Driver security

Scope

Professional drivers, their vehicles, and the loads they haul are the most vulnerable while in transit. Opportunities abound for criminals, cargo thieves, and other individuals or groups with evil intent to victimize drivers while out on the road. But there are steps drivers and carriers can take to help reduce risk and increase personal and corporate security.

Regulatory citations

• None

Key definitions

• Bill of lading: An agreement between a shipper and a carrier governing their relationship with respect to the transportation of goods. It is the contract of carriage. As a contract, it names the parties involved and locations, defines the specific rate or charge for the transportation, and provides information regarding the limits of the carrier’s liability for damaged or lost goods. A contract carrier that has a specific agreement with a shipper is not required to use a bill of lading under 373.101.
• Cargo seal: There are two categories of cargo seals:
  • Indicative: Designed to only alert the carrier or shipper if entry into the shipping container was attempted. They are not strong enough to deter or prevent intrusion.
  • Barrier: Designed as cargo theft deterrents.
• Trip planning: Figuring out how to get from point A to point B safely, securely, legally, and on time before getting behind the wheel of any car, bus, straight truck, or semi tractor-trailer.
• Suspicious activity: Anything that appears out of the ordinary or unusual may be a red flag to suspicious activity. It is important for employees to question an activity (a hunch/suspicion) rather than to let it go and later have it become an incident.

Summary of requirements

In-transit tips for drivers. Being unaware and inattentive — being careless — are no longer options. When developing or revising any driver safety and security training, motor carriers should make sure it includes the fol­lowing in-transit points. Drivers should be instructed to:

• Maintain regular communication. Motor car­riers need to have regular driver check call procedures in place (either phone or via truck-to-terminal satellite communication system).
• Never discuss load-related information. Information such as load content, pick-up and delivery schedules, and routing should never be discussed with anyone while out on the road. Drivers should be very suspicious of anyone asking about their load or destination.
• Stop and park safely and securely. When drivers need to stop, instruct them to do so correctly. Stop only at reputable truck stops or high-traffic rest areas. Park in well-lit areas where other trucks are present. Always lock the vehicle.
• Be suspicious of anyone asking you to stop. A frequent ploy used by hijackers is to create a scenario that forces or compels the driver to stop.
• Inspect the vehicle. The equipment should be inspected after each stop or rest period. In addition to conducting a normal inspection of safety-related items, drivers should also check their seals and look for anything unusual or suspicious on the vehicle.
• Prepare and execute a well-thought-out trip plan. Drivers hauling hazardous materials must route themselves to avoid heavily populated areas, and routes should be as direct as possible.

• Avoid assigning hazardous material loads (if applicable) to drivers hired within the last six to twelve months whenever possible.
• Consider terminal-to-truck communication and load-tracking-technology options. Technology that can monitor and track vehicles and loads in transit can greatly enhance a carrier’s overall security effort.
• Develop and implement in-transit procedures that prohibit drivers from:
  • Taking loaded trailers to or through home.
  • Parking any trailer in an unsecured or unauthorized area.
  • Leaving any load-related paperwork with the trailer.
• Require driver to take bills of lading, and other load-related paperwork with them any time they leave the vehicle. However, keep in mind that the Hazardous Materials Regulations require that hazmat shipping papers remain in the vehicle when the driver is not at the controls.
• Work with customers to reduce transit down time and multi-stop loads. Drivers, equipment, and cargo are most vulnerable when they are sitting.
• Conduct frequent, random yard checks.
• Establish standard procedures for reporting cargo theft incidents or other suspicious or threatening activity.

For a cargo theft in progress:

• Always assume a criminal is armed and dangerous.
• Don’t be a hero! If a driver encounters a cargo theft in progress or someone trying to break into the truck or trailer, the driver should call the police or other authority for help immediately.

• Be very cautious when leaving the shipper. The vast majority of hijackings occur within a few miles of the load’s origin.
• Be conscious of other vehicles that may be following the truck over long distances.
• Be very suspicious of motorists that are signaling the driver to stop or pull over.
• If a hijacking cannot be avoided, train the driver to always do as instructed. But also train drivers to be good witnesses. Instruct them to pay attention and listen carefully. After the crime, the driver may be able to provide law enforcement with vital information with regard to the thieves’ methods and where they may have taken the vehicle and cargo.
• In some circumstances, the best defense against a vehicle hijacking attempt is simply not to stop. While this technique does have risks, and is not recommended in all situations, it can be effective in preventing some vehicle hijacking attempts.

• Match the bill of lading and/or other load-related numbers and paperwork;
• Inspect the seal(s), and match seal number(s) with corresponding documentation;
• Break the seal(s);
• Begin and complete unloading; and
• Sign the bill of lading or other load-related paperwork.