Padlocking Trailer Doors

Here's a reason to lock all the trailers. Suppose you have those giant paper rolls (theft proof b/c of size + weight) or a trailer load of fertilizer. No problem so why padlock it?

But you get a trailer full of 70" flat screen TV's. Wow! Several $100,000 in back! Lock those puppies up for sure!

If you follow this program, the padlock on the door is simply a come-on for thieves - since you only padlock the good stuff, they will know which trailers to get into.

But if you lock up every single trailer - fertilizer or TV's - that eliminates the bull's eye at the back of your trailer.

I knew a guy who grew up in Phila in the 70s, and he said they would open a semi's door at red lights, one guy would hold it partially open so the driver didn't see it in his mirror, and one would hand boxes of whatever was inside to a bunch of friends, then they would take off.

They do that in Chicago. You might even see a pickup driving in reverse up against the back of a trailer while someone is tossing freight out the back.

They do that in Chicago. You might even see a pickup driving in reverse up against the back of a trailer while someone is tossing freight out the back.

Not only do they do that but they will make you hit them at a stop light or stop sign by stopping short and then pull the same stunt. Also they have been known to hijack trucks but that is usually for package trucks, but there was some news about it happening to semis as well.

It's been more than a year ago.. maybe 2, that I was followed down 41 south coming out of the Chicago area. Not just for a few miles either. They were so close, I only knew they were there because it was sunny and I saw their shadow. I speed up, slowed down to 35 even and they wouldn't pass. I was just about to call 911 when I saw a leo with a car pulled over. I pulled in right behind them and put on my 4 ways. The vehicle following me was a white pickup with 2 white males. They immediately did a U turn and headed back north quickly.

I let the officer know they had been following me for almost 100 miles. He got on his radio, but also followed me down the road a few miles to make sure they weren't coming back.

That's the ONLY time where I was positive I was being followed. I was only carrying cardboard boxes from the IP at Des Plaines, so it had to be the truck they wanted.

I frequently go in and through Chicago with no problems luckily.