OptiLock™

Cargo loss and theft is an ongoing concern for all fleet managers. Not only will the loss of items or even a whole trailer affect the bottom line of a business, it can also lead to a raft of other problems – creating a perfect storm of things you just don’t need. These can include:

Data from the Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA), shows that cargo security is a global problem. TAPA’s Incident Information Service found that in 2019 an average of €305,000 is stolen every day from freights across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.^[1]

With this in mind, it’s no surprise that cargo security and theft is a huge consideration for those in charge of fleets. OptiLock™ offers a secure solution.

Cargo thefts take on a number of forms, from slash and grab jobs to theft from the trailer while it sits in a layby, with 85.1% of incidents of cargo theft taking place in unsecured parking locations.^[2] It’s not just parked vehicles either, theft does happen from moving vehicles. It’s important that fleet managers have a range of solutions to hand to keep precious cargo as secure as possible. OptiLock from WABCO’s portfolio is one such solution.

OptiLock’s primary benefit is to offer peace of mind for everyone involved in the supply chain, from fleet managers to drivers and customers. The system protects against a variety of potential theft eventualities, as well as mitigating the risk of fraud, proving vital in keeping supply chains uninterrupted with intuitive solutions.

Mechanical and electronic locking solutions

Mechanical OptiLock solutions provide practical and effective uses, from fixed padlock-operated models ideal for swing doors, to flexible options that require no mounting for door bars. These include stainless steel locks that can be bolted to a trailer door and deliver anti-drill protection. The mechanical locking solutions are easy to install on a variety of trailers. Locking devices can be used to prevent the vehicle itself being stolen too.

The electronic locking system ELB-Lock® for container and trailer doors offers several layers of security and a plethora of features, which allow fleet managers to tailor its operation to best meet their own security needs. They are invisible from the outside and can combine with telematics, for a high-tech and high standard security choice.

The security system allows fleet managers to effectively control who has access to the cargo and when in real-time. The ability to transfer unlocking permissions from the fleet manager to the driver and back again means you can allow the driver to unlock the trailer or leave the responsibility with someone back at base. For added peace of mind, OptiLock can also be set to remain locked until the trailer arrives at its destination, remaining intact, preventing theft and tampering.

OptiLock™ ELB-Lock® is feature-rich, without being overly complicated. It offers a modern security solution using virtual keys and codes. A driver can open the rear doors using a code on a cleverly hidden keypad, while a fleet manager can open or lock it remotely using an installed telematics device. If telematics are not equipped to the vehicle, the fleet manager can still unlock the doors remotely using one-time codes. These can be shared via SMS for the driver can enter on the keypad to gain or block access.

This means you can remove responsibility from the driver should you want to, freeing your drivers from being accused of theft or fraud should something happen to the load. It also means that if your cargo needs to be checked or inspected – at customs, for example – you can respond to that request either on the ground or remotely for added efficiency.

ELB-Lock also has its own power supply – an optional feature – ensuring the trailer is secure should anything happen to the truck’s battery or if the trailer is uncoupled. The telematics links back with your back-office, so you can constantly monitor the status of the lock in real time. It’s an elegant solution to a persistent problem that is both advanced and simple to use.

Ensuring that your truck and trailer get from A to B is your day-to-day job, and OptiLock is just one of a suite of products that can help you do this. TX-TRAILERGUARD, for instance, provides all the data you need about your trailer, including diagnostics, location and performance – vital when transporting temperature-controlled or precious or perishable goods. Moreover, being connected to TX-TRAILERGUARD, OptiLock ELB-Lock can generate alarms for the dispatcher in TX-CONNECT FMS back office platform in crucial situations.

You can also protect trailers from theft or unauthorised movement with Trailer Immobilizer. Combine these with OptiLock for more secure fleet operations.