7 Steps to Combat the Rising Threat of CPC Theft for drivers and fleet carriers

This publish is a part of a collection sponsored by IAT Insurance Group.

Recently, 24 industrial vans have been rendered ineffective at an public sale home in Pennsylvania when the Common 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 important to maintaining operations operating.

Similar to 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 features, vans can not run with no CPC.

7 methods to deal with CPC theft for drivers and fleet carriers

A proactive strategy is the perfect deterrent for theft of any variety, particularly in relation to essential components that hold your fleet in movement. Here are seven methods fleet homeowners and operators will help deter CPC theft each on the highway and when a automobile will not be in use:

1. Lock the doorways. While this may sound like an apparent technique to deter theft, drivers typically depart vans unlocked through 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 items 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 will help pinpoint secure areas to cease when on the highway.
3. Seek secure parking. Drivers ought to find a fenced or gated location to park, both at their house terminal or when out on the highway, paying shut consideration to decide on well-lit areas when out there.
4. Select a safe password. All CPCs in fleets ought to have designated passwords which might be set by contacting the CPC producer.
5. Report stolen CPCs. Fleet carriers and truckers ought to notify native regulation 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 services must be checked towards the corporate’s database of CPCs to make sure the module hasn’t been stolen or illegally bought.
7. Notify officers should you uncover a stolen CPC. Dealers and restore services ought to name native regulation enforcement and the trucking producer when a stolen CPC turns up.

CPC theft is a significant disruption for fleet operations. In addition to alternative and restore prices, stolen CPC items may end up in missed supply deadlines for the fleet and disruptions for companies ready for the supply. Future deliveries may be impacted as motor carriers deal with provide chain points whereas they look ahead to a brand new CPC.

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

By Jared Fritts

[1] Fleet Equipment Magazine “Efforts to Stop CPC Module Thefts Continue,” July 1, 2022.

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