With over 324,200 Canadians working as truck drivers, truck driving is the most popular occupation in Canada. Yet nearly half of the reported thefts take place in commercial truck yards.
In order to prevent theft from occurring in your truck yard, extensive research has been conducted on basic security measures like the use of fences, gates, cameras, lights, locks, and other security devices for the trucking industry.
At truck yards, there are numerous innovative ways to boost safety, reduce risks, and discourage theft.
This article discovers 16 practical ways to deter theft for better truck yard security solutions. It reveals the strategies and tactics to outwit truck yard thieves and trespassers before using remote video surveillance. Let’s dive in.
Truck Yard Security Solution 1: Security Fences
The 4% of Canadians who work in trucking and logistics, require robust protection from cargo theft and break-ins. Fences are the first line of defense to ensure privacy and total control over truck yards and cargo theft.
Fences and access controls that are part of the truck yard security system create a safe perimeter around the property. They serve as a solid physical barrier that keeps trespassers and thieves away.
How to Choose the Best Fence for Truck Yards security
Consider height, material, and durability when selecting a security fence for your truck yard. Choose a fence that is challenging to climb and prevents cutting or tampering. Consider the following factors:
- Height: Select a security fence that is tall enough to keep out intruders and avoid climbing.
- Material: Choose a firm, ramming- and cutting-resistant material like steel or reinforced aluminium.
- Durability: Ensure the fence is constructed to withstand weather and normal wear and tear.
Different types of security fences for truck yards
Integrated Electric Fencing Solutions
Image courtesy of Amarok
Integrated electric fencing combines traditional fencing with an electric current to create a powerful deterrent. It delivers a mild electric shock upon contact, discouraging intruders from attempting unauthorized entry.
Integrated electric fencing solutions provide an extra layer of security for truck yards. The portable electric fencing includes an alarm panel, keypad, siren, and controlled access and operates on solar-powered batteries.
Installation is quick and easy, and the fences can be customized to truck yard specifications. The electric fencing solution provides three layers of defense: an intimidating barrier, a shocking deterrent, and alarms/lights.
K-12 fence
Image courtesy of Hercules High Security
A K-12-rated fence is tested for its ability to withstand forced entry attempts using a variety of tools and vehicles. A fence with a K12 rating will stop a 15,000-pound vehicle moving at 80 km/h (50 mph). It undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it can resist ramming and collision attempts.
Installing a K-12-rated fence enhances the security of your truck yard, providing exceptional resistance against unauthorized access.
High-Security Steel Fence
Image courtesy of Ameristar Perimeter Security
A high-security steel fence is an excellent choice for truck yards that require maximum protection. Constructed using heavy-duty steel, these fences are highly resistant to cutting, climbing, and tampering.
High-security steel fences provide a solid physical barrier that deters potential intruders and enhances the overall security of your truck yard.
High-security steel fences are constructed using heavy-duty materials such as metal or wire mesh, offering a formidable barrier against unauthorized access.
These fences provide maximum strength and durability, making them highly effective in deterring intruders and ensuring the security of truck yards.
Truck Yard Security Solution 2: Bollards
Bollards are strong posts placed strategically to guard against vehicle collisions and unauthorized access in particular areas of the truck yard.
They come in different varieties, such as K-4 crash-rated, fixed, and removable bollards.
How to Choose the Best Bollard Post for truck yard security solution
Selecting the right bollard post for your truck yard is essential. Consider the following factors:
- Purpose: Determine the areas or truck yard assets you want to protect with bollards.
- Removability: If you need flexible access, take into account removable bollards.
- Choosing crash-rated bollards that can withstand vehicle impact is a good idea for high-security applications.
Removable bollards offer flexibility in controlling access to certain areas of the truck yard. They can be easily installed or removed, providing temporary or selective protection.
Fixed bollards are permanently installed to create a physical barrier, preventing vehicles from unauthorized entry or collision. They offer a reliable solution for protecting sensitive areas within the truck yard.
Bollards with a K-4 crash rating are built and tested to withstand the force of a 6,800-pound vehicle hitting them at 48 km/h (30 mph).
The truck yard is best protected from forced entry attempts thanks to these bollards. Make sure your entrance is completely secure by using enough bollards.
Truck yard security solution 3: Strong gates
Truck yard gate access systems ensure controlled entry and exit of vehicles into the premises.
How to choose the best strong gate for truck yards:
- Available space and opening size around the gate also determine whether the installed gate will be a slide, swing, or anti-ram gate.
- The speed and frequency of the trucks entering the truck yard effect the choice of the gate at the truck yard. Anti ram gates might be required for trucks transporting hazardous materials for safety reasons.
The amount of time it takes for trucks to move in and out, as well as how frequently they do so, can also influence the choice of strong gate.
- Operators and access control systems also affect the choice of gate. If access control is handled by a full-time operator, a manual swing gate is more suitable than an automated sliding gate.
It is because the operator can easily control the opening and closing of the gate, ensuring that only authorized individuals are allowed entry.
However, if access control is handled by a remote system, an automated gate may be more appropriate, as it can be easily integrated with the plan for seamless access control.
To help you decide which type of gate is best for your truck yard, given your needs and the space available for installing one, we have compared various gate types.
| Gate type | Advantages | Consideration |
| Anti Ram Gates | Specifically designed for a high level of security to prevent forced entry attempts. | Very expensive and requires larger installation space. |
| Slide gates | Can be automated and is suitable for smaller space | Requires adequate space alongside the fence line for operation |
| Swing gates | Provides a larger opening for entry and exit, and it opens and closes fairly quickly. | Not as effective as anti Ram gate, and needs additional room to swing open and close |
Anti-Ram gates are made with robust material and prevent forced entry into the truck yard. They are engineered for impact resistance, making them an ideal choice for enhancing the security of truck yards.
While Anti Ram gates may be expensive and require more space for installation, their ability to withstand vehicle-based security breaches makes them the best choice for truck yards security practices where safeguarding against unauthorized access is crucial.
Truck yard security solution 4: Prefabricated Security Booths
Professional truck yard security with dedicated security personnel is critical to ensure comprehensive protection. But the security personnel also needs protection from weather and other security issues. High-security guard booths that are bullet resistant are a blessing.
The security personnel can also check credentials, give information, and point drivers to the right truck lot. Although not a widespread practice yet, security staff can control truck yard biometric security solutions, such as fingerprint or iris recognition of the employees or truck drivers, from the booth.
Truck yard security solution 5: Tyre clamps
Truck drivers use anti-theft tire clamps to lock the wheels into place. Tyre clamps are designed to prevent truck wheels from being stolen by holding the wheels into place.
Brightly colored tyre clamps serve as physical and visual barriers that should reduce the number of theft attempts.
Wheel clamps with a 15-inch width are easy to find on Amazon. If you are driving a giant truck, look for wheel clamps of the appropriate size.
Truck yard security solution 6: Smart devices
Advanced technology and strong security measures at the truck yard, including the use of smart devices, ensure the best truck security.
The following smart devices can strengthen protection against truck theft and make it very difficult for thieves to enter and operate the trucks.
- Smart keys provide an advanced level of security by using encrypted codes to communicate with a vehicle’s ignition system, preventing unauthorized access.
- GPS tracking devices are practical tools for monitoring and locating vehicles in real time, enabling quick recovery during theft.
- Fuse cutoffs are simple yet effective anti-theft devices that turn off specific circuits by removing or disconnecting fuses, rendering the vehicle inoperable.
- Starter, ignition, and fuel pump disablers are additional security measures that prevent a vehicle from starting or running without the proper authorization, making it difficult for thieves to operate the truck.
- Kill switches are hidden switches that can be installed to disrupt the flow of electricity in a truck’s ignition system, rendering it immobile and protecting it from theft. It is pretty easy to hide a kill switch in your truck.
- Wireless ignition authentication systems use proximity-based technology to authenticate the vehicle owner’s presence, allowing the vehicle to start only when the authorized vital fob is within range.
Truck yard security solution 7: Locks
Trucks or truck yards left unlocked make it simple for thieves to realize they have access. Improved locks make it more difficult for thieves to break in; they might give up trying to enter your property.
Some of the available locks to secure the truck yard are as follows:
- Heavy Duty Truck & Semi-Trailer Security Kits are a fabulous solution for all the locks needed to secure a truck from theft.
These kits typically include padlocks, deadbolts, smart locks etc.
- The Twin Hooks Steering Wheel Lock is a simple-to-use double hook expandable anti-theft device.
- Landing Gear Leg Lock holds the landing gear hand crank in place to stop it from being raised.
- The Roll-up Door Lever is kept in the locked position to prevent access to the cargo.
- Wheel to Pedal Lock is used to lock the steering wheel to the brake pedal with the help of a device preventing theft or unauthorized use.
Truck yard security solution 8: Apple Air Tags
Image courtesy of Amazon
An AirTag is a tiny tracking gadget that sends a Bluetooth signal to its owner to let them know where it is. Truck drivers can conceal the AirTags in their vehicles to prevent thieves from spotting them. Its battery life is nearly a year. It can conveniently be hidden in the truck.
The air tag’s location detection is highly accurate, up to 100 feet away, but walls can occasionally impact its detection.
Truck yard security solution 9: Immobilizers
Trailer and truck immobilizers use electronic security technology that acts as a deterrent to thieves. Truck immobilizers use a key or software application to immobilize the engine.
They usually require you to add a pin to drive the truck and operate the starter motor or ignition. Your truck’s engine will not start if a thief tries to use the wrong key. Some new trucks already have in-built immobilizers.
Truck yard security solution 10: Warning signs
To effectively prevent theft in a truck yard, warning signs on large, bold yellow, or red boards must be combined with the appropriate security measures, such as good lighting, secure fencing, access controls, and trained security personnel.
These warning signs act as a deterrent to thieves and encourage employees to act more responsibly. These signs can be used at a truck yard entry-exit points, perimeter fencing, loading docks, parking areas, or height-restricted areas.
Following are some warning signs that can be used as constant reminders for truck drivers:
- “Restricted Area – Authorized Personnel Only”
- “24-Hour Surveillance”
- “No Trespassing”
- “This Area Is Under Video Surveillance”
- “Lock Your Truck”
- “Security Patrol in Operation”
Even if your truck yard is not actually under video surveillance 24 hours a day, the signs themselves can deter thieves.
Truck yard security solution 11: Crash barriers
Many different types of crash barriers can be used to increase security and prevent unauthorized access to the truck yard.
Crash gates are intended to deflect the impact of an unauthorized truck that tries to enter the truck yard. In sensitive areas, crash beams are used for robust security. Strong arms, drop arms, and rising crash beams are your options for preventing unauthorized vehicle access.
Truck yard security solution 12: Security lights
In truck yards, dim or nonexistent lighting is a clear invitation to truck thieves. It signals that no surveillance is present and incites thieves or vandals to commit criminal activity.
Below, we have listed how security lighting enhances visibility and deters potential intruders in the truck yard:
- Strong white lights can make truck yards safer.
- Solar security lights can be used in outdoor areas.
- Police-style strobe lights in red and blue also act as a deterrence for thieves.
Install these lights for better truck yard surveillance in the following areas:
- Entry and exit points for smooth traffic flow, clear visibility, and accident prevention.
- Perimeter lighting for a well-lit boundary that discourages trespassers
- Parking areas within the truck yard to ensure drivers can easily maneuver their trucks and identify available spaces.
- Security checkpoints for proper identification and inspection procedures.
Truck yard security solution 13: Truck yard alarm system
Truck yard security alarms detect and alert in the event of any security breaches and provide enhanced security measures specifically tailored for your truck yard environment.
The alarm can help deter theft or unauthorized access in the truck yard. The security cameras provide surveillance coverage and help monitor activities within the truck yard and along the perimeter fences.
Motion detection technology can detect any suspicious movement within the truck yard to detect glass breakage or door contact, linking it to an alarm monitoring center within the premises.
Truck yard security solution 14: Ravelco
A highly effective security system created to stop truck theft is the Ravelco Anti-Theft Device. It is mounted on the dashboard and wired into the truck’s electrical systems.
The fuel pump, ignition, starter, or computer are among the crucial circuits that are interrupted when the device is turned on by removing a special plug, which prevents the vehicle from starting.
The connections of the Ravelco are concealed and disguised, making them hard to find. No codes or hidden buttons are needed to operate the Ravelco.
Truck yard security solution 15: Surveillance camera in the server room
Best practices and extensive security measures are required to prevent security breaches in truck yards. After the security camera installation, the truck yard will have more surveillance and deterrence.
Installing a camera in a server room has the significant benefit of allowing internal staff to be more closely monitored without worrying about the camera being tampered with.
Truck yard security solution 16: Access control system to the server room
Access control systems using key fobs or keycards can regulate entry and exit to the server room of the truck yard. This solution ensures that only authorized individuals can enter these restricted areas, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and theft.
Access control also enables better tracking and accountability by logging entries and exits.
However, the effectiveness of this solution relies on maintaining control over the distribution and management of key fobs, and there may still be vulnerabilities if key fobs are lost or stolen.
Theft Protection Tips for truck yard security
Comprehensive truck theft protection measures require physical security solutions, technology, and employee awareness.
Follow these tips to enhance your truck yard’s security:
- Never leave your key in your truck; doing so is like giving thieves a free pass. Always lock the door and take the keys with you.
- Always leave the truck parked in a well-lit area.
- To increase security, install a kill switch, fuse cutoffs, or a truck immobilizer system.
- Security procedures should be explained to employees, and reporting suspicious activity should be encouraged. Workers should be aware of the SOPs for responding to incidents in truck yards.
- By working with local law enforcement, instant security can be achieved.
- To effectively handle emergencies in the truck yard, emergency SOPs should be in place.
- On the Internet, you can explore different high-security options and 24-hour surveillance for your commercial truck yards.
Try integrating cutting-edge technologies into modern security systems for thorough truck yard protection. - Consider the cost of truck yard security solutions and allocate resources effectively.
- Access controls, such as key cards or biometric authentication, regulate entry to the truck yard and enhance security.
- Trustworthy truck yard security services are available in the USA and Canada to ensure effective protection.
They provide a better security solution for truck yards through video surveillance that provides visual evidence and enhances situational awareness.
If you enjoyed this blog, you might be interested in 13 Effective Ways for Auto Dealers to Prevent Car Theft (Prior to Video Surveillance).
FAQs
What is truck yard security?
Truck yard security involves keeping an eye out for and defending against theft of trucks, truck tools, and vandalism on the yard grounds.
Monitoring secure operations, like yard loading and delivery and yard security protocols, and vehicle tracking for truck yards are part of it.
Why is truck yard security important?
The Canadian economy loses $5 billion annually due to cargo theft. Implementing truck yard video surveillance measures will help ensure the safety and security of the trucks, cargo, truck yards, and workers.
What are the common security threats in truck yards?
Various stakeholders congregate in the truck yards, including truck drivers and cargo dealers. Truck yards can face many security threats, such as:
- Valuable cargo that is vulnerable to theft
- Employee theft, collision, or unauthorized access by employees
- It can be difficult to prevent unauthorized entry while maintaining access control for authorized individuals in truck yards.
- Since these yards frequently operate 24/7, it can not be easy to maintain a secure environment during rush time or night shifts.
- It can serve as the perfect hiding place for potential trespassers.
How can I improve the security of my truck yard?
Security companies for truck yards assist in securing every area of the yard and demand a sizable investment in resources, including personnel and surveillance gear.
Video monitoring is a crucial component of a comprehensive truck yard security solution. Remote monitoring enables continuous oversight of the truck yard from a centralized location.
What are the critical components of an effective truck yard security system?
To prevent theft at truck yards, it is crucial to have sturdy perimeter fencing and access control mechanisms like gates and barriers. Security tools like surveillance cameras and intrusion detectors must thwart unauthorized attempts to breach the truck yard’s perimeter.
One of the most critical elements of an efficient truck yard security solution is a well-lit truck yard with an alarm and emergency response system.
How can access control systems enhance truck yard security?
By strictly controlling access, potential intruders can be discouraged from trying to enter the truck yard. Some access control systems that are more common in truck yards are the electronic Pass Control System, door access, and card access. Installing truck yard security cameras is one of the most viable options.
What are the benefits of implementing video monitoring in a truck yard?
Video monitoring offers constant perimeter protection, enabling stopping a crime in progress. Crime deterrence, cost-effectiveness, and ease of cargo deployment are benefits of video monitoring in a truck yard.
How can I prevent unauthorized access and theft in my truck yard?
To prevent unauthorized access and theft in your truck yard:
- Secure the perimeter with a strong fence.
- Control access with gates.
- Place security cameras strategically at the truck yard.
- Keep the area well-lit.
- Hire security guards.
- Educate employees.
- Establish clear security policies.
Can I remotely monitor my truck yard security systems?
You can remotely monitor your truck yard security system through a monitoring center. By utilizing modern technology such as network-connected surveillance cameras and alarm systems, you can access live video feeds, receive alerts, and manage your security system remotely using a computer, smartphone, or other devices with internet connectivity.
Are there cost-effective security solutions for small-scale truck yards?
A more complete truck yard security solution than passive cameras, security guards, and other traditional methods is remote monitoring for truck yards.
Why does my truck alarm go off randomly?
Dead battery loose wires, oversensitive sensors, and essential fob malfunction are a few of the things that can cause the truck alarm to go off at random.
How does remote monitoring play a role in truck yard security solutions ?
The three-stage intervention process used by remote monitoring systems for truck yards starts with detecting unusual activity, is followed by live video transmission to the operator, and is finished with the proper action per SOPs.
Conclusion
Over 60% of Canada’s overall trade is moved by trucks, which calls for more vivid truck yard security solutions to protect against security threats. Implementing the above 16 useful ways to prevent theft at truck yards will result in a more robust security infrastructure.
Please share in the comments which tool you plan to use first for the truck yard security solution.
Sirix offers remote protection and site management for many truck dealerships throughout North America. We provide live video monitoring, access control and many other services specifically designed for the truck yard industry.
