One of the most common problems facing the freight transport industry in Mexico is the theft of trailers while in transit. According to data from Sensitech, 66% of thefts involving freight vehicles occur during transport; this results in losses of 92 billion pesos a year, according to José Ramón Medrano Ibarra, national president of Canacar.

Faced with this serious problem, you’re probably wondering, “How can I prevent theft of goods in transit from my fleet?” The answer lies in the fifth-wheel lock.

Keep reading to find out what a fifth-wheel lock is, how it works, and how it can help you prevent theft of your trailer and cargo.

What is a fifth-wheel hitch?

The fifth-wheel lock is a security device designed to prevent unauthorized unhooking of the trailer. This prevents criminals from taking control of the trailer or the cargo in transit, thereby increasing the likelihood of completely thwarting theft.

These systems are specifically designed for freight transport, so they are used with tractor-trailers equipped with a fifth wheel.

How the fifth-wheel lock works

This device prevents the natural movement of the fifth-wheel mechanism, completely locking the trailer in place to prevent it from being unhitched without authorization. This allows you to protect your cargo from theft, especially when traveling on Mexican roads.

However, many of the fifth-wheel locks on the market have some drawbacks. The first and most significant is that most are susceptible to tampering: criminals have multiple ways to manipulate the fifth-wheel lock, whether through mechanical, electrical, or electronic methods. Some of the most common methods include bypassing the lock with wires and striking it hard with a sledgehammer.

Interlock 5: Our Smart Fifth-Wheel Lock

To address the most common issues with fifth-wheel locks and maximize security against theft of goods in transit, we developed Interlock 5: a tamper-proof smart fifth-wheel lock.

https://youtu.be/LqO8G7qF2rU

Some of the most notable benefits of Interlock 5 are:

• Tamper-proof: our fifth-generation padlock is housed in a welded steel casing that protects it against any kind of tampering
  
• Remote locking and unlocking: Through our platform, the monitoring center can lock or unlock the padlock remotely
  
• Local locking and unlocking: Using our keypad with dynamic codes shared by the monitoring team—similar to a bank security token—the lock can be securely locked and unlocked
  
• Automated locking: Because it is connected to our tracking system, the farm gate lock automatically locks or unlocks when it detects geofences
  
• Installation at your own site: We have a mobile workshop that can come to your site to carry out an installation project
  
• On-site support: Our mobile workshop can travel anywhere in the country when needed

With our solutions, we can eliminate theft from your cargo trucks in less than 90 days. Learn more by clicking here, or contact one of our advisors for a free initial consultation.

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