United States 

Department of 

Agriculture 

In partnership with 

Agricultural and 

Food Transporters 

Conference 

Conference of 

American Trucking 

Associations 

Guide for 

Security Practices 

in Transporting 

Agricultural and 

Food Commodities 
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its 

programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, 

disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. (Not all 

prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require 

alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, 

audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and 

TDD). 

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 

Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, 

DC 20250-9410 or call 202-720-5964 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal 

opportunity provider and employer. 

October 2004 Photos courtesy of the American Trucking Associations 
Guide for 

Security Practices 

in Transporting 

Agricultural and 

Food Commodities 

Table of Contents 

Introduction 1 

General Guidelines for Drivers 7 

General Guidelines for Companies 13 

Introduction


This guide is the result of a voluntary cooperative effort of the 

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the 

Agricultural and Food Transporters Conference (AFTC) of the 

American Trucking Associations (ATA). It provides voluntary 

guidance for enhanced security practices within your industry. 

Agriculture and food provide 13 percent of the United States’ 

gross domestic product (GDP), 18 percent of employment, and $140 

billion in revenue.1 America’s trucking industry makes up 5 percent 

of GDP, and jobs related to the trucking industry employ 10.1 

million people. The trucking industry’s gross revenue in 2003 was 

$610 billion.2 Commercial agricultural transporters move the vast 

majority of all agricultural commodities shipped on a daily basis 

throughout the United States. When taken together, the agriculture, 

food, and transportation components of the American economy are 

vital to the Nation’s economy and public health. Since September 

11, 2001, we are more aware of the possibility of a terrorist attack 

on our domestic infrastructure -- including the food and agricultural 

sector. The protection and integrity of America’s agricultural 

production and food supply are essential to the health and welfare 

of both the domestic population and the global community. 

Guidance that assists commercial agricultural and food 

transporters is essential to addressing the security concerns of this 

portion of the farm-to-table continuum. Agricultural transportation 

is a component common throughout the continuum and, therefore, 

requires special attention from a security perspective. Contamination 

of the livestock population with a foreign animal disease could 

occur in a matter of seconds. Similarly, a tanker holding liquid 

products could also be contaminated in a matter of seconds. All that 

would be required in either case is for a terrorist to have the agent 

and access to the target. Products in transport provide significant 

opportunities for access. Therefore, planning for and implementing 

security management practices in the commercial transportation of 

agricultural and food products will enhance efforts to ensure the 

continued safety and security of those products. 

1 U.S. Government Accounting Office 2 American Trucking Associations 

1 
A company policy should be established to designate authorized 

personnel for the development and maintenance of security plans. 

The policy document should be maintained in company files in 

accordance with company policy. In addition to these guidelines, a 

company may provide employees with additional information and 

forms for use in operation of transportation equipment. Consult your 

legal counsel for guidance on related legal requirements concerning 

the transportation of agricultural and food commodities. 

The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), as a part 

of the partnership between USDA and the AFTC, surveyed 

approximately 24,000 commercial agricultural and food transporters 

to identify potential security vulnerabilities during the transportation 

of agricultural and food products throughout the farm-to-table 

continuum, and to evaluate appropriate countermeasures to mitigate 

those potential vulnerabilities. The survey findings and analysis 

have been provided to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and utilized 

in these guidelines, as appropriate. 

Information and recommendations contained in this document 

are intended as voluntary guidelines for the safe and secure 

transport and handling of products delivered by over-the-road food 

transporters. As such, the sponsoring organizations do not guarantee 

or warrant, expressly or by implication, that compliance with the 

guidelines will prevent damage, spoilage, accidents, or injuries to 

persons or property. Any inference of such a guarantee or warranty 

is expressly and specifically disclaimed. 

It is the sole responsibility of any company or person using 

these voluntary guidelines and related information provided in this 

publication, and not the responsibility of the sponsoring 

organizations, to ensure that such company or person is proficient in 

the operations and procedures discussed in this publication. The use 

of statements, recommendations, or suggestions contained herein 

creates no responsibility on the part of the sponsoring organizations 

for damage, contamination, loss, accident, or injury resulting from 

such use, or irrespective of such use. Moreover, adoption of any of 

the guidelines or recommendations included in this publication does 

not ensure compliance with legal or regulatory requirements. Those 

involved with the transportation of agricultural commodities and 

foods are advised to become familiar with all relevant and 

applicable local, State, and Federal regulations and to ensure that 

they comply with such requirements, as appropriate. 

2 
Resources 

USDA/AFTC Guide for Security Practices in Transporting 

Agricultural and Food Commodities 

The purpose of this USDA/AFTC Guide for Security Practices in 

Transporting Agricultural and Food Commodities is to help the 

commercial agricultural transportation industry protect people, 

property, products, processes, information, and information systems 

by enhancing security, including security against a potential terrorist 

attack. The industry encompasses the transporters of agricultural 

and food commodities. 

This guide provides voluntary security measures that 

commercial agricultural and food transporters may use to assist 

trucking companies and their drivers in protecting their facilities and 

vehicles. 

For meat, poultry, and egg products, please refer to Food Safety 

and Security for the Transportation and Distribution of Meat, Poultry, 

and Egg Products, published by the Food Safety and Inspection 

Service of the USDA. 

AFTC Resources Directory for Security Practices in the 

Transportation of Agricultural and Food Commodities 

The Agricultural and Food Transporters Conference publishes a 

Resources Directory for Security Practices in the Transportation of 

Agricultural and Food Commodities. 

The Resources Directory provides methods and tools for 

companies to assess threat vulnerabilities and implement security 

plans to protect against intentional contamination or disruption, 

including terrorist attacks. 

The AFTC Resources Directory is designed to help the 

commercial agricultural transportation industry achieve continuous 

security performance, using a risk-based approach to identify, 

evaluate, and address vulnerabilities; prevent or mitigate incidents; 

enhance training and response capabilities; and maintain and 

improve relationships with key State, local, and Federal Government 

partners. The guide is implemented with the understanding that 

3 
security is a shared responsibility requiring actions by all 

stakeholders, including transporters, customers, suppliers, service 

providers, government officials, and agencies. The commercial 

agricultural transportation industry’s commitment to protecting its 

employees and the public is demonstrated by its participation in this 

Security Guide and use of other good management practices. The 

industry will regularly reassess these security-related practices in an 

effort to continually improve performance and identify potential 

vulnerabilities. 

The USDA/AFTC Security Guide and AFTC Resources Directory 

are both available either printed or on a CD-Rom. 

Management Practices 

A risk-based security management system for people, property, 

commodities, processes, information, and information systems 

throughout the commercial agricultural and food transportation 

industry is essential for the industry. A security management system 

contains the following management practices: 

1. Leadership Commitment 

Senior management commits to continuous improvement 

through accountability, published policies, and provisions for 

sufficient and qualified resources. 

2. Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Exposures Assessment 

Use approved Vulnerability and Threat Assessment Tool (VTA) 

methodologies, and prioritize and periodically analyze potential 

security threats, vulnerabilities, and consequences. The sponsors of 

this guide encourage commercial agricultural and food 

transportation companies to conduct vulnerability (risk) assessments 

using methods approved by recognized trade and professional 

associations and government agencies. (See the AFTC Resources 

Directory for specific information on the VTA.) 

4 
3. Security Plan 

Participating commercial agricultural commodity and food 

transporters are urged to develop and implement security plans 

based on identified exposures, utilizing the recommended practices 

in the AFTC Resources Directory or other approved methodologies. 

4. Communications and Information Sharing 

The commercial agricultural and food transportation industry 

should share information on effective security practices within the 

industry and with external, qualified security professionals. The 

commercial agricultural and food transportation industry should 

continue to expand the awareness of and commitment to enhanced 

security practices throughout the industry. AFTC, working with 

USDA, will continue to provide guidance, including sharing 

examples of effective security practices, to assist the industry in 

implementing effective security practices. AFTC and USDA may 

periodically review and, as appropriate, revise the Security Guide 

and will continue to serve as the industry clearinghouse for the 

exchange of information on commercial agricultural and food 

transportation security. 

5 

General Guidelines for Drivers


This guide provides a list of security tips 

and checklists that may be voluntarily 

utilized to prevent contamination or 

disruption during the transportation of 

agricultural and food commodities. 

These voluntary guidelines also 

encourage controls for ensuring the safe 

condition of agricultural and food 

commodities shipped throughout the 

transportation process. Not all of these 

measures, or the degree to which they 

are implemented, will be appropriate or 

practical for every transporter or facility. 

Security Watchwords For Drivers 

•	 Awareness – Learn how terrorists act and the types of behaviors 

and events that can precede an attack. Know your company’s 

security procedures and emergency response plans as they apply 

to you. Look for behaviors or events that might be tip-offs to a 

terrorist operation in progress. 

•	 Recognition – When you see behavior or events that match the 

profiles you have been taught, make the mental connections 

between what you see and what it may mean to you if indeed it 

is a terrorist activity. 

•	 Communication – Know who to call no matter where you are. 

Use 911 in emergencies, and use your company dispatcher and 

local FBI or law enforcement numbers if not an emergency. If 

you are a Highway Watch® trained driver, use the national Call 

Center number. 

•	 Action – Don’t keep information to yourself. Report it to the 

people and agencies that have the expertise and training to react 

to information or to emergencies. If you are affected by an 

attack, take immediate action to protect yourself, your cargo, and 

your equipment. 

7 
Driver Security Checklists* 

I. Driver Pre-Departure Checklist 

1.	 Observe the loading of your vehicle. 

2.	 Note suspicious onlookers during the cargo loading and contact 

law enforcement immediately. 

3.	 Using established communications, ensure that route and 

immediate staging area appear clear. 

4.	 Clean your cargo area – foreign animal disease and food 

contaminants can spread on contact. 

5.	 Conduct a safety inspection; inspect tires, brakes, and radiator 

for damage. 

6.	 Check to ensure that all tractor/trailer access panels/doors are 

locked and “seals” remain intact/uncompromised. 

7.	 If equipped, check your vehicle electronic tracking system 

regularly, and notify dispatch when it is not working. 

8.	 Establish an overdue time at your destination and have someone 

follow up if you are overdue. 

II. Driver on-the-Road Checklist 

1.	 When leaving your facility, be aware of any possible 

surveillance of your facility or your truck. Criminal surveillance 

often begins at, or within a mile of, your origin. 

2.	 Follow company stopping and parking procedures. Do not leave 

animals in open trucks unattended. 

3.	 Do not make any unscheduled stops. 

4.	 Be aware of possible “Ruses.” If you are unsure if a police 

officer is real, call 911 and ask. 

5.	 Report any suspicious activities or emergencies to local police 

by calling 911, then follow up with a call to Highway Watch® 

at 1-877-USA-SAFE. 

6.	 Also report any suspicious activities to dispatch. 

7.	 Remain particularly observant for suspicious activities in and 

around refueling locations, railroad facilities, bridges, and 

tunnels. 

* Drivers are encouraged to retain this portion of the USDA/AFTC Security Guide in 

their vehicles. 

8 
8.	 Keep all tractor/trailer doors and access panels locked and 

windows rolled up or in a position to be raised rapidly. 

9.	 Maintain regular communications with your dispatcher as 

required. 

10. Vary your route when possible. If relevant, this should be a part 

of your pre-trip planning. 

11.	 Do not discuss your cargo, destination, or trip specifics with 

people you don’t know or on open channels -- even with other 

drivers. 

12. Do not discuss your route with any shipper personnel unless 

instructed to by your company. 

13. When stopped at a traffic light or in traffic, be aware of anyone 

approaching your vehicle. 

14. Go directly to your delivery point without making any stops. 

15. Avoid being boxed in. Leave room in front and behind your 

truck to permit escape. 

16. Do not pick up hitchhikers. 

17. Be aware of vehicles that are following your truck and of 

strangers asking questions about your cargo, route, or 

destination. 

III. 	Driver Stopping Checklist 

1.	 Leave your truck in a secure parking lot or truckstop. Park units 

in a reputable truckstop or secure yard at all times. Facilities 

with video surveillance are recommended. Be especially 

vigilant when operating in “hot spots” -- unsafe or high-crime 

areas. 

2.	 When you stop or leave your vehicle, ensure that the rig is 

turned “OFF” and that all doors and access panels remain 

secure. 

3.	 Before leaving/exiting your vehicle, look around and become 

familiar with your surroundings. Have a trusted person watch 

your vehicle. 

4.	 If team driving, always leave one person with the truck. 

5.	 Watch for individuals with spraying equipment or other possible 

contaminants (even a rag can spread a foreign animal disease 

and a small capsule can contaminate food). 

6.	 Never leave your vehicle running with the keys in it; shut off the 

engine and lock the doors. 

7.	 Do not stop in “hot spots” -- unsafe or high-crime areas. 

9 
8.	 Park in areas where other truckers are present. 

9.	 Do not stop on dark roadways or in deserted areas while 

waiting to make deliveries. 

10. Don’t take your load home or park in an unsecured area such as 

a parking lot or mall. 

11.	 Drivers should check and use seals, padlocks, and other locks 

where appropriate. 

12. Perform a quick walk-around to check your vehicle for foreign 

objects after all stops. 

13. Drivers should never leave extra keys in the vehicle. 

14. Drivers should utilize a “no-stop” policy while making local 

deliveries. 

15. Drivers should have a 24-hour phone number for dispatch or 

management personnel who can be called in case of an 

emergency. 

16. Keep your doors locked and windows up at all stops, until the 

very instant you exit the vehicle. Then relock immediately. 

Upon returning to the vehicle, lock your doors immediately 

behind you. 

IV. 	Driver Destination Checklist 

1. 	 Check to make sure the location of loading/unloading 

docks/warehouse looks safe. 

2. 	 Report your arrival time and location. 

3. 	 Note any “suspicious” onlookers observed during off-loading. 

4. 	 Confirm that recipient of the cargo is the intended recipient. Ask 

for identification. 

5.	 If you exit your vehicle, ensure that all doors and access panels 

are locked and secured. Turn your tractor motor “OFF.” 

6.	 Keep your doors locked and windows up at all stops until the 

very instant you exit the vehicle. Then relock immediately. 

Upon returning to the vehicle, lock your doors immediately 

behind you. 

7. 	 Observe the off-loading of your trailer and keep your tractor 

under observation at all times. 

8. 	 Have a communications device with you at all times. 

10 
V.	 Hijacking Prevention Tips for Drivers 

1.	 Be watchful immediately after picking up a load. Most 

hijackings occur within a few miles of a pickup location. 

Interstate on-ramps and off-ramps are locations most often used 

by hijackers. 

2.	 Look for vehicles following you, especially if there are 3 or 

more people in the car. If you believe you are being followed, 

call 911 and your dispatcher immediately. 

3.	 Be suspicious of individuals asking you to stop as a result of an 

alleged traffic accident. If unsure whether an accident has 

occurred, call the police or drive to a police station before 

stopping. 

4.	 If you believe you are being hijacked, try to keep your truck 

moving. 

5.	 If you think you are being followed, call 911. Keep moving and 

try to get to a public area. 

6.	 When appropriate, keep windows secure and doors locked 

while in transit. 

7.	 Avoid being boxed in. Where possible, leave room in front of 

and behind your truck. 

8.	 Be aware of possible “Ruses.” If you are unsure if an individual 

is a real police officer, call in and report it. 

9.	 When stopped at a traffic light or in traffic, be aware of anyone 

approaching your vehicle. 

10. If you are hijacked, watch and listen to the hijackers. 	You are 

law enforcement’s best witness. 

11.	 Drivers should carry information concerning the identification of 

the equipment they are driving. You will need license numbers, 

container and/or trailer numbers, and descriptions if equipment 

is stolen. (Law enforcement cannot make a stolen-vehicle report 

or cargo-theft report without this information.) 

11 

General Guidelines for Companies


Security Watchwords For Companies 

•	 Awareness – Accumulate and organize a knowledge base 

regarding the exposure of the trucking industry to terrorist acts 

and the types of behaviors and events that can warn of an event, 

and teach the workforce to be alert and observant. 

•	 Recognition – Train employees and managers to make the logical 

connections between observed indicators and a specific 

company’s operations that may signal an imminent act or 

increase a company’s exposure to consequences. 

•	 Communication – Build a network of time-sensitive systems 

through which information is routed to and among the internal 

and external decision-makers who need critical information in 

order to prevent or respond to terrorist actions. 

•	 Action – Proactively deploy the correct measure of activity 

relating to the nature of the threat, the overall Homeland Security 

Advisory System (HSAS) threat condition level, and the trucking 

operation’s potential exposure. 

13 
Security Tips For Commercial Agricultural 

and Food Transporters 

In the transportation of agricultural commodities and food 

products, consider the following steps to help prevent problems 

before they occur. 

•	 Security measures should make it as difficult as possible for 

a troublemaker to tamper with agricultural commodities and 

food products or ingredients your company transports. 

•	 If you hire someone from an outside vendor to work in the 

plant (e.g., plumber, pesticide applicator, maintenance), 

verify that he or she works for the company you hired. 

•	 Establish contact with the local law enforcement offices so 

you know a specific contact in case of emergencies or 

disasters. 

•	 Be sure your water supply system is secure, with locks on 

wellheads and pump houses, water storage tanks, etc. 

•	 Assess your facility for potential sabotage of bulk 

ingredients. Be sure connections for bulk systems are 

locked and secure. For example, outer connections for 

liquid sugar, corn syrup, flour, etc., should be enclosed and 

locked at all times. 

•	 Keep entry doors and other entrances secure and locked 

where fire codes permit. 

•	 Restrict movement of non-employees (deliveries, outside 

repair, and maintenance personnel) to areas where they 

cannot contaminate food products or agricultural 

commodities. 

•	 Have visitors sign in and show identification and wear 

visitor passes. Maintain the visitor roster for 6-12 months. 

•	 Personnel who move freely throughout the facility should 

watch for signs of sabotage. Make sure protective 

equipment such as screens, sifters, magnets, or metal 

detectors are in place and functioning. 

•	 Remind employees to report anything unusual to their 

supervisors. 

14 
•	 If a telephone threat is received about a specific product or 

commodity, record or write down as nearly as possible 

every word said. Then segregate that product completely 

until the threat has been reported to the authorities, 

investigated, and confirmed or eliminated. 

•	 Inventory any potential hazardous chemicals and the 

security for the same. Are they stored in a non-secure, nonsupervised area? Are they stored outside? Are bulk delivery 

systems secure? Do you make it easy for a disgruntled 

employee, copycat tamperer, or terrorist to obtain chemicals 

and potentially add them to the commodities you transport? 

•	 Restrict all personal items such as carry bags, extra clothing, 

purses, etc., from the loading and docking areas. 

•	 Invite the local law enforcement agency to review your 

security measures. 

•	 Routinely review, update, and exercise your emergency 

response plan and procedures. 

•	 Remind drivers to frequently inspect their trucks for signs of 

tampering. 

•	 Establish security policies and procedures if you haven’t 

already done so. 

•	 Fence facilities where appropriate. 

•	 Close and secure entrance and exit gates when not in use. 

• Maintain well-lit facilities. 

•	 Consider using surveillance and recording equipment at 

locations deemed necessary. 

•	 Lock and seal all equipment parked in your facility. 

•	 Provide a secured employee parking lot. 

•	 Limit visitors and escort them to their destinations -- know 

who you’re letting in. 

•	 Minimize who has access to computers. Use passwords 

and install firewalls. 

•	 Where security patrols are used, vary patterns and 

schedules. 

•	 Security should be present for weekends, evenings, and 

holidays as appropriate. 

15 
•	 Be diligent regarding your hiring practices. Beware of who 

you hire -- verify all information such as employment 

history, education history, driving records, criminal records 

check, and social security numbers on all potential 

employees (including permanent, temporary, seasonal or 

contract workers, and cleaning crews). 

Advance Planning For Emergency Management 

•	 Establish a Crisis Management Team and identify a Crisis 

Coordinator or Team Leader with backup. 

•	 Develop an action plan in case of a terrorist threat or 

tampering. Include an evacuation plan for facility 

employees and have a copy available in a secure 

compartment outside the facility for reference. 

•	 List 24/7 contact information for internal and external 

communication in case of an emergency, identifying who 

should be notified, what triggers the notification, and in 

what order they are notified. Include who/when to contact 

law enforcement officials, regulatory inspectors, etc. 

•	 Identify a list of resources you may need in a crisis situation: 

testing labs, medical experts, packaging consultants, legal 

counsel, public relations firm, insurance company, alternate 

ingredient suppliers, inspection agency, police, fire and 

emergency medical personnel, etc. 

•	 Check that your recordkeeping system will allow you to 

trace commodities back and trace finished product forward. 

•	 Practice using the action plan. 

•	 Build security into your company’s operations plan so it is 

routinely monitored. 

16 
Security Measures for Truck Cleaning 

Vehicle cleanliness is an important security factor in the 

transportation of agricultural and food commodities. Vehicles, 

accessories, and connections must be kept clean from any 

substances that may contaminate the commodities or food being 

transported. Cleaning and sanitation procedures should be 

maintained in writing and used as required. Proper cleaning and 

sanitation can mitigate the effects of intentional contamination by 

terrorists by reducing an agent’s transmission across animals or 

products. 

The following factors are important for vehicle cleanliness and 

sanitation: 

•	 Use appropriate cleaning procedures for vehicles, based on 

the type of commodity being transported. 

•	 Devices for loading vehicles, cargo pallets, and securing 

devices should be cleaned and sanitized, as necessary. 

• Transfer equipment, such as lifts and hand trucks, should be 

regularly maintained, cleaned, and sanitized, as necessary. 

Reporting Information 

Call 911 with critical emergency information. Report nonemergency, suspicious activity to the appropriate local law 

enforcement agency and/or the FBI. For FBI offices use the list of 

field offices provided in the AFTC Resources Directory for Security 

Practices in the Transportation of Agricultural and Food 

Commodities. Also notify your dispatch and Highway Watch® of 

any suspicious activity. 

17 
Highway ISAC - Highway Watch® Program 

All security-related information, 

including that which does not require any 

active law enforcement intervention, should 

be reported to the Highway Information 

Sharing and Analysis Center (Highway ISAC). 

The Highway ISAC utilizes transportation 

industry expertise and networks to perform analysis and additional 

research; it places information in the context of the Highway Sector, 

generating bulletins and analytical products for the benefit of motor 

carriers and related operating entities. All reports to the Highway 

ISAC are transmitted to major Homeland Security watch centers. 

The Highway ISAC maintains a duty watch officer 24/7/365. 

Toll Free Number: 866-821-3468


Direct Dial Number: 703-838-1999


Watch Officer email: hwisac@trucking.org


See the AFTC Resources Directory for Security Practices in the 

Transportation of Agricultural and Food Commodities for complete 

details on the Highway Watch® Program. 

18