Keeping the trailers secure in the yard is a critical element of overall logistics operations. Multiple challenges constantly hover, such as theft and unauthorized access, making providing reliable service to customers a tightrope walk for the company. Businesses must implement technology-led modern-day strategies to secure trailers effectively in the yard.
The Rising Threat of Trailer Theft: Why It's More Critical Now?
Cargo theft remains a top priority for businesses, and the information indicates that the trend is growing much more pronounced. In 2020, complete theft events amounted to 1,502, up from 1,106 in 2019, based on a report from CargoNet. Vehicle-specific thefts jumped from 676 in 2018 to 861 in 2020. This upward trend has continued, and far more sophisticated theft techniques are showing up.
Some target high-demand and costly items like electronics, household items, and medical supplies more regularly. Economic downturns and disruptions, like during the COVID-19 pandemic, have increased theft risks because lawbreakers exploit supply chain vulnerabilities.
Consequently, physical obstacles, technological advancements, and human attention to detail are necessary to keep trailers secure.
Here, we outline five practical strategies for enhancing trailer security in the yard. These strategies help companies protect against losses, maintain operations, and reduce risk.
5 Strategies to Improve Trailer Security at the Yard
While there are many strategies to secure the trailers in the yard, here are the top 5 which are the most advanced and can have the strongest impact:
1- Use Advanced Access Control Systems
The first layer of defense for trailer security is controlling who gets in and out of your yard. An advanced access control system, like a modern YMS integrated with IoT devices, allows for automated controlled entry and exit, ensuring that only authorized vehicles gain access. These are some of the critical points to be kept in mind while designing access control systems for the yard:
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Gate Automation and Surveillance: Incorporate automated gate systems with surveillance cameras that capture license plate numbers and driver IDs. This keeps a record of who enters and enables real-time monitoring. When integrated with YMS automation, these cameras can help monitor the schedule while ensuring the safety of the trailers.
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Electronic Credentials: The locking mechanisms and robust access control should be upgraded for higher safety. Instead of using traditional locks, upgrade to electronic key cards or biometric scanners that allow only registered personnel to unlock and access trailers.
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Visitor Management: The gate automation must consider solutions for a sharp visitor management system. Implement a robust visitor management system that records and validates external visitors or temporary drivers, reducing the chances of unauthorized entry.
An advanced access control system reduces the theft risk by restricting access and creating a clear record of all entries and exits. It also keeps the yard audit ready in case of any instances. Moreover, it makes a more structured and organized approach to yard management.
2- Yard Surveillance with Integrated CCTV and Motion Detection
Surveillance plays a crucial role in securing trailers in the yard, but it has to keep up with the latest technology and offer sharper solutions. With integrated solutions of CCTV, advanced motion detection, and AI-enabled threat detection, companies can effectively monitor trailer activity across the yard. The monitoring can be integrated with cloud solutions to keep the recording safe and uploaded automatically for future reference. For an effective surveillance solution, it should have:
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High-Res Cameras: Strategically positioned high-resolution cameras that can cover all key areas of the yard, including entrances, exits, and parking zones.
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AI-Powered Motion Detection: The stream from the high-res cameras can be used with AI-driven motion detection that can instantly alert the security team of any suspicious activity, such as unauthorized trailer movement.
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Cloud Monitoring: Ensure surveillance systems are accessible remotely so that yard managers and security personnel can monitor the yard even when off-site.
Continuous surveillance deters theft and enables quick identification of potential breaches. And when clubbed with advanced motion detection, it allows for real-time alerts, ensuring timely intervention if suspicious activity occurs, giving time to the security team to act on it in time.
3- Secure Trailers with Smart Locking Systems
Advanced locking mechanisms are one of the most effective ways to secure trailers. Traditional locks are often prone to tampering because they have been around for a long time, and the miscreants are well aware of hacks. But smart locks offer more sophisticated protection. Many solutions are available today, like biometric or app-enabled locks, which improve security exponentially at a fraction of the cost. The smart locks should have features like:
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Electronic Seals and Smart Locks: Electronic seals or smart locks that can only be unlocked via digital credentials (e.g., keycards, apps, or biometric data). These systems also provide real-time alerts if any tampering is detected.
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Geo-Fencing Alerts: Pair smart locks with GPS tracking and geo-fencing technology. Instant alerts are triggered if a trailer moves outside a predefined area without authorization.
Smart locking systems significantly reduce unauthorized access, as they require specific digital credentials to unlock, while Geo-fencing adds an additional security layer by tracking trailer location and movement patterns.
4- Optimize Lighting and Yard Layout for Increased Security
A well-lit, strategically designed yard can deter theft and make surveillance more effective. Good lighting and optimized yard layouts create visibility and make it more difficult for unauthorized persons to access trailers unnoticed. They also help other digital solutions like automated gates, CCTVs, and surveillance operate properly at night and in poor weather conditions. While optimizing lighting in the yard, the following points must be considered:
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Strategic Lighting: Install high-intensity LED lights throughout the yard, especially near trailers, entry/exit points, and high-traffic areas. Motion-activated lights can enhance security while saving energy.
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Yard Layout Design: Arrange trailers and other assets in a layout that maximizes visibility. Consciously eliminate blind spots where thieves could potentially hide. Designate secure zones for high-value shipments.
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Physical Barriers and Fencing: Strengthen yard perimeters with durable fencing and barriers to prevent unauthorized access.
Enhanced visibility deters criminal activities, as would-be thieves have a lesser cover. A well-designed layout also streamlines yard operations, reducing confusion and improving overall security.
5- Train and Empower Your Workforce for Security Awareness
Even with the most advanced security technologies, human error remains a significant risk. Moreover, the technology solutions also need human monitoring. Proper training and awareness among employees and yard personnel can significantly improve trailer security. The objectives that should be kept in mind are:
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Create Security Protocols and Procedures: Establish clear protocols for trailer handling, access control, and incident reporting. Regularly update these procedures as new threats or security technologies emerge.
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Regular Security Awareness Trainings: Train your workforce to recognize suspicious activities and follow best practices in trailer security. Ensure they know how to respond in case of a security breach.
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Employee Access Control: Implement role-based access controls, granting employees access only to the areas they need for their job functions.
An informed and alert workforce is an additional defense line against security threats. Employee engagement in security procedures ensures that everyone contributes to maintaining a secure environment.
Focus on Trailer Security: Protect Your Yard with Comprehensive Security Measures
Securing trailers in the yard is necessary for safeguarding assets and ensuring smooth operations. With the abovementioned solutions, companies can greatly reduce the risks associated with theft and unauthorized access. These solutions can help your business protect assets, improve efficiency, and build a reputation for reliability and trustworthiness in the logistics industry. In the long run, this translates to an improved bottom line, makes the logistics operations more efficient, and helps build customer trust in the company.
C3 Solutions, with its ISO 27001 certification for information security, offers a best of breed yard management system that help you effectively manage logistics and supply chain operations. These modern solutions are fully compatible with control systems and can be integrated with real-time monitoring solutions, whether existing or new. Our platform equips you with everything you need to maintain a secure and well-organized yard.
Reach out to C3 Solutions today to discover how we can support your security goals.
