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Mar 1, 2010 12:00 PM, By Charles E Wilson

Conley's comments are echoed in a letter that a New England fuel hauler sent to its drivers. The letter states: “The takeaway from the report is that ‘recent assessments suggest that terrorists are considering how to weaponize gasoline tankers.’ Basically, there are 19 million truckload shipments of gasoline in the United States annually. This information is nothing new to our industry. We have our security plans in place. However, the security of the load you are transporting rests with you, our professional driver.”

Secondly, the study does contain one glaring error, according to Conley. It says a gasoline tanker could be missing a few days before the loss would be known. That simply is not the case for US fuel haulers, most of them run fleet ratios of one trailer per tractor, and the equipment runs on very tight schedules.

Thirdly, the study seems to be laying the foundation for DHS to mandate a wide range of costly security technologies. “I'm concerned that this report could be used to mandate real-time tracking of gasoline and other hazardous materials on tank trucks,” Conley says. “Given the relatively short distances covered by tank trucks hauling gasoline, this does not seem to be a viable option. NTTC has and will continue to work closely with the Transportation Security Administration, Department of Transportation, and other government and private entities to ensure safe and secure delivery of our products.”

Finally, a well-trained, alert driver is still the best security system on a tank truck. The best thing a truck driver can do is follow the DHS and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration driver anti-terrorism tips:

• Be alert when driving. Look for vehicles following you, especially if there are three or more people in the car;

• If you believe you are being followed, call dispatch or 911 immediately;

• When leaving the yard or the loading terminal, be aware of any possible surveillance of your truck;

• Don't discuss your cargo, destination, or trip specifics with people you don't know or on open channels (CBs);

• When stopped at a traffic light or in traffic, be aware of anyone approaching your vehicle;

• Make sure you have communication devices to contact dispatch and emergency officials;

• Leave your truck in a secure parking lot or truck stop if possible. If you can't, be certain someone can watch your vehicle;

• Never leave your vehicle running with the keys in it. Shut off the engine and lock the doors;

• Protect your vehicle and inspect it for tampering;

• Stay alert for any unusual behavior and report anything of concern immediately.

Agree or disagree? Make your voice heard by visiting Bulk Transporter Interactive at bulktransporter.com and clicking on “Contact Us.”