TrailerLock ‘holds universal key’ to refrigerated trailer, sea container security
TrailerLock recently introduced a new universal key for its refrigerated trailer and see container door lock, which the company says means any driver now can access any trailer using a common key.
All operators need to do, according to the UK-based company, is secret the key under the trailer (and advise their forwarding counterpart as such), or mail a key in advance. Or, to be doubly sure, operators can take both actions.
The company says the new universal key helps combat the risk of theft and attempts to stow away in unsecured trailers, which is increasing in the United Kingdom. According to a report from the Department for Transport on Feb. 18, recent trends in road freight have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, road-goods vehicles made 3.2 million trips from Great Britain to Europe, a 6% decrease compared to the previous year.
However, of this 3.2 million, the report highlighted a significant increase in unaccompanied trailer traffic to more than 1 million—42% to the Netherlands and 28% to Ireland.
Manufactured from solid steel, simple to operate and resistant to bolt-croppers and crowbars, FridgeLock is extendable and fits most types of surface-mounted door furniture, particularly for temperature-controlled trailers and containers, the company said.
A barrel lock, protected by a coated steel cap, needs just a half turn to open the two sections of the device, which is then adjusted for length and clamped over each of the vertical door rods.
In addition to protecting the vehicle load itself, FridgeLock protects drivers and continental operators by reducing the possibility of Border Force penalties, which can run into many tens of thousands of pounds.
The lock is also ideal for domestic traffic, especially when vehicles are parked up overnight.
Currently, ‘civil penalties for clandestine entrants’ amount to £4,000 ($5,434) per illegal entrant—half to be paid by the driver and the other half to be paid by the hauler. If these penalties are not paid, the vehicle can be seized and held until payment is made. If the penalty is not paid at all, the vehicle can be destroyed.
“We have around 10 new instructions per week where haulers are seeking to appeal against the imposition of penalties for clandestine entrants running into the tens of thousands of pounds,” said Simon Clarke of Smith Bowyer Clarke, specialist road transport lawyers. “In some cases, having to pay these penalties would mean the company going out of business.”
According to continental operator Tarrant International, FridgeLock has proved to be effective and simple to use in their temperature-controlled vehicle fleet. “Quick, strong and uncomplicated,” director Fergal Tarrant said. “We also use other locks but this one does the job.”
Regarding the potential perils of trailer break-ins, Simon Clarke added: “Drivers may be vigilant in checking their vehicles; however, thousands of illegal immigrants hide inside trucks heading for the UK each year. Despite Border Force accepting that a driver and hauler have no idea that the illegal immigrants were inside the truck, penalties will be imposed. One of the best ways to prevent this is by securing the doors of a trailer with a robust lock that cannot be disarmed.”
Visit trailerlock.uk.com for more information.
