may2023 - 33

Phillips said choosing the right location for the
cameras is essential. Installing a camera at the
back door of the semi-trailer can be particularly
effective for monitoring the cargo and detecting any
attempts to tamper with the door or steal the cargo.
" Pairing the cameras with a door sensor can
trigger camera events whenever the door is
opened or closed, " he said. " This can help to ensure
that the camera is capturing footage at the right
time and can provide a more complete picture of
what's happening in and around the trailer. "
Types of cargo theft
cameras and sensors
There are several solutions to address the rising
theft problem.
For example, Phillips' Connect1 fleet analytics
platform offers complete insight and management
of a fleet. Phillips said the Connect1 user interface
can be customized to send alerts if multiple tires
on the same trailer show fast deflation, which can
indicate tire theft. Using tools and techniques like
this can help fleets proactively prevent tire theft
and protect their assets.
" Storing the camera footage in the cloud via
Connect1 can provide an additional layer of security,
as the footage cannot be lost or removed, " Phillips
said. " This can be particularly important in the
event of a theft, as it can provide valuable evidence
for law enforcement and insurance purposes. "
According to Joseph, Jr. these cameras can help
prevent parts from being stolen, including batteries,
windshield wipers, mirrors, and even grilles.
Both Phillips and Joseph, Jr. said the key to using
cameras effectively for cargo security is to choose
high-quality cameras. Phillips said to look for ones
designed for use in semi-trailers specifically and
What to do if a theft occurs
Rob Phillips, CEO of Phillips Connect,
said there are several best practices
to follow after a theft has occurred.
1. Secure the area: If possible,
secure the area to prevent
further loss or damage.
2. Preserve evidence: Avoid disturbing
any potential evidence and document
the scene as thoroughly as possible,
including taking photos or videos.
3. Notify stakeholders: Notify
any relevant stakeholders, such
as the fleet owner, insurance
company, and cargo owners.
4. Review security measures:
Review the security measures in
place to identify any weaknesses.
5. Cooperate with law enforcement:
Provide police with any information that
may be helpful in their investigation.
6. Conduct an investigation: Conduct
an internal investigation on how the
theft occurred and how to prevent it.
Taking these steps can help minimize
the impact of a theft and increase
the chances of recovering assets.
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33
to pair them with other security measures such
as door sensors and alarms. Joseph, Jr. mentions a
few good features to look for in a security camera:
night vision, wide-angle lenses, motion detection,
two-way communication, weatherproofing, and
remote access.
" Configure the camera system to send notifications
or alerts to fleet managers or security
personnel when suspicious activity is detected, "
Joseph, Jr. says. " This can be done through email,
text message, or app notifications. "
Joseph Jr. said teaming up with a security
company that provides years of experience with
cameras and troubleshooting is the way to go. He
said it has helped Fleet Fast keep its cameras up
and running.
Orbcomm's door sensor solutions, Corlee said,
allow for identifying unauthorized door openings
and closing to capture potential theft. They can
also define the locations for open or closed doors
by setting geofence perimeters. And cargo camera
sensors can be installed to see the interior of the
trailers and check cargo integrity.
" Therefore, with technology, [drivers] can
easily be informed about any unauthorized or
unplanned access to their cargo and take immediate
action to mitigate loss, " Corlee said.
Corlee explained that Orbcomm's solutions are
" purpose-built and ruggedized for the demands
of the transportation industry " and are made to
be maintenance-free.
" In the event of damage or mishap, the units
are designed for a simple remove-and-replace
process that minimizes the required downtime
between loads. "
AI-powered cameras bring a new wave of security
for fleets, docks, and shop yards. Choosing the
right camera can also depend on the kind of range
and accessibility you need to accomplish the goal.
» Orbcomm's solutions monitor unauthorized
cargo access via geofencing on a trailer's doors.
Orbcomm
The Nio, an AI-driven camera from iDter, can
detect intrusions before a crime occurs. Truck
dealerships use the device to catch thieves trying
to lift fuel or other parts of their trucks. Nio can
sound an alert, flash lights, and have a voice say
the police are being notified. And, they actually
will be called. If you need a camera to detect
motion in combination with video analytics, the
Nio has both features.
» Phillips Connects' SmartLock Door replaces
the standard seal on a trailer door and can only
be unlocked by authorized fleet personnel, or
automatically in designated locations via the
Connect1 platform. It installs in about 5 minutes.
Phillips Connect
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may2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of may2023
