1 Notify your dispatcher if you plan on stopping, via text, email or phone.

2 Pre-plan your stops prior to departure from the shipper.

3 Get it all done in advance: fuel, shower, eat, and rest prior to loading.

4 Even if you did a thorough pre-trip inspection earlier in the day, always do a walk-around when you stop. Give your truck and trailer a visual inspection of tires, brakes, air line, etc. Also—always check all trailer doors when you stop and prior to departing.

5 Always drive a minimum of 250 miles after accepting a load before stopping.

6 If you observe a suspicious vehicle following you for an extended period, call 911. If the patrol of�cer is unable to locate you, drive to a safe, well-lit location. While waiting for the of�cer, record license plate number as well as vehicle and occupant descriptions to provide to the responding of�cer.

7 Never discuss your destination, type of cargo, or any personal information on the CB radio or at a truck stop whether you are loaded or just left the consignee. Thieves may be gathering intelligence for your next trip.

8 If you must stop, use reputable truck stops or a secured parking area.

9 When you park at a truck stop, be aware of anyone who seems to be loitering – that person could be a criminal waiting for you to leave your vehicle unattended.

10 If you must eat and/or shower with a loaded trailer, ensure that the rear doors are parked against a �xed object—fence, light pole, etc.—to eliminate the opportunity for a theft.

Don’t be a victim of cargo theft. Follow these steps to keep you and your cargo safe.

Top 20 Driver Security Tactics

CargoNet

11 Check your padlock on the rear door, place a lock on both doors, and check the integrity of the seal before you leave your vehicle and after you return. If the seal was tampered with or the doors were breached, call 911 and report the incident. Also, call your dispatcher and let them know of the event.

12 Don’t skip the basics. Every time you leave your truck, secure/ lock it, roll up windows, take all keys, and lock side compartments on the tractor.

13 Park as close as you can to the front of the truck stop to discourage would-be thieves.

14 To ensure your safety and security, avoid corporate logos on apparel that could reveal valuable loads.

15 When transporting a high value, high risk load, do everything you can to ensure that it is not left unattended, including using team drivers and/or running trucks in pairs.

16 When driving through urban, high traf�c areas, don’t forget the simple precautions of locking your doors and keeping windows rolled up.

17 Secure your trailer with an ISO 17712 compliant barrier seal and a best-in-class hardened padlock.

18 Use at least two theft deterrents to prevent a full trailer load theft: a pin lock and a glad hand lock are generally the best choices.

19 Never leave a loaded trailer unattended unless in an approved, secure location.

20 Keep important information concerning your tractor and trailer (VIN, license plate number, trailer number, trailer description, description of load) on you at all times. Know whom to contact in the event of a theft and make sure you have a primary and a secondary contact person.

Join CargoNet Today

CargoNet

CargoNet is dedicated to ensuring driver and cargo safety. When you join CargoNet, if your cargo is ever stolen, we will help get it back. Don’t risk losing your clients’ con�dence or-worse- their business. Visit www.cargonet.com and click Join Now to learn about CargoNet bene�ts and to become a member today.