It’s near impossible to think of a business that doesn’t rely on vehicles to transport goods and move people. Large companies have fleets of hundreds or even thousands of vehicles spread across the country. Whatever industry you’re in, you probably have a unit or two in the garage. Without one, you wouldn’t be able to make deliveries, buy supplies, or meet clients.
Unfortunately, vehicles are also prime targets by threat actors. Thousands of vehicles are stolen every day, and you wouldn’t want to expose yourself to undue risk. While fleet vehicles are targeted less often than personal vehicles, you still need to take the necessary steps to prevent theft or vandalism. Criminals don’t want your vehicle; they’re after its cargo.
Thankfully, you don’t need to be a security expert to keep your fleet safe. Fleet security encompasses everything from auto hail damage repair to investing in tools that help prevent unauthorized access or intrusion.
And if that doesn’t convince you to upgrade your security, maybe money will. Vehicular theft has resulted in billions of losses every year. You also get to save on insurance premiums if you can prove that you’ve taken extra precautions. Here are a few tips for improving fleet security.
1. Keep the keys in a centralized location
Once the vehicles are parked in the garage, your drivers need to deposit the keys in a centralized location. Some people leave the keys in the glove box or a hidden compartment somewhere inside the vehicle. This system can be more convenient for your employees, but it also increases your risk of auto theft. Someone can drive away with the vehicle once they find the keys.
You also need to instruct your drivers to take the keys with them whenever they have to step away from the vehicle. A running vehicle left alone is just begging to be stolen, and you don’t want to lose an entire truckload of goods just because they left the vehicle for a few minutes.
2. Invest in security for valuable cargo
Even if you’ve taken steps to secure your vehicle, anyone can smash their way in and steal the cargo. Glass can always be shattered, and metal can always be cut or drilled through. General-purpose trucks are designed to transport everyday goods. If you need to transport valuable cargo like electronics, you’ll need to retrofit your vehicle to increase security.
You’ll need to use an armored delivery vehicle when transporting precious goods such as jewelry or cash. You might need to hire a few guards to protect the cargo. Invest in front and rear cameras and an onboard GPS for high-value-cargo vehicles.
At the very least, your fleet should be equipped with an alarm system to deter most criminals. If someone is trying to infiltrate the vehicle, the system will sound the alarm and automatically contact the authorities. A GPS should also allow you to track the vehicle in the event of a hijacking.
3. Replace old vehicles
There’s only so much you can do to upgrade old or classic vehicles—no point in keeping around a 20-year-old van if you can’t do much to improve it. Buying a brand-new vehicle with all the latest security upgrades makes more financial sense in the long run. Some upgrades you might want to look into include immobilizers, remote piloting, and onboard communications systems.
4. Don’t forget the basics
With all the security upgrades and systems available for sale today, it can be easy to lose sight of the fundamentals. New technology can never replace experience and common sense. After all, a state-of-the-art security system can be undone by a single mistake. If you’re investing in new upgrades, make sure to include the basics as well.
For instance, basic tools like locks have remained reliable for years. They might not be the most flashy or high-tech, but they have proven time and again their capabilities over the years. Make it a point to buy basic tools for your vehicles, no matter how advanced they are. The goal is to minimize human error and increase fleet security.
The bottom line
Keep these four security tips in mind to improve fleet protection and deter theft. Running a business is already hard enough, and you don’t want to waste time dealing with threat actors. Investing in security allows you to do your best without thinking of human errors or threat actors.
