How Truck Drivers Can Prevent Theft: An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Bucket of Cash
We all know that one sketchy parking lot where we don’t feel comfortable leaving our truck. You are just going in to take a shower, buy groceries, or sleep at a hotel for your restart. What’s the worst that could happen? Turns out, the window got smashed and your laptop and GPS are gone. Why would they have taken holey gloves and that old hardhat? If they are really industrious, maybe they got your batteries, tires, and rims. Some folks even know the value of good brass.
Our industry is somewhat insulated from this but, cargo thefts jumped 27% in 2024. There are, however, organized theft rings that target tires, rims, and batteries. The hotspots are around major logistics hubs and port cities – SoCal, Texas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Illinois, and Memphis.
Prevention considerations:
Strategic Parking - Looking for that dark, quiet spot where no one will bother you? Criminals love that spot. Pick a well-lit, high traffic spot if you can tolerate the noise. Bonus if a security camera’s in view.
Lock It Up Tight - Don’t make it easier than it should be.
Lock Your Cab - Just going in for a coffee? Fuel receipt? Lock your cab. Locked myself out too many times so, I always get a spare key made as soon as I get a new truck.
- $30 - Bubba Keg
- $500 - GPS
- $1500 - Laptop
Also lock the side box, cold cabinet, and battery box, if possible. Tools, fittings, and PPE. Some folks have expensive taste.
Use all of your possible advantages
- Balance the criminal’s cost/benefit analysis in your favor.
- Get a dash cam with away mode.
- Get a multi-cam system that looks down your blind spot if you can.
- Solo drivers, keep the bunk curtain closed. They'll be worried that a codriver is sleeping in the bunk.
- If you're away from the truck for an extended time, close all your curtains. The less they can see, the less temptation.
- They are expensive and can be aggravating, but an APU randomly starting and stopping could be a good deterrent.
Each category is scored on a percentile from 0 to 100, the lower the better. A score above 65% in Crash Indicator, Hours of Service, or Unsafe Driving can trigger FMCSA intervention.
So, To Wrap It Up
The bottom line is that thieves want the biggest return on the smallest investment. Make more trouble than it is worth. Stay sharp, stay safe, live long and prosper.
