It’s critical to be knowledgeable about a few security precautions in order to avoid a claim and maintain the good standing of your truck insurance or cargo insurance. The likelihood of loss can be significantly reduced by making sure you always have control of the cargo. Here is a list of helpful recommendations.
Pre-Departure Security
1. Attend the cargo loading in person.
2. Ensure the cargo area is kept spotless. This is crucial for food transports because disease and contamination can spread quickly.
3. Make sure all of the doors and access panels are locked and sealed.
4. All equipment should undergo a safety inspection.
5. At the destination, decide on an overdue time and have someone call you if you are running late.
6. Make sure the loading zone and the path are free.
Security in Transit
1. Keep in mind that your truck may be under surveillance. Within one mile of the point of origin of a route, surveillance is typically the first step in criminal activity.
2. Always adhere to the stopping and parking guidelines provided by your transportation provider.
3. Never leave an animal unattended in an open truck.
4. Don’t make any unplanned stops, if possible.
5. Watch out for any shady activity along the way. Inform local law enforcement and dispatch of these activities.
6. Lock any and all doors and access panels.
7. Keep in touch with dispatch.
8. Keep an eye out for inquiries about your route and cargo.
Security When Making a Stop
1. Try to leave your truck in a safe area or reputable truck stop, preferably one that has cameras.
2. Verify that all doors and access panels are still locked before leaving the rig and that all equipment is turned off.
3. Avoid stopping in high-crime areas.
4. Truckers should park close to each other.
5. Verify that nothing is wrong and that there are no foreign objects by walking around your truck and load.
6. A spare set of keys shouldn’t be left in the truck.
7. In the event of an emergency, keep a dispatch or emergency number on you.
Security at Destination
1. Tell someone when and where you’re arriving.
2. Be wary of anyone who seems overly interested.
3. Make sure the person receiving the cargo is the rightful recipient.
4. Make sure everything is turned off before getting out of the car.
5. Make sure that all of the doors and access panels are still locked.
6. Control the cargo offloading.
7. Be sure to always have a phone or other form of communication with you.