Holidays present logistics companies, manufacturers, and facilities with a difficult challenge: the closing of facilities for holiday vacations leave them highly vulnerable to theft. When facilities are shut down during this time, the risk of thieves accessing and stealing cargo increases greatly since facilities are left unattended. In order to prevent cargo loss and theft, Customs recommends the following:
At Facilities:
- Examine all surveillance equipment to make sure it is functioning properly.
- Make sure all battery-powered doors and phones are in working order.
- Secure all facility perimeters, including any fencing and barriers.
- All perimeter lighting should be inspected and any non-working fixtures replaced.
- Set any time/sensor lights so that they switch on while the facility is closed.
- Update alarm call list and ensure that anyone responsible responds to all alarm calls while the facility is closed.
- If desired, set up extra patrols in the facility area with local authorities.
- All keys should be removed from warehouse equipment.
Freight In-Transit on Long Distance Runs:
- Tractors and trailers should not be left unattended.
- Park all vehicles in areas that have adequate surveillance and lighting.
- Utilize kingpin locks, glad-hand locks, and/or steering wheel locks when vehicles are parked.
- Secure trailer doors with industrial strength padlocks.
- Remove all keys from vehicles.
- Make periodic checks on vehicles when parked.
- Inform dispatch when and where vehicles have been dropped, as well as estimated time of arrival.
Read Customs & Border Protection’s bulletin regarding this holiday alert.
By Abby Frank, Consulting Coordinator