Lock it up

The Transportation Security Administration next year will consider a rule requiring all trucks and storage areas to be locked. Under the proposal, detailed by director of cargo security George Rodriguez at a recent security conference in Washington, all carriers must install locks, and drivers and companies could be fined for not using them.

Rodriguez said that a simple padlock might fit the bill for trailers.

The plan would apply to all carriers, including those making frequent deliveries such as UPS and FedEx, which are expected to oppose such a plan because frequent locking and unlocking trucks at each stop would cut into delivery times. Carriers are also concerned about cost, which could be more than $20 each for good quality locks.