck and trailer brakes from being released. This lock is an additional layer of security for trucks that are unoccupied, parked or idle. The unit is portable and easy to install with no drilling or permanent installation parts required.  An ABLOY® heavy duty lock cylinder is included. The cylinder keyway face spins freely to prevent drill bits from penetrating the lock.  ​Air Cuff Lock #3000 fits most trucks. The Air Cuff Lock #3030 has an angled back to fit the dashboard on International ProStar trucks and other models.

ENFORCER® Air Cuff® Lock

• Instruct drivers to park in well-lit, protected areas.  Parking in a well-lit location makes it more difficult for a thief to steal a tractor unseen. Park where the truck will be visible and in the light. According to CargoNet’s 2021 Supply Chain Risk Trends Analysis, the top targeted location for theft was truck stops.  The second most targeted location was Warehouses/Distribution Centers. Drivers need to be made aware of this current trend and use caution at these locations.
• Utilize a Steering Lock. The ENFORCER® Tractor Steering Joint Lock slips into the universal joint on the shaft in the engine bay on most tractors to make steering impossible. The insert is formed from heat treated chrome plated steel and secured with an ABLOY® 341 high security padlock. ABLOY® padlocks use a series of disc tumblers that function like the tumblers in a bank safe. Only the correct key turned 90 degrees will align the discs and gates. The key can only be removed by reversing it to a stop that automatically rescrambles the discs. The heavy duty, high security padlock is designed for rugged conditions.

ENFORCER® Steering Lock

• Install GPS or a vehicle tracking system. Transport Security offers permanent and portable GPS tracking devices for trucks. Trucking companies choose our solutions for reliability and ease of use. The web-based RouteWatch platform is user friendly and accessible from all devices. The covert tracking technology can be used to prevent theft and, if needed, quickly recover stolen assets.
• Encourage drivers to be vigilant. Remind drivers to stay with their truck as much as possible. Unattended vehicles are targets for theft. When trucks are unattended, be sure they are locked.
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Research indicates that theft activity will remain elevated in 2022. Protect your fleet by utilizing these tips. Stolen equipment is currently very difficult and expensive to replace. Investments in security will help mitigate theft and disruptions to your supply chain, ultimately saving your company money.