“Lights, cameras, action!” But hold on, without a reliable surveillance system, the action is ineffective.
At a truck yard, despite having the cameras and lights at your disposal, you may still need help with their strategic placement, camera analytics, lighting techniques, and much more.
This guide will outline best practices for truck yard remote video monitoring.
Get ready to master the art of video surveillance! Learn from experts how to improve your surveillance and decrease theft incidents at your location.
Learn the best practices for truck yard remote video monitoring by diving into our comprehensive guide. Discover how to strategically position cameras, select the right lighting, what the best remote video services are to ensure the safety of your truck yard, and more.
Allow Sirix to reduce your risks and increase the security of your truck yard by providing expert knowledge and assistance.
So, let’s get right into it.
Why write a guide on truck yard remote video monitoring?
A guide offers knowledgeable advice to beginners or those seeking a long-term fix for their issues. Indeed, our remote video monitoring guide helps truck yard owners address the who, what, where, why, and how of overseeing the security of their facilities.
To begin, our guide offers advice on how to set up an effective remote video monitoring system to deter theft, vandalism, and unauthorized access.
We’ve broken it down into eight smart steps to help you achieve the best possible remote video monitoring for your truck yard. In addition, the guide emphasizes the advantages of remote monitoring at truck yards.
Remote video monitoring ensures quick response from authorities in case of intrusion, irrefutable video evidence for investigation, prosecution, and legal dispute, and helps improve safety protocols and operational effectiveness, among other things, in addition to providing enhanced protection against theft and other crime.
Who is this guide for?
This guide aims to empower truck yard managers, owners, operators and security personnel with knowledge and insights to establish an effective surveillance system.
They will also better understand how security cameras and remote video monitoring play a crucial role in maintaining truck yard security.
Steps for better truck yard remote video monitoring
A comprehensive security system is essential for safeguarding the truck yard and its assets. Truck yard security systems integrate various components to ensure a robust security infrastructure.
It usually consists of a sound camera system, lights, and speakers. All of that is combined with AI analytics. Cameras, sensors, motion detectors, and other security devices are connected to a remote video monitoring center of your choice.
What is a remote video monitoring center?
A video monitoring center, command center, or security operation center, provides remote security and site management services tailored for many industries such as truck yards, car dealerships, construction sites, parking lots, cities, cannabis farms and more.
How does it work, in a nutshell?
All your security devices are connected to the monitoring central where their signals are received.
Highly trained security operators respond and verify all alarms, follow established SOPs, perform voice interventions to deter intruders on your premises, and take clear and thorough notes on events.
To learn more about remote video surveillance and how it works, read our blog What is Remote Video Surveillance, and how does it work?
Step 1: Strategic placement of the cameras
The location of the cameras is important because we need to make sure that the entire property is being watched. Therefore, the entire truck yard, especially vulnerable areas, must be included in the camera’s fields of view.
Here are the strategic areas most truck yards want to pay attention to:
Access Points
The first step is to place cameras at the entrance and exit points. In order to provide maximum surveillance without blind spots make sure the appropriate number of cameras are used. Areas that a camera cannot see are known as “blind spots”.
Placing security cameras at access points is very crucial. The entry and exit points can be better monitored for theft or trespassers.
Remote Gate Control should be considered to improve access point security. It enables a remote security operator to communicate with your visitors via one-way video and two-way audio.
They can choose to allow vehicles with proper identification to enter and refuse entry to those who do not.
The mere presence of security cameras can occasionally deter thieves who prefer to avoid being caught in the act and go places that do not appear to be under surveillance by cameras.
Perimeter Coverage
Camera installation around the truck yard’s perimeter ensures prompt detection of any unauthorized entry attempts.
Make sure the cameras are placed high enough to prevent tampering. A height of 9 feet above the ground is advised.
Parking Lots and Storage
Parking lots and storage areas are the targets of loiterers and truck thieves. Indeed, 25% of vehicle thefts reported to U.S. police do not involve cars, but rather trucks and other vehicles.
These cameras also enhance overall safety for cargo and employees. Solar-powered parking lot lights are a more cost-effective solution for geographical areas that have many sunny days.
Loading Docks
Place cameras at loading docks to monitor the loading and unloading of goods, ensure protocols are followed, and prevent unauthorized access.
High-Traffic Areas
Install cameras in areas with high foot traffic, such as lobbies, corridors, or common areas. It helps monitor activities and ensure the safety of employees within the truck yard.
It is also crucial to consider the height and angle of the camera to maximize the field of view and capture important details.
Adjust the cameras to minimize blind spots and optimize the surveillance coverage. Not to be overlooked are difficult-to-reach areas such as corners, nooks, and places obstructed by objects.
Step 2: Utilizing camera AI for truck yard remote video monitoring
Recent CargoNet data shows that in the US and Canada, cargo theft incidents increased to 1,778 in 2022. An increase in security cameras, better truck yard lighting, and improved overall security could prevent a large portion of these losses.
AI-enabled video analytics will significantly enhance truck yard surveillance. Indeed, it offers better truck yard surveillance by analyzing video footage for potential threats 24/7.
Here are the various truck yard security options that Advanced Video Analytics support:
- Face recognition access control refers to the technology that allows a person to use their face to unlock gates. Employing AI algorithms to recognize and verify individuals’ faces, enables enhanced security measures. Similarly, AI technology can be used to interpret and read license plate numbers on vehicles entering or leaving the truck yard, even in tough weather or with partial license plates. In both cases, if the alarm is triggered, the remote operator at the monitoring center will check the live video feed and adhere to the appropriate SOP.
- Integration with Access Control Systems: Connecting the video monitoring system with access control mechanisms allows coordination and management of security protocols, enabling efficient control over entry and exit points.
- Smartphone applications give users access to the video feeds making mobile video surveillance possible. A truck yard manager, owner, or any trusted employee (to whom the owner shares access with) can remotely access live or recorded video footage from anywhere in the world using a laptop, smartphone, or tablet. All you need is a good internet connection.
- For truckers and employees who visit frequently, QRcodes and PIN make it easier and faster to enter at access points. To gain entry, a truck driver or employee need only to display the QR code on his smartphone’s screen to the reader or input their pin code. In these cases, interactions with the remote security operator at the monitoring center are not required unless a problem occurs.
Step 3: Ensure adequate lighting at the truck yard
Strategic placement of the lights.
Here are some crucial areas where you should think about placing lights to ensure adequate illumination and safety. Proper lighting facilitates instant intrusion detection.
Indeed, the camera AI works best with proper lighting and remote operators can more easily analyze footage when there is sufficient lighting.
Entrance and Exit Points are the top places for optimum lighting to ensure clear visibility for drivers and smooth traffic flow.
Perimeter Lighting is critical for a well-lit boundary. The lights can be mounted on poles or walls to deter trespassers. It deters criminals because they are typically too timid to operate in plain lights.
Parking Areas should be illuminated within the truck yard perimeter to ensure drivers can easily find parking spots and park.
It also helps with security monitoring and reduces the risk of damage. Remote monitoring for truck parking lots ensures the safety and security of parked vehicles.
Loading Docks illuminated properly will ensure workers load and unload cargo safely. It will minimize the chances of errors.
Pathways and Walkways should be well-lit to avoid accidents and promote the safety of pedestrians.
Maintenance and Service Areas for trucks should also be well-lit to enhance the smooth servicing of the trucks by technicians or mechanics.
What type of lights enhance truck yard remote video monitoring?
After the strategic placement of the cameras and lights, it is important to understand what types of lights can play a major role in enhancing the security of the truck yard.
Here, we have listed a few lighting options.
Metal Halide or LED
The truck yard should be well-lit for effective surveillance; using metal halide or LED for excellent color rendition at the perimeter fence is better. The prompt repair of lights is also necessary to avoid any blind spots.
LED Floodlight
For open spaces like parking lots and truck yards, led flood lights produce a strong light beam. They are highly recommended for their excellent illumination and focused lighting options.
Because they have a brightness of up to 3500 lumens and a longer lifespan, led flood lights are used for security purposes.
This security light’s ultra-wide 240° motion detection range, which extends 70 feet from the light, allows it to detect everything from the smallest animals to the heaviest trucks.
Motion-Activated Lighting
A type of technology known as motion-activated technology, also referred to as motion sensors or motion detectors, detects movement within its field of view and initiates particular actions or responses.
Sensors that can recognize changes in infrared radiation, heat, or movement are used to make motion-activated technology work.
When an object or person moves within the detection range of the motion sensor, it detects the change and sends a signal to the remote monitoring center.
This signal also triggers certain actions, such as turning on lights, sounding an alarm, or activating surveillance cameras.
The ability to quickly identify any unauthorized access attempts is the main benefit of carefully placing motion sensors around the truck yard’s perimeter. This assists in avoiding theft, vandalism, or other security lapses
Find out more on perimeter security solutions in our blog The 7 Best Business Perimeter Security Solutions: All You Need to Know.
Step 4: Choose a reputable remote video monitoring center
1. Why is it important to choose a reputable remote video monitoring center
As previously mentioned in this blog, cargo theft and break-ins are on the rise. Needless to say that valuable merchandise needs to be protected.
Remote video surveillance has been proven to be the most efficient way to reduce theft rates and deter criminal activity.
Thus, relying on remote truck yard monitoring by an established security operation center is the prudent thing to do to improve your company’s security.
2. How to choose a reputable remote video monitoring center
You may need to take a few factors into consideration when selecting a reliable remote video center.
- While the location of the monitoring center may not be a significant factor due to the remote nature of the services, it is crucial to acknowledge that using a monitoring center situated in a different country can give rise to potential data privacy concerns. Therefore, it is essential to thoroughly examine relevant regulations and ensure compliance before making any decisions.
- The Internet is a sea of resources; check out reputable websites, forums, and articles that provide information about the services related to truck yard security. Reviews and testimonials also form a solid basis for a decision.
- You might consider consulting a specialist, to help you choose a reliable remote video monitoring center. For example, your security installer can advise you about reliable monitoring centers.
- Spreading the word that you need a remote video monitoring center is also helpful. Seek advice and input from reliable colleagues within the truck yard sector who have firsthand experience utilizing a remote monitoring center.
To assist you in making an informed decision, you can refer to our blog post titled “Top 10 Live Video Monitoring Companies in Canada,” which provides valuable insights and recommendations for selecting the right option.
3. What does a good remote video monitoring center do?
A good remote video monitoring company will ensure that your premises are well-protected by strategically placing security cameras throughout your property.
As mentioned earlier, the cameras’ fields of view must cover the whole perimeter, especially vulnerable areas.
In addition, reputable remote monitoring centers employ highly skilled security operators who work around the clock. Multiple operators work simultaneously to ensure that all alarms are responded to as soon as possible.
These operators have been trained to deliver clear and articulate voice interventions while adhering to established SOPs.
Cloud Video Analytics is provided by remote security operation centers. The truck yard’s video footage can be conveniently and securely kept for a long time. Proper retention of these videos is crucial for incident investigations and documentation.
4. Remote Gate Control
How the remote video monitoring center controls access points
Sirix’s Remote Gate Access Control solution offers convenient and secure site access by remotely opening gates and interacting with individuals using unidirectional video and bidirectional audio systems.
The monitoring center and the truck yard company work together to establish specific SOPs depending on the situation. They must first choose the trigger for the alarm.
For instance, the camera AI that is watching a certain gate may be able to detect the arrival of a truck, which will cause an alarm to go off at the monitoring center.
Additionally, a method for documenting the credentials of the truck yard visitors must be selected. It may be done via Google Share Drive, for example.
Here is how Remote Gate Control works, step-by-step:
Step 1
A truck arrives at the truck yard gate.
Step 2
An alarm triggered by the camera AI rings at the remote monitoring center and alerts Sirix’s professional operator of the truck’s arrival. The operator may then examine the situation via live video.
Step 3
The operator adheres to the predefined working procedures, allowing them to respond to any scenario. The operator follows a workflow of questions where each answer determines the next question and the SOP to follow.
The two-way audio system, for instance, could be used by the operator to confirm the guest’s identification. Through the one-way video system, the visitor can display his IDs.
The decision to let the truck in or not is made by the remote operator based on the truck driver’s responses.
The criteria has already been agreed upon by the owner of the truck yard and the company offering the remote monitoring service.
The remote operator may forbid any truck or visitor from entering or leaving, depending on the rules established by the owner. The operators also have a list of contacts for the truck yard company in case of any entry or exit issues.
Step 4
The truck has been accommodated. The operator writes notes about the event. For each entry and exit from the yard, information must be entered into the yard management form.
Here is an example of a truck yard entry form that is usually filled by the remote operator.
Also, the audit trail and conversation are both saved.
Step 5
The case is closed.
The operator is ready to assist the next truck.
How to minimize false alarms
It is crucial to obtain credentials from anyone dozing in a truck during hours of surveillance in order to avoid false alarms.
The reason is simple: The truck driver runs the risk of activating a false alarm if he decides to get up at night to use the restroom, go for a walk, or go somewhere else.
In this instance, the remote monitoring center leaves the area undetected by turning the camera AI off.
Step 5: Explore audio talk-down benefits
Audio talk-downs, also known as voice talk-downs or audio warnings, are spoken interventions aired over strategically positioned speakers to deter crime and protect valuable assets.
They can be pre-recorded, launched by a security operator, or done in real time by remote security agents. Voice warnings are often paired with visual deterrents like strobe lights for enhanced effectiveness.
They contribute to a safer environment by:
- Minimizing theft, damage, and loitering.
- Saving time and cost by catching intruders before they commit a crime.
- Reducing insurance premiums.
Here is an example of an audio warning:
“Please pay attention. This is a security alert. You are currently being monitored by live CCTV cameras. This is a private property. Please contact the security center, and identify yourself by calling 1-855-555-5555. I repeat. You are trespassing on someone else’s property. Please identify yourself by dialing 1-855-555-5555 or immediately vacate the premises.”
The type of speakers recommended for audio talk-downs are:
Read our blog Audio Talk-Down: Its Benefits for your Business in 5 Simple Points for more information on voice warnings and how they can benefit your business.
Bonus Step 6: Implement a key box for better surveillance
A key box with a pin code can keep your truck keys safe and out of the hands of any malicious individuals in case a thief gains access to your main building.
Why should you use a key box in your truck yard?
Even the truck and building keys can be monitored 24/7 thanks to technological advancements.
For example, with a password protected key box, that securely stores each key and makes it available to authorized personnel who know the password.
The key box is typically held in an easily accessible room where all employees enter and exit. But with a password secured key box, you ensure that only authorized individuals can access it.
At the end of each workday, the keys should be returned to their secure location.
Are building and vehicle keys locked in a key box?
Truck and building keys should be kept in separate key boxes in your truck yard. The truck and the building keys will not be accessible without authorization thanks to the key box.
Bonus Step 7: Add a camera in your server room
Monitoring truck yards with cameras allows for visual inspection and detection of potential security risks.
By placing cameras in the truck yard’s server room, live video monitoring provides real-time insights into activities inside the server room.
Installing a camera in this room will not only deter malicious individuals from entering but also provide you with footage of the event if an intrusion occurs. This will be important later on in identifying and charging the intruder.
Bonus Step 8: Install an access control system to your server room
Installing an access control system on your server room door is the simplest way to improve truck yard security and prevent tampering with your camera and entire security system. This way, only authorized personnel will be able to access it.
Benefits of truck yard remote video monitoring?
- Remote video monitoring enhances security at truck yards by deterring theft and unauthorized access.
- Recorded footage provides valuable evidence for investigating incidents, accidents, or security breaches.
- Live video feeds allow security personnel to monitor the truck yard in real-time, promptly detecting and responding to any suspicious activities or security breaches.
- Video monitoring systems contribute to employee safety by ensuring a secure working environment.
- Video monitoring can be accessed remotely, allowing security personnel to monitor the truck yard from a central control room or off-site locations. For example, security managers can oversee multiple truck yards simultaneously, improving efficiency and coverage.
- Video footage can be used for compliance and auditing activities.
- Video footage can be utilized for training purposes, showcasing examples of best practices or identifying areas for improvement.
Curious about the cost of remote video monitoring? Discover the answer by reading our informative blog post titled “How Much Do Remote Video Monitoring Services Cost in 2023?“
FAQs
What is a truck yard remote video monitor protecting?
Truck yard remote video monitoring refers to the installation of cameras for better protection and monitoring of the strategic points to deter theft and unauthorized access.
How does truck yard remote video monitoring work?
To prevent cargo theft and improve access management, a remote monitoring center provides real-time security through three stages of intervention:
- A networked camera detects any unusual activity in the truck yard.
- The operator of the security operation center gets live video of the incident that sets off the alarm.
- The operator adheres to the established SOP (e.g., voice talk-down, emergency contacts, police, etc.).
What are the benefits of truck yard remote video monitoring?
Truck yard camera security solutions offer advanced features to protect the premises and deter theft before it occurs.
What are the drawbacks of truck yard remote video monitoring?
Due to the limited field of view of cameras, there might be blind spots in the truck yard. To ensure thorough coverage, proper camera placement and a sufficient number of cameras are required. This may increase the overall cost of remote video monitoring services.
How much does truck yard remote video monitoring cost?
The total monitoring cost of the truck yard remote video monitoring system depends on many factors. These factors include the size of the truck yard, type of cameras installed, chosen monitoring service, lights installed, etc.
Costs typically include the upfront expense for cameras, infrastructure, and software, as well as ongoing costs for upkeep, monitoring services, and potential upgrades.
What are the different types of cameras that can be used for truck yard remote video monitoring?
Live video monitoring allows for real-time observation and protection of the truck yard. There are a lot of different cameras that you can choose from depending upon your surveillance requirements.
Dome cameras: These cameras are round shaped and are used for monitoring large areas.
Bullet cameras: These cameras are cylindrical in shape and are used to capture specific areas with greater detail.
PTZ cameras: PTZ stands for Pan-Tilt-Zoom, and these cameras offer flexibility in monitoring different parts of the truck yard.
Thermal cameras: Thermal cameras use heat signatures to detect objects in no light or low light areas. They offer large coverage, they work in the dark, and even when they are obstructed by snow or rain. They are ideal for parking lots and perimeter fences at truck yards.
License plate recognition (LPR) cameras: These specialized cameras are designed to capture license plate numbers. License plate recognition technology can aid in identifying vehicles entering or leaving the truck yard.
The camera AI detect a specific license plate number, and when they do, an alert is sent to the security operation center so that an operator can alert the emergency contact.
Where should cameras be placed in a truck yard for optimal security?
Truck yard monitoring involves overseeing the premises to detect any security threats or breaches before suffering a catastrophic loss. There are certain strategic position that can benefit us in terms of optimal security such as:
- Entry and exit points
- Perimeter fences
- Loading docks
- Parking areas
How often should footage be reviewed?
A month is typically enough time to review footage collected and highlight any captures that may be required in an investigation.
How can I access footage from my truck yard remote video monitoring system?
The video is accessible via a mobile application. The Apple and Android app stores both offer the straightforward and user-friendly mobile interface known as Sirix Mobile Portal, which connects to the majority of commercial security systems.
The following features are offered:
- Review the events that have occurred on your sites, including the full audit playback features and complete audit trail.
- The Sirix system allows you to see live video from any cameras that have been installed at your locations.
- You can remotely arm and disarm any of your locations using the connected Sirix system.
How can I be alerted to suspicious activity?
In active monitoring, operators can spot suspicious behavior (such as people lurking outside your gates) and act immediately, stopping a crime before it occurs.
Through mobile application you will be informed of any suspicious activity then the SOPs will be followed
What are the different types of security companies that offer truck yard remote video monitoring services?
Following are the different types of security companies that offer the best truck yard remote video monitoring servies.
- Sirix Monitoring Services
- Birdseye Security Services
- Allied Universal
- Vector Security
- Brink’s
- Pro-Vigil
- Rapid Response Monitoring
- Securitas
- ADT
- G4S
How do I choose the right security company for my truck yard remote video monitoring needs?
Before selecting the best security firm to meet your needs for remote video monitoring in a truck yard, you should keep a few things in mind. These include:
- Expertise level: Look for a monitoring center that has experience offering security services that are especially suitable for truck yards. They must be completely knowledgeable about the truck yard’s security challenges.
- Technology and Equipment: Evaluate the caliber of their monitoring equipment, cameras, and surveillance systems. Ensure they use advanced equipment that can provide clear video footage and real-time monitoring capabilities.
- Remote Monitoring Capabilities: Verify that the company offers remote video monitoring services specifically for truck yards. They should have a robust infrastructure to monitor the cameras, detect suspicious activity, and provide timely alerts.
- Response Time and Protocols: Inquire about their response time to incidents and how they handle potential threats. It should have well-defined protocols in place for quick and effective responses to any security breaches or suspicious activity.
What is the best way to get started with truck yard remote video monitoring?
Effective truck yard video monitoring starts with a proper assessment of the areas that require monitoring and the potential risks that need to be addressed. Finding the top security firm that provides remote video monitoring of truck yards is the next step.
Then get in touch with that security firm, explain in detail the needs of your truck yard, and request specialized solutions. For a more accurate assessment, it is better to schedule yard visits.
To make an informed choice, take into account their experience, technology, pricing, and contract terms. Choose the security provider that provides trustworthy services, and is within your price range.
What are some of the most common security threats that truck yards face?
The most common security threats that truck drivers face are as follows:
- Truck yards are susceptible to cargo, fuel, and valuable equipment theft.
- Truck yards can be subjected to acts of vandalism, including graffiti, property damage, and the destruction of vehicles or equipment.
- Intruders may attempt to enter the truck yard premises without authorization, posing security risks and potential theft or damage.
- Truck yards can be used as locations for illegal activities, such as drug trafficking.
Conclusion
In 2021, trucks carried 66.1% of all goods traded between the United States and Canada, necessitating increased truck yard security to fend off cargo theft and vandalism.
Utilize this guide to reach out for the best truck yard remote video monitoring service for a comprehensive security coverage.
Take proactive measures today and choose Sirix, a 24/7 command center that offers remote site management and security services tailored for truck yards. Safeguard your valuable assets and ensure the smooth transportation of Canadian trade.
Did you find our guide helpful?
You are welcome to leave a comment below. If you have any further queries, please contact us, and one of our security specialists will respond as soon as possible.
