Tips for Cargo Transportation Security

You are temporarily responsible for someone else’s cargo. Take proactive measures to ensure the security of the trailer and cargo throughout the transportation process with thorough preparation and clean handoffs.

You are responsible for safeguarding the cargo from pickup through to delivery. Minimize stops, find secure places to park, and keep the cargo safe when at rest.

Between pickup and dropoff, you oversee the trailer and cargo at all times. Protect the trailer and cargo from unauthorized access or theft and have a plan in case of emergencies. Inform the broker promptly in case of theft or a breakdown.

Thorough pre-load preparation can help mitigate in-transit load security risks.

Share accurate driver information with the Convoy app and understand shipment and facility requirements. 

Take care of necessities before pickup. Arrive well-rested and with a full tank of fuel. Inspect the tractor and trailer before departure to reduce the risk of an in-transit breakdown.

Keep important information on hand. This includes the VIN, license plate number, trailer number, trailer description, and rate confirmation.

The driver’s situational awareness and actions are key to keeping a load secure.

Create distance. Most theft occurs at stops near pickup facilities where a shipment may have been followed to. To combat this, leave the pickup area and drive 200 miles to reduce the risk of being followed. 

Cargo at rest is cargo at risk. If possible, drive directly through to the delivery stop. However, if you do have to stop, for example, due to hours of service or to wait for a delivery appointment, choose a secure location and take security measures. 

Selecting a secure place to stop is important.

Recommended - Locate a secured yard that is gated, well-lit, staffed, and has video surveillance. 

If you’re leaving your tractor and trailer:

• Remove keys, lock doors, activate any onboard security devices or alarms, and secure the tractor with a high-security locking device, such as air-cuff and steering column locks, to make the tractor harder to steal.

• Keep the tractor attached to the trailer.

If you’re leaving a trailer: 

• Secure trailer doors with hardened padlocks. 

• King pin locks and glad hand locks can be useful to secure unattached trailers.

• Take photos of the seal before leaving and check it hasn’t been tampered with when you return.

• Share details of when, where, and how you’ll keep the shipment secure with the broker.

Truck stops:

• Keep an eye out for loitering individuals.

• Park in a well-lit area and in plain sight of security cameras.

• Park with the trailer doors against a fixed object (for example a wall or light pole).

Not Recommended - On the side of the road:

• Parking on the side of a road leaves you open to the most risk. Do not leave a truck and trailer unattended - this may lead to being towed or easy access to cargo.

The quicker you react and share information, the better the chance of cargo (and your truck) being recovered.

In case of a theft incident, contact law enforcement and the broker of the load immediately. Be ready to share the following information:

• Tractor information (license plate, VIN, color, and make)

• Trailer information (license plate, trailer number, color/prominent markings)

• Incident details (when and where, document and share photos of the scene).

• Mention prominent markings and share pictures of the truck and trailer.

• Ask for a copy of the police report once it has been filed and share it with the broker of the load.

In case the truck or trailer breaks down, inform the broker quickly to help coordinate getting the load to its final destination. 

• If the load ends up at the repair facility, ensure the load is stored securely and share the location and contact details of the repair facility with the broker of the load.

Gather and share proof of load delivery 

Ensure the load is received by authorized personnel and collect documentation and signatures needed to confirm the shipment was completed successfully.

Share the proof of delivery with the Convoy app promptly.