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Ventura Transfer Company Releases
Guidelines for Driver Safety. Terrorism still a reality for U.S.
truckers
TERRORISM STILL A REALITY FOR US TRUCKERS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE --- LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA, JUNE 2003 ---
Ventura Transfer Company (VTC) announces their Security Tactics
Against Terrorism plan. The plan, known internally as ”STAT”,
is a combination of industry standards and experienced-based guidelines
that VTC has identified as critical steps to ensuring the safety
of their drivers, equipment and loads.
“Security is one of the biggest concerns of our industry at
the moment,” said Brian Oken, President of Ventura Transfer
Company. “The intelligence community has shared that various
terrorist operatives have explored the use of trucks as weapons
of mass destruction. At VTC we believe it is our responsibility
to reassure our customers, drivers and the people we share the road
with that we have a sound plan in place to secure our vehicles,
cargo and storage facilities.”
The STAT Plan:
- All VTC terminals must be locked and secured during
non-business hours.
- Drivers of loaded trailers that are stopped in
transit or held overnight must ensure that outlets are cable sealed
(not tin sealed).
- All tractors must be double-checked to ensure that
they are securely locked before a terminal is closed for the night.
- Drivers must maintain regular 2-way communication
and ensure tracing capability.
- Drivers are trained to report any suspicious activities
to the local police, and to disclose information only to individuals
with proper clearance.
- Drivers should always cable seal all tankcars
when not being uploaded and all information must be documented.
- Tractor doors must be locked, and all trailer and
container doors are secured.
Other “Common Sense” Guidelines Include:
Whenever possible, drivers should: vary their route, park in areas
where other truckers are present, never stop on dark roadways or
in deserted areas while waiting to make deliveries, use reputable
truck stops along the driver’s route and go directly to the
delivery point without making any stops. Never park in unsecured
areas such as parking lots or malls, always be aware of vehicles
that are following drivers and of strangers asking questions. Be
suspicious of individuals who ask drivers to stop as a result of
an alleged traffic accident, never pick up hitchhikers and always
remain aware of their surroundings.
“We’ve had a lot of these procedures and systems in
place for a long time, and although our nations threat level recently
(6/2/03) reduced from HIGH (condition orange) to ELEVATED (condition
yellow) we at VTC don‘t want to take anything for granted,“
said Greg Clifford, Vice President of Operations.
“This is no time to be complacent with regards to security,
safety or terrorism,” added Oken.
ABOUT VENTURA TRANSFER COMPANY (VENTURA-LESBRO)
Ventura Transfer Company (VTC), headquartered in Long Beach, California
manages the handling and distribution of products shipped in bulk.
In addition to providing two full service ISO Container depots in
California, VTC also has a network of nine railcar transfer terminals
in California and Arizona that deliver bulk commodities throughout
the United States. Additionally, the company has two warehouse locations
in the Los Angeles area. Founded in 1869, VTC is the leader in long-term
customer relationships. VTC has one of the most distinguished records
for safety in the industry, and is the only company to win the coveted
California Trucking Association’s Board of Directors Grand
Trophy, two years in a row.
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