15/May/2009

Truck Stop - Secure Parking

Reversing the decline in the number of secure truckstops in the UK is the solution to the growing problem of freight theft, argues Neal Williams, Managing Director of Priority Freight.

Cargo and vehicle theft is an ever-present menace for the UK transport and logistics industry, costing the economy an estimated £250 million each year. And, with the recession now biting, the problem is likely to get worse. As well as organised crime and hijackings perpetrated by professionals, we are likely to see an increase in opportunist theft as the downturn takes grip.

The cost of crime
Many thousands of lorries are stolen in the UK each year. The loss of a vehicle can be very damaging for a small or medium-sized freight company; for a sole proprietor, it can be devastating. The average loss per incident now exceeds £25,000 and – even with adequate insurance in place – the costs in terms of disrupted work schedules and loss of customer goodwill can be significant.

Although criminal gangs are highly menacing, fortunately they seldom physically attack drivers. This small mercy, however, tends to make truck crime a low priority. Hence the importance of those few police and industry bodies dedicated to tackling this criminal activity by sharing information on road freight theft and best practice, such as JAGOLT (Joint Action Group On Lorry Theft), TruckWatch and TruckPol.

Secure parking is vital
Added to these bodies is SETPOS – Secure European Truck Parking Operational Services – an EU-led initiative with the objective of developing secure truck parking standards across Europe. Although dogged by the usual red tape and delays of European Union activity, SETPOS is, I believe, a step in the right direction. With strict legislation in place surrounding the number of hours lorry drivers can work, having secure places to park up in order to take the necessary rest breaks is essential. We definitely need to reverse the decline in the number of truckstops in the UK and there’s certainly a case for improving the standard of security at many of the facilities that do exist here. Unfortunately, the ease of access to truckstop information via the Internet – even the Highways Agency publishes its own on-line guide – serves to highlight truckstops as targets for criminals and so make them more insecure.

A brand-new truckstop in Dover
There is a real demand for overnight truckstops that are not only comfortable but are also really secure. Today’s transport managers are seeking the peace of mind provided by a totally safe site with great facilities for their drivers. That’s why I’m delighted to report that Priority Freight has opened a brand-new, secure overnight truckstop close to the port of Dover in Kent. Opened in mid-January, this new facility – located in Menzies Road, Port Zone, just three miles from the port – has capacity for 100 vehicles.

Real security
With over £500,000 infrastructure and security investment, the new truckstop features the kind of security measures that drivers should, I believe, have access to at a wide network of stops all over the country. The entry barrier system uses automatic number plate recognition technology and we have made significant investments in CCTV systems. As well as high-security fencing and bright lighting, there are a minimum of two security staff on duty 24/7 365 days a year maintaining 24 hour patrols. The security system includes 3 high speed dome day / night cameras, 18 static day / night cameras, 8 infra red perimeter detectors and 2 ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) cameras. All cameras are colour, and although they’re day / night cameras, the night lighting is so good, they permanently record in colour rather than black and white. The high speed dome cameras are equipped with 22-1 zoom lenses, and are programmed to sweep the entire area but also programmed to react to motion detection along the perimeters by the PIR system. The 18 static cameras are equipped with motion detection and are positioned to monitor the entrance, exit, perimeter and parking areas. The 8 PIR detectors provide an invisible 4 metre high alarmed curtain around the perimeter that link in with the cameras. The entry and exit barriers are monitored by PTZ, Fixed and ANPR cameras. Entry and exit is only authorised by speaking with our security team via the intercom. All video is recorded on two DVRs that are stored securely away from the security office and are not accessible by the security team. This ensures the highest security possible. The whole system is backed up by UPS power units as well as an automatic cut-in diesel generator that powers the whole site to ensure that all lighting, security systems, barriers, computers as well as all driver facilities including the driver restaurant continue as normal.

The drivers have not been forgotten either and the company has gone all out to ensure the drivers have a very pleasant stay where they can rest safely and securely. For driver comfort and entertainment, there’s an American-style licensed diner “Priority Pitstop” offering cracking food and drinks at very reasonable prices with a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere – with a jukebox and wide-screen TV. There’s a trucker’s shop operated by CDC, the UK market leader in truck and driver accessories who sell pretty much anything a driver could need. There are also impressive and clean male and female washroom facilities, including free hot showers.

Priority Freight
Our investment in this high-security facility reflects our confidence that the demand for secure truckstops in the UK is growing. Perhaps it takes a freight company to understand this! We certainly have considerable experience in handling high-value loads. As one of Europe’s leading emergency freight specialists, Priority Freight provides time-critical delivery services worldwide. Using sophisticated planning and management systems and working with more than 600 trusted partners across the globe, we offer urgent transport of goods by road, air charter, air freight, hand carry courier and deep sea.

Although specialising in shipments for multinational manufacturers – in the automotive, aerospace, medical, high tech, energy and aviation support industries – we also handle a diverse range of consignments for many other sectors including entertainment & sports, oil & gas, media and print. In addition, we serve a number of cultural organisations and private clients, transporting items such as works of art, antiques, valuable wines, expensive furniture, museum artefacts and even vintage vehicles.

Two-way communication with drivers, aircrews and couriers, combined with state-of-the-art software – including advanced tracking systems, – allow the real-time status and progress of every consignment to be continually monitored and reported to the client. Our headquarters in Dover are supported by operations in Coventry, Paris and Gibraltar, and we take pride in maintaining experienced and multilingual teams at each location, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Your Own Transport Depot in Dover
As well as secure truck parking and emergency transport services, Priority Freight combined with Dover Truckstop can act as your depot in Dover – The Gateway between the UK and Europe. We can offer short-term secure storage at our 24 hour 1500sqm warehouse within our truckstop.  Transhipment of loads between vehicles, Restowing and Restacking loads that may have moved in transit, plus onward distribution services to elsewhere in the UK or Europe. If your driver has run out of hours we can provide transport services to ensure the goods arrive on time as promised to your client whether in the UK or Europe safe in the knowledge that Priority Freight are experts at transporting high value sensitive loads. We can also provide a distribution service – for example if your truck returning from Europe has a load on board for maybe Bristol and another for Newcastle with the same delivery times, we can take one of those loads off your hands so that both are delivered on time.

A Unique Truckstop and Transport Service Combination
The high security Truckstop, fantastic driver facilities combined with the 24 hour warehousing, transhipment and specialist transport services, means that you can as an operator who use this facility receive a truly unique service. Not only would we act as your secure depot for parking your trucks, look after your drivers, provide you warehousing and transport but give you a competitive advantage if as an operator you build our services into your planning.