With diesel accounting for 40% of a Hauliers’ operating costs, it is imperative that Hauliers monitor their fuel bills closely. This, coupled with the unabated rise in diesel prices means that any form of diesel theft or spills can have a huge effect on a Haulier’s profits.
Although Hauliers suffer most when fuel duty rises, it must be remembered that higher fuel prices affect all road users. This is significant, as with prices increasing above the rate of inflation, it means that there is a far greater likelihood of diesel theft occurring.
Theft of diesel is a problem that affects every haulier but gets criminally ignored. With 3rd party theft of diesel being so difficult to trace, many instances are not even reported by victims. However, a survey conducted by the Freight Transport Association (FTA) revealed how widespread the problem was. Out of the 600 Hauliers surveyed, a combined total of 894 instances of fuel theft was reported, amounting to a total of 318,000 litres stolen.
Often it is difficult for Hauliers to realise that they are the victims of fuel theft. Of the few incidences that are reported, all concern Trucks that have the majority of their Tanks drained whilst parked up at a layby, truckstop or company depot. Shockingly, it is estimated that these incidences account for just 1% of all fuel theft. The majority goes unnoticed due to the practice of “skimming”.
Skimming of diesel is the name given to the practice of stealing fuel from the top of a full tank. This practice is often employed by Drivers for their own personal use. Difficult to trace as the amounts taken may be just 30 litres each time, however, if this is replicated every week and throughout the fleet, it soon puts a significant dent in a Haulier’s profits.
The likelihood of “skimming” occurring is increasing as more road users opt for diesel cars. Figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers (SMMT) in August revealed that diesel cars now account for over 40% of all new car registrations. 5 years ago the figure stood at just 23%.
“Standard” fuel anti-siphon devices have been in existence for a number of years, with a varying range of quality and cost. However, all have the same limitation: all “standard” devices can only protect the fuel from the bottom of the anti-siphon’s neck. As some “Standard” devices have necks that measure 7 inches in length, this means there is still a large amount of diesel unprotected.
Even the shortest anti-siphon devices available suffer the same limitation. With some fuel tanks capable of holding up to 700 litres of fuel, anti-siphons with 3 inch long necks still leave in excess of 100 litres of fuel exposed to skimming.
Fortunately, there is one device available that addresses these issues. The TankSafe “Impregnable” from TISS Security Systems is the only system that stops any fuel theft.
Blackpool based TISS were formed in 1999 by a team of hauliers with over 30 years experience in the haulage industry. After initially developing an Alarm system designed to warn the Driver of any break-ins into the trailer, TISS began to develop products that addressed other security concerns, such as theft of Trucks, Loads and Fuel. TISS’ portfolio currently includes a range of Tracking Solutions, ‘CurtainSafe’- an anti-slash curtain material for Curtainsider Trailers, and their biggest selling products: the ‘TankSafe’ anti-siphons.
The ‘TankSafe’ ‘Impregnable’ anti-siphon prevents any fuel theft due to a unique float-valve at the bottom of the anti-siphon neck. This float-valve allows fuel to flow into the tank, but locks off once the tank is full, meaning the fuel is completely protected.
The benefits of this are that not only will it stop any 3rd party theft, but it also enables hauliers to fill their tanks to the top and not be concerned about skimming. The float-valve is also protected by an obstruction in the anti-siphon’s neck, which means that it is impossible to tamper with the valve.
In addition to being the only anti-siphon that is capable of preventing any fuel theft, another benefit of the “Impregnable” is that it prevents diesel spills.
With some Driver’s inclination to fill the fuel tank with as much diesel as possible and diesel’s propensity to expand, diesel spills are a constant source of consternation for hauliers. Whilst it is possible to alleviate spills by ensuring drivers do not overfill vehicles and ensuring a fuel cap is fitted correctly, the “Impregnable” means there is no longer a dependency on these occurring.
TISS’ Sales Director, Ryan Wholey, explains: “with the float-valve locking off once the tank is full, it means that it is impossible to overfill. As a result the fuel is not able to breach the top of the tank. This is an important safeguard for any haulier”.
The twin benefits of stopping fuel theft and preventing diesel spills has gained TISS recognition from both Haulage companies and road safety campaigners. In 2006, Sainsburys were the recipients of the BMF/Kill Spills’ award for achievement in reducing diesel spills. This was due to their decision to fit the “Impregnable” anti-siphon to their fleet of Trucks.
Sainsburys’ Head of Engineering, Gary King, was quick to praise the “Impregnable” and the benefits it offered: “we all appreciate the considerable risk that diesel can cause. If just by fitting a relatively cheap item to our fleet we can increase biker safety it has to be a good thing”.
Sainsburys are not the only company to experience the benefits of the “Impregnable”. In the first six months of 2007, TISS have sold in excess of 5,000 “Impregnable” anti-siphons to companies including Imperial Tankers and Wincanton. Total sales of their entire anti-siphon range now stands at an impressive 35,000 units.
With fuel prices looking set to rise again in the New Year, it is likely that this sales figure increases further over the coming months as more Hauliers look to safeguard their fuel.
(As published in Professional Security, November 2007)
