7 Steps to Fight the Rising Menace of CPC Theft for drivers and fleet carriers

This put up is a part of a collection sponsored by IAT Insurance coverage Group.

Not too long ago, 24 industrial vans have been rendered ineffective at an public sale home in Pennsylvania when the Widespread Powertrain Controller (CPC) modules have been stolen from the vans’ dashboards.^[1] A string of CPC thefts throughout the nation have left truck homeowners and fleets with unusable vans at a time when having out there tools is significant to maintaining operations operating.

Much like the inflow of stolen automotive catalytic converters due to their hint quantities of uncommon metals, CPCs are often called the brains of economic vans and fetch a excessive value on the black market. Controlling the engine and powertrain capabilities, vans can not run with no CPC.

7 methods to handle CPC theft for drivers and fleet carriers

A proactive method is one of the best deterrent for theft of any type, particularly with regards to essential components that maintain your fleet in movement. Listed below are seven methods fleet homeowners and operators may help deter CPC theft each on the street and when a automobile will not be in use:

1. Lock the doorways. Whereas this would possibly sound like an apparent method to deter theft, drivers usually depart vans unlocked in the course of the loading and unloading course of, when stopping for a break or when parked at their place of domicile. It’s all about limiting entry to the dashboard. All energy models must be routinely locked and secured when not occupied — even when the driving force is steps away from the cab for a minute or two.
2. Plan your route. An important factor of security and theft prevention is route planning. Pre-planning routes may help pinpoint secure areas to cease when on the street.
3. Search secure parking. Drivers ought to find a fenced or gated location to park, both at their residence terminal or when out on the street, paying shut consideration to decide on well-lit areas when out there.
4. Choose a safe password. All CPCs in fleets ought to have designated passwords which will be set by contacting the CPC producer.
5. Report stolen CPCs. Fleet carriers and truckers ought to notify native legislation enforcement and truck producers instantly after a theft happens.
6. Cross-reference automobile identification numbers from CPCs. CPCs introduced in for set up to dealerships and restore amenities must be checked in opposition to the corporate’s database of CPCs to make sure the module hasn’t been stolen or illegally bought.
7. Notify officers when you uncover a stolen CPC. Sellers and restore amenities ought to name native legislation enforcement and the trucking producer when a stolen CPC turns up.

CPC theft is a serious disruption for fleet operations. Along with substitute and restore prices, stolen CPC models may end up in missed supply deadlines for the fleet and disruptions for companies ready for the supply. Future deliveries is also impacted as motor carriers cope with provide chain points whereas they watch for a brand new CPC.

Contact IAT for extra data for minimizing the specter of CPC theft.

By Jared Fritts

[1] Fleet Gear Journal “Efforts to Cease CPC Module Thefts Proceed,” July 1, 2022.

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