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Solving Parking Shortage via Self-Guarding Trailers

Solving Parking Shortage via Self-Guarding Trailers

Abstract This white paper advocates for the adoption of advanced cargo security technologies, such as immobilization systems and internally locking cargo doors, to address the prevalent issues truck drivers face with parking shortages, security risks, and duty time limitations. By enabling drivers to secure their trailers at unsecured locations and continue to safer rest areas with only the tractor, these technologies can potentially reduce the time spent searching for parking and improve overall safety and efficiency in the trucking industry.


Introduction

The trucking industry is crucial to the supply chain, yet it faces significant challenges related to parking shortages and security. Truck drivers frequently spend considerable time searching for safe parking, which impacts their productivity and poses safety risks. Advanced cargo security technologies offer a promising solution to these issues. This white paper examines the potential benefits of such technologies in mitigating parking and security problems. We present arguments from both sides and conclude by showing how you can use Level5Fleet Admiral to expand possible parking areas and securely implement handovers.

The Problem

There is a chronic shortage of safe and legal parking spaces for truck drivers, forcing many to park in unsecured or unauthorized locations. This increases the risk of cargo theft and personal danger. A 2023 survey by the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) found that nearly 63% of truck drivers reported difficulty finding safe and legal parking, with over 90% saying it negatively impacts their quality of life on the road.

Todd Spencer, president of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, highlighted on NPR that in 2023, there was only one parking spot for every eleven drivers.

Regulations such as the Hours of Service (HOS) require drivers to take mandatory breaks. The difficulty in finding parking within the allowed driving hours often forces drivers to either violate these regulations or park in unsafe locations. This issue not only impacts driver safety but also has significant economic implications, costing drivers an average of $5,500 annually in lost income due to time spent searching for parking.

Technology offers multiple solutions to address these problems. For instance, Trucker Path provides navigation with parking location sharing, helping drivers to plan their stops more efficiently. Additionally, discussions are ongoing about implementing sensors to help drivers locate available parking. These solutions address the problem of finding parking spots. On the supply side, proposed funding legislations aim to increase the number of available locations.

Emerging technologies in self-guarding trailers offer a unique approach to solving the parking issue by utilizing existing unsecured locations. In the following sections, we will discuss these solutions and how they can help enhance safety and efficiency for truck drivers.

Self-Guarding Trailer Technology

This security solution integrates preventive measures, real-time alerts, and detailed reporting to enhance cargo protection. A key feature is delegating security decisions to the trailer itself, allowing it to control access and movements based on pre-set conditions such as carrier identity, location and appointments. This decentralized decision-making enhances scalability and flexibility, making the solution suitable for both large fleets and small operators. It effectively addresses security concerns such as theft, misuse, and operational inefficiencies by empowering the asset to manage its own security.

The figure below shows products in Level5Fleet’s Admiral security suite that make security self-management possible.

Admiral Solution Components

Opening up More Locations

Admiral significantly reduce the risk of cargo theft by ensuring that even if the trailer is left in an unsecured location, it remains protected. It can’t be moved nor opened unless the driver or the carrier is authorized.

By allowing drivers to leave secured trailers in less secure locations, they can move the tractor to safer, more convenient resting spots, thus optimizing their duty time and reducing stress and fatigue. This could lead to a reduction in the average 56 minutes spent daily searching for parking, translating to significant productivity gains​.

Drivers can more easily comply with HOS regulations, reducing the risk of violations and associated penalties. This compliance is critical, as non-compliance can lead to hefty fines and increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies​ (FreightWaves)​.

Ensuring that trucks are not parked in hazardous locations improves overall road safety for all motorists. This is supported by findings that truck drivers parking on highway shoulders or ramps pose significant safety risks to other road users​ (American Trucking Association)​.

Implications for Duty Time and Safety

Beyond cargo security and public safety, personal driver safety is a critical concern, as tragically highlighted by Jason’s Law. This law, named after Jason Rivenburg, a truck driver who was murdered after parking in an unsecured location, underscores the importance of safe parking options for drivers. If drivers had access to advanced cargo security technologies, they could potentially park their trailers in unsecured lots and drive the tractor to a safer area to rest.

Under FMCSA regulations, personal conveyance allows drivers to use their truck for personal use, including driving to a motel or a safer location after dropping a trailer. Personal conveyance time is logged as off-duty, provided the movement is not for the benefit of the carrier. The criteria to be met are:

  1. Driver Relieved of Duty: The driver must be completely relieved from all responsibility for performing work.
  2. Free to Pursue Personal Activities: The driver must be free to leave the truck and pursue activities of their own choosing during the rest period.

However, what exactly constitutes being “relieved from all responsibilities”? If the trailer is equipped with advanced security systems that guard against theft and tampering, can the driver be considered relieved of the responsibility for cargo security? This question touches on significant psychological barriers.

Addressing Psychological Barriers

One might question the feasibility of leaving a highly valuable asset, such as a trailer filled with expensive cargo, in an unsecured location, even with advanced security measures. This is akin to asking whether one would leave a Brinks armored vehicle full of cash unattended, despite knowing it will take nothing short of Danny Ocean’s team to break into.

Building trust in advanced security technologies is crucial for their widespread adoption. Drivers and fleet managers need comprehensive education on the reliability and effectiveness of immobilization systems and internally locking cargo doors. Understanding and confidence in these technologies can significantly alleviate concerns about leaving valuable cargo unattended in unsecured locations.

Level5Fleet Admiral goes a step further by incorporating automated products to facilitate the transfer of custody, which can address driver uneasiness. Here’s how it works:

  1. Virtual Yards: Carriers and shippers can create virtual yards—geofenced areas where temporary drops and pickups are permitted. These virtual yards provide a structured and secure environment for cargo transfers, ensuring that trailers are only accessible within designated safe zones.
  2. Automated Proof of Custody: The Admiral system facilitates automated proof of custody, ensuring secure and verifiable handovers. This feature records and manages the custody of the trailer, transferring responsibility seamlessly between the driver on-site and the carrier or shipper.
  3. Driver-Specific Authorization: Only the designated driver or authorized personnel can access the trailer, reducing the risk of unauthorized access. The system verifies the driver’s identity and authorizes access, ensuring that the cargo remains secure throughout the transfer process.
  4. Handover to Another Driver: If another driver is scheduled to pick up the trailer, the Admiral system ensures a secure handover. The new driver must authenticate at the specific location and time designated for the pickup. The system verifies the driver’s identity and authorizes access to the trailer.
  5. Secure Transport to Safe Zone: The trailer remains locked and immobilized until it reaches a designated safe zone, ensuring that the cargo is protected throughout the journey. The Admiral system continuously monitors the trailer’s status, providing alerts in case of any unauthorized attempts to access or move it.

By integrating these features, the Level5Fleet Admiral system not only enhances cargo security but also provides peace of mind to drivers and fleet managers. This comprehensive approach helps overcome psychological barriers and builds trust in the effectiveness of advanced security technologies.

Arguments Against

Initial Costs: Without advanced security systems, drivers bear the costs and risks associated with parking-space problems. The implementation of self-guarding trailers would shift the burden of these costs from the driver to the asset owner, requiring an initial investment. While the return on investment (ROI) for owner-operators can be compelling due to increased security and operational efficiency, the upfront costs may be a barrier for some companies.

Technical Issues: Advanced security systems are not immune to potential technical malfunctions or failures, which could lead to operational disruptions. Ensuring that these technologies are reliable and robust is crucial.

Complex Regulations: Regulatory complexities, such as Bills of Lading (BOL) rules, might impose barriers to custody handovers if the driver leaves the trailer unattended. These regulations require strict adherence to legal protocols for the transfer of custody, which can be challenging to navigate. Implementing advanced security technologies must account for these regulatory requirements to ensure that custody handovers are legally compliant and seamless.

Conclusion

The adoption of advanced cargo security technologies presents a viable solution to the pressing issues of parking shortages and security risks in the trucking industry. By allowing drivers to secure trailers in unsecured locations and continue to safer rest areas, these technologies can improve operational efficiency, enhance safety, and ensure better compliance with duty time regulations. Despite the initial costs and potential technical challenges, the benefits make a compelling case for widespread implementation.

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The Future of Tractor-Trailer Security