Your fleet's security is only as strong as its weakest link. And if your security system consists solely of an automotive relay—like the one included in most GPS platforms—you're in serious trouble.

Automotive relays: safety or risk?

Many GPS platforms market themselves as security solutions for their customers in addition to being logistics or monitoring solutions.

The reality is that most GPS systems for vehicles that claim to include a security feature are equipped with nothing more than a simple automotive relay that costs around $50 pesos, and can be disabled in a minute with just a screwdriver and a pair of pliers.

Turn off your traditional relay in three easy steps

It doesn't matter how many functions a device has if it stops working once it's removed. The automotive relay can be reset in three steps:

1. The panel is opened using a screwdriver
2. The relay is removed; it is easily identifiable
3. Using a pair of pliers, cut the red wire (voltage) or the black wire (ground)

It is important to note that these steps are merely illustrative, since any criminal would simply rip out the dashboard without even bothering to preserve the fasteners.

Remote lock, but not automatic

These types of systems allow the unit to be deactivated remotely via a web-based signal, through an app, or by sending an SMS to the unit’s SIM card. This means that the lock is remote but not automatic: the user must personally send the signal for the unit to be locked.

Ignition lockout: a hidden danger

Almost all relays are powered by the vehicle's ignition system, which can have disastrous consequences. When you turn off the engine, the steering wheel becomes stiff, the brakes stop working, and the dashboard goes dark. Can you imagine if this happened while the vehicle was in motion?

Tamperlock: Remote Tamper-Proof Lock

Recognizing this serious security issue with tractor-trailers, we at Logitrack developed Tamperlock: a system that replaces the traditional and dangerous automotive relay, addressing the most critical issues:

Automation of business rules

This is indeed an automatic block. Through our C5 Logístico platform, you can set up all the business rules that apply to each vehicle, such as authorized stops and routes, among others.

This means that a user no longer needs to manually activate the device's lock; instead, Tamperlock does so automatically when a business rule is violated or an attempt at tampering is detected.

Cut the throttle

Instead of shutting down the vehicle, the Tamperlock system locks the accelerator, allowing for controlled braking while keeping the steering wheel and dashboard operational.

Blockage caused by cut cables

While automotive immobilizers are bypassed by cutting a wire, Tamperlock is designed to counter the modus operandi of organized crime by automatically locking the vehicle when it detects a cut wire.

Cable Short Detection

Some more resourceful criminals try to bypass the cables instead of simply cutting them. Tamperlock detects this attempt at tampering and automatically locks the unit.

Lure rigging

Why make it easy for criminals? As an added safeguard, Tamperlock’s main wiring is concealed and includes colored decoy wires connected to the system to trigger an alarm if any attempt at tampering is detected.

A GPS is not a security system

The tracking capabilities of a GPS system should not be confused with an anti-theft security system for trucks. The vehicle itself is the weakest link in your fleet’s security chain.

If you're looking for a robust safety system for tractor-trailers that incorporates advanced technology—including artificial intelligence—you've come to the right place. At Logitrack, we develop and implement state-of-the-art systems and automation solutions for the trucking industry.

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