Driver On The Road Checklist
- When leaving a location be aware of any possible surveillance of your location or your truck. Criminal surveillance often begins at, or within a mile of your origin. Report suspicious activity to dispatch and the police.
- When possible, go directly to your delivery point without making stops.
- Remain particularly observant for suspicious activities in and around your en-route stops. Report any suspicious activity to police and dispatch.
- Keep all tractor-trailer doors and access panels locked and your windows rolled up.
- Maintain regular communications with your dispatcher.
- Vary your route when possible.
- Don’t discuss your cargo, destination, or trip specifics with people you don’t know, on open channels, or in places where your conversations can be overheard.
- Do not discuss routes with any shipper personnel unless instructed by your company to do so.
- Do not pick up hitchhikers.
- Carry information regarding the equipment you are operating. You will need license plate numbers, container or trailer numbers and a description if equipment is stolen. Police cannot make a report without this information, have it handy prior to departure.
Enroute Security
- Sales and supervisory personnel should not accept business from an unknown party before verifying the company’s legitimacy.
- Drivers and terminal personnel shall ensure that doors are locked at all times when not manned or attended. Ensure that all windows are closed.
- If possible, drivers and terminal personnel should lock steering columns when a tractor is not in service.
- Drivers should perform a “walk-around” inspection of the vehicle after every stop, including deliveries and breaks. Be sure to look under the trailer and in hose tubes where a device could be attached. Check to be certain your trailer is still sealed with the proper seal.
- To the extent possible, reduce pre-loading. Terminal
personnel should designate an area for pre-loaded trailers. Put glad-hand locks or kingpin locks on spotted loaded trailers. Regularly check this area. - Supervisors should develop “parking instructions” for any location away from a terminal. Look for lighted and fenced areas, with good visibility and security.
- Drivers should never leave vehicle unattended in insecure, dimly lit areas.
- Supervisors shall include security considerations in the selection of routes and times for pick-up and delivery. When possible, avoid bridges, tunnels and densely populated areas.
- Dispatchers and supervisors will minimize driver down time while in route. In cases of breakdowns, priority will be given to get the vehicle moving again. Schedule and dispatch with as few required stops as possible.
WARNING: This record contains Sensitive Security Information that is controlled under 49 CFR parts 15 and 1520. No part of this record may be disclosed to persons without a “need to know”, as defined in 49 CFR parts 15 and 1520, except with the written permission of the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration or the Secretary of Transportation. Unauthorized release may result in civil penalties or other action. For U.S. government agencies, public disclosure is governed by 5 U.S.C.552 and 49 CFR parts 15 and 1520.