The Class A Truckstop
Theft Prevention
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Freight theft is estimated annual losses of over $10 billion. Nationwide,
it is estimated that $3.5 billion to $12 billion in cargo is stolen each year.

1. Take the bill of lading and/or other paperwork with you when you leave the truck to
eat, sleep, or use the rest room.

2. Stay with the trailer or container during loading or unloading to protect the property,
prevent pilfering and observe the condition of the property being handled.

3. Check and use seals, padlocks, and kingpin locks when the trailer is dropped.
Always lock tractor doors and make sure all trailer and container doors are secured with a heavy-duty padlock.

4. Make sure you get a signed delivery receipt prior to leaving the delivery location.

5. Be suspicious of anyone asking you to stop as a result of an alleged traffic
collision. If unsure, drive to a  nearest police station or busy location before
stopping. Hijackers frequently use this ruse to get drivers to stop.

6. Make sure that you keep all cargo compartment doors closed and locked when the
unit is loaded.

7. If you are hijacked, immediately and always do as instructed by the hijackers. Listen
to what is being said and to the sounds around you as this will be valuable info
to law enforcements.

8. You are the best witness for law enforcements. Try to provide them with descriptions
of the hijacker(s) and the vehicle(s) they used.

9. Be very watchful immediately after picking up a load and just before delivery. The
majority of armed hijackers occur within a few miles of the pickup/delivery point. Freeway
on-ramps and off-ramps are very dangerous.

10. Park your truck in a secured yard of at a truckstop when waiting for your
delivery time.

11.  Do not take loaded trucks home or to any other location that is not secured.

12. If you are hijacked or you find that your load has been stolen, call the police (911)
immediately, and call your 24 hr dispatcher or emergency contact.

13. If you are hijacked, always do what the hijackers tell you to do, but listen
to what is being said and the sounds around you. It could give law
enforcement important clues about where the thieves have taken your truck and your load.

14. Maintain regular communication with your dispatcher and alert him to anything suspicious.

15.Don't talk about your load on the CB. Cargo thieves listen, too.

16.Vary your delivery route and rest stops.

17. When you stop, park in areas where other truckers are present.

18. Hijackers don't like crowds. Stop only at reputable truck stops.

19. When you park, back your trailer up to a wall, light post or another trailer.

20. Carry information on you - with the id information of the tractor
and trailer or chassis and containers, including license
numbers, container numbers, and descriptions.

21. Don't stop on dark freeways or in deserted areas.

22. Keep tractor windows rolled up until you are on the open road.

23. Carefully supervise loading and/or unloading. Make sure
merchandise is not left unattended for long periods of time.

24. Load valuables first. If possible, load the most valuable
freight in the nose of the trailer away from the doors.

25. Inspect your truck. When you return to your truck, even after a short time, walk
around the vehicle and check for any signs of a break-in when you return.


For security products:

Transport Security, Inc. (952) 442-LOCK (5625)

Seneca Tank 800-362-2910

Ravelco Anti Theft Device (281) 341-6222

Wapner Truck Alarm Systems, Inc. (516) 887-7400

CGM Security Solutions (800) 899-2246

KLM Associates (800) 868-8556


Prevent Identity Theft:

Identity theft affects approximately 900,000 new victims each year. The Federal Trade
Commission's identity theft hotline reports about 1700 calls each week.

Keep a list of all your credit card and bank  account numbers. This way
you can contact your creditors and your bank immediately if fraud occurs.

Do not carry your social security card or your birth certificate in your wallet or purse.

Have re-ordered checks sent to your bank instead of your home address.

Order your credit card report once a year from the credit bureaus and look over it very closely.

You may want to remove your name, address and phone number from any mailing and phone lists
through the Direct Marketing Association's (DMA) Mail Preference Service.
DMA, Mail Preference Service, P.O. Box 9008, Farmingdale, NY 11735-9008
DMA's Telephone Preference Service, P.O. Box 9014, Farmingdale, NY 11735-9014

Consider removing your name and address from the phone books.

Carefully monitor your mail, bank statements, cell phone bills, and credit card bills
for evidence of fraudulent activity or unauthorized charges. Never write your social security number or your credit card
number on your checks when making a payment.  Never throw away any canceled checks and
the duplicates without first tearing them into small pieces or shredding them.

When paying your bills, do not leave the envelopes containing your checks in your mailbox.  Either
mail them at the post office or pay them in person instead.

Install a locked mailbox or use a post office box.

Never give your credit card number or any personal information over the phone unless you
have a trusted business relationship with the other person or company. On some cell
phones, your conversations can be overheard by people who use scanning devices.

Be alert when approaching and leaving an ATM, and be alert while at an ATM. Leave
immediately if you see or sense anything suspicious.

Always have your card in hand, ready to use, and shield your hand while entering your PIN number at an ATM.
Memorize your PIN number, do NOT write it on the back of your card
 or keep it with you.  Don't count your money or expose it for others to see. And
place all money in your pocket or purse immediately. Remember to pick up your ATM receipts before
leaving the ATM.

Never throw away any important papers like credit card receipts and pre-approved
credit card offers in any trash container. Most
fraud using stolen identities happens when crooks find or steal personal information. They
 may steal your wallet or take a credit card receipt, billing statement or other financial records such as your
bank statement or pay check stubs. Thieves go through your garbage to find banking and insurance
paperwork, credit card bills or canceled checks. Even your unwanted junk mail that has your social security
number and/or any other personal information, can be valuable to someone who wants to steal your credit.

Consider buying a cross cut type shredder to shred all your important papers.

If you become a victim of identity theft:

Report the crime to the police immediately. Give them as much documented
evidence as possible.

You might want to change your driver's license number if someone has been using it for
identification on bad checks.

Don't be intimidated, you're not alone. You can fight back without an expensive lawyer!

Consider seeking legal counsel, especially if you have trouble clearing up you credit history.

Contact your credit card companies and your bank of the theft. Cancel your current
accounts and obtain new account numbers.

Contact the Postal Inspector if you suspect mail theft.


For Trucking Against Terrorism, click here.


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