9 tips to prevent cargo crime
1. Screen and train your staff
Your staff play a crucial role in preventing cargo theft. They should not share details about the type of cargo, routes and destinations with third parties. Therefore, screen drivers and staff well before you hire them. Or use pre-screened drivers. Have them undergo security training before they start work, so they know how to prevent cargo theft and increase their own safety.
2. check beforehand who you are dealing with
When you outsource a transport, check the company carefully. Check the prevention policy, security, financial status and insurance of the company. Make sure you have a fixed address and telephone number and check whether the company has a professional e-mail address.
3. Secure your own terrain and premises
Many cargo thefts take place on the haulier’s own premises. This is where the loaded lorries are left overnight or at the weekend, ready to leave in the morning. Keep loaded trucks inside as much as possible, so that criminals have more difficulty accessing the cargo. And secure your premises according to the TAPA FSR guidelines.
4. Plan stops carefully
TAPA figures show that 26.9% of cargo thefts take place in unsecured parking areas. So never plan stops in an unsecured car park, but always let your drivers stop in safe parking spaces. Never allow drivers to pick up hitchhikers and give them clear instructions on loading and unloading. Give the driver the agreements and record the consequences of violation.
5. Use suitable trailers
Tight trailers are safer than sliding tarpaulin trailers, because criminals will cut open the tarpaulins with tarpaulin trailers. If you do want to use a curtainsider trailer, choose a curtain system with aluminium panels, such as the
Aluflex system. Or have ‘smart’ tarpaulins developed, which give a signal when the tarpaulin is cut open.
6. Fit extra licks to your trailer or container
Fit the rear doors of your truck or container with a
trailer lock or a
container lock. An extra lock provides rock-solid security. Criminals are more likely to leave a trailer or container fitted with an extra lock in place. With an electronic lock, you decide when and by whom the lock is opened. Do you transport high-quality goods? Then install a
complete trailer security solution including alarm systems, tracking equipment and cut detection. Get yourself certified as a transporter TAPA TSR. If you work according to the TAPA TSR standard, you can be sure that your transport is always properly secured.
7. Make clear agreements and a good planning
Always make clear agreements with your customers. Make sure you have a good planning, with a safe place and time for loading and unloading. It is important that the driver can leave immediately after loading and does not have to leave the lorry unattended. Always have the driver contact the planning first if the appointment at the unloading address changes.
8. Check the trailer
Have the truck checked before departure and after each stop. Check for defects, oil and fuel, so that the driver does not unexpectedly come to a standstill. But also check that the lock has not been tampered with and that the outside of the trailer and the tarpaulin are still in good condition.
9. Driving and resting times
Make sure that guideline 1 on driving and resting times regulation 561/2006 is available in the cabin of the truck in various languages. This guideline describes that drivers may deviate from maximum driving times under exceptional circumstances. For example, in order to drive to a secure parking area. If you have to drive longer than permitted, always make a print-out from the tachograph.
Yet victim of cargo theft?
Make sure your drivers know what to do when they encounter cargo theft. See the article with
7 tips for cargo theft. In any case, always have them report it. In the event of flagrante delicto call 112. Make an appointment to report the theft at a police station via telephone or report the theft online.
