Securing loads from theft is a big concern these days. Stemming cargo theft can help fleets avoid costly financial loss. According to the International Cargo Security Council, U.S. businesses lose $10 billion per year in merchandise theft, and the average value of a cargo theft is $500,000, a number that has grown fivefold in the past 25 years. Other estimates range even higher, placing losses to cargo theft as high as $25 billion annually. These risks are moving fleets to purchase better locking and cargo security systems.
Locking systems
Several sophisticated locking systems have been developed recently. For example, Hi-G-Tek says it offers highly intelligent RFID solutions and has developed electronic locks, seals and tags––each using an autonomous energy source–– that incorporate embedded sensors to alert of any attempt at moving, opening, bypassing or tampering. According to the company, the devices can be configured for specific applications and provide full sensing and two-way communications capability. Supporting these devices are readers, terminals and specialized software that can monitor many end devices simultaneously, in real time and while cargo is in transit.
Another solution is Gitcon, which is offered by Kaba Maas for in-transit cargo. The Model G-50 is an externally mounted mechanical lock designed for installation on trailers and container bodies with swing or roll up doors. Common handle and mounting-plate designs allow for simple retrofit of existing assemblies. Tamper-resistant mounting hardware prevents the handle from being removed from the outside. Supplied with an interchangeable core cylinder that can be removed without taking the lock off the door, the cores can be keyed alike, randomly, or for a master key, the company said.
Also available is the Gitcon Model G-152, a permanently mounted, electro-mechanical security system that allows for controlled access by selected users. Access cards, for example, can be programmed to open only specific locks, during specific times, or for a pre-determined time period.
Transport Security Inc. provides a series of physical locking systems collectively known as Enforcer Security Solutions. Included is the Enforcer Adjustable Lock, which the company says is a portable, heavy-duty lock that has a 10-gauge, chrome-plated spring steel body and a locking component surrounded with cast iron to prevent tampering. According to the company, the device is designed for a tight fit on virtually all containers and trailers and is secured with a weather-resistant ABLOY lock. Transport Security also offers the Air Cuff Lock, a brake lock made of high-impact-resistant material and secured with an ABLOY lock cylinder to lock tractor and trailer brakes. The company also offers a line of plastic, metal, bolt and cable security seals.
Security seals
For those fleets that want to monitor possible illegal door openings and tampering, security seals provide a
solution. SecureSeal offers reusable seals that are designed for a minimum of 50,000 operations, equivalent to a vehicle using 13 seals per day, 365 days per year for 10 years. The maintenance-free reusable seal produces random-number security codes and provides tamper evidence for all types of vehicles and trailers the company said. Also offered are SecureLoc, a reusable barrier seal with unique, random security-number generation and an integrated lock for cargo doors. Using a lock-and-key mechanism so only authorized personnel can gain access, SecureLoc combines seal and lock devices in a permanent fixture.
The Kaba Maas G-152 can also be programmed to function as an electronic seal, a sealable lock or a lockable electronic seal.
Asset tracking
Asset tracking requires a mobile communications connection to relay data on trailers. Several companies provide the hardware and software needed for this level of cargo reconnaissance. The GE Equipment Services solution uses a remote monitoring device, satellite-based telecommunications and a series of sensors, GE’s VeriWise trailer technology gathers and provides information on the location of trailers and the status of cargo. Using the company’s Premier Services web interface, fleets can access reports on a trailer’s location at specific time intervals for a defined period of time.
Qualcomm offers trailer-tracking solutions, including the T2 Untethered TrailerTRACS asset management system. The system monitors the status and location of trailers and containers in near real-time, including position and event reporting throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Other features include over-the-air up-grades, configurable reporting intervals and integration with dispatch software. Options for the system include a solar charging system, door and cargo sensors, and mounting to fit a variety of trailer and container configurations.
SkyBitz GLS Trailer Tracking is a two-way satellite communications device offered with two types of service plans. Basic Tracking provides location reporting based on a reporting and wake-up schedule that can be changed over the air. Smart Sensor Tracking incorporates sensors that provide information for reports that are issued when the trailer has departed a location or arrived at its destination. The compact GLS mobile communicator installs easily and provides multi-year battery life, the company said.
TransCore satellite-based tracking, monitoring and sensing solution provides trailer tracking for monitoring assets. The fully integrated system’s wake-up cycle can be programmed for 30-second to 30-minute response times, regardless of where a trailer is located in North America. Offering full remote configuration and on-the-fly or pre-scheduled reports over a web interface, a battery designed to deliver more than five years of nearly maintenance-free service powers the system.
While the best door locks and tracking systems come with a premium price, their cost is more than justified if they can prevent the costly loss of a stolen trailer.
