Keeping Tractor Secure In Bad Areas

I’m now a dry van O/O, but when I did flatbed for 7 years I always had my work equipment stolen when parked at and not at a truck stop… rolled up unused tarps, chains, binders and heck… even new straps!! Nothing could be done about it.

Old School, sorry that my comment overlapped on yours, I was typing mine before I saw yours.

But it does raise a question in my mind: What about flatbed loads? Have you ever had anything stolen off one of your loads?

In 8 years, i felt this once. The george floyd riots. There was no place for me to go. I was surrounded in a rest area. I sat with a hammer in each hand and waited with the curtains closed. After a couple of hours the crowd died down. No one attacked the truck...they were just noisy and surrounding the area.

Most non truckers assume the trucks are still manual shift so some random mob is unlikely to try to steal the truck. Plus, the trucks have GPS locators which most people realize. It is far more common for a dropped trailer to be stolen than a tractor.

In terms of keeping myself safe, I typically park where there are other trucks parked. That’s the best tip I can give you as far as protecting yourself. Beyond that, I have two decent size dogs in the truck that would go ham if someone tried to get in my truck. They may not be trained to attack at this point but it doesn’t matter. I’m not an easy target because of their mere presence and after bringing them with me I don’t even always lock my doors when I run into the truck stop for something real quick.

I also keep a SOG knife next to my driver seat. I use it as a work knife but if someone ever tried to enter the truck, moving or not, they’re getting a large knife to the face. I’ve thought about getting pepper spray or mace for extra protection but haven’t done it yet.

The only times I’ve worried about my own safety while parked are the times I parked where no other trucks were around. I feel like that is the easiest way to make yourself a target

I ran mostly dry vans and reefers during my career and never had a break in or an attempt. I almost always parked in truck stops, under a light, either backed up to a light pole or another trailer very carefully and used a good padlock.

When in the cab I locked the doors, used vent window locks, bungee cords across both inner door handles and I carried both a can of wasp spray and a police baton filled with lead as a last resort. Thank God I never had to use them.

Not really sure why the question, does the youth of this country not honor there rights, simple, 2nd amendment period, our life we live you better be prepared for all and hope for nothing

The store that I delivered to was broken into last night and I was parked out back in an alley. Not exactly one of the safest places. The police woke me up to ask me questions. What are some ways that you keep yourself and your tractor safe in bad areas?

Preventive measures.

If you don't want to roll the dice and carry a firearm, then personal convey to a safe location if you are deadzoned in a ghetto area. I would have argued with any safety manager any day of the week on that. No load is worth putting my life at risk especially if my 2nd amendment rights are hamstrung by both company policy and liberal states that go after law abiding citizens before criminals.

All that said, I've never had an issue because I've always managed to make safety my top priority. I would rather do a 10 hour reset 100 miles away than sit in a crack den parking lot with significant risk.

As far as the load goes, padlock and pray. If someone robs the load, it isn't your problem. Make the necessary phone calls, file the reports through the proper channels, and go from there. Let the company deal with it.