The security of truck rentals

begins with you. The 

recommendations contained

in this guide are designed to

help you define and identify

potential security threats, as

well as gather and report

security threat information

more effectively. The

Department of Homeland

Security has put these 

recommendations together to

help you in your daily 

business activities. However,

this guide should not be used

as a substitute for developing

your company’s specific

security programs, policies

and procedures. You should

always refer to your 

company’s programs, policies

and procedures for more 

specific guidance and 

information about your 

company’s overall approach

to transportation security.

The Department of

Homeland Security 

encourages you to refer to

this guide and your 

company’s programs, policies

and procedures frequently

and to discuss them with

your supervisor – especially

if you have any questions.

Your company and the

truck rental industry

are working together

with government and

law enforcement 

to fight the threat of

terrorism. The

Department of

Homeland Security

(DHS) and the Truck

Renting and Leasing

Association (TRALA)

have prepared this

guide for your 

company and are 

providing it to you as

part of a cooperative

effort to improve

transportation security.

Message to Truck Rental

Company Employees Safeguarding America’s

Transportation System

Security Guide 

For Truck Rental Company Employees

Helpful TSA Contact Information

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Transportation Security Administration

Motor Carrier Cargo Security

TSA Headquarters, East Tower

TSA-28

601 South 12th Street

Arlington, Virginia 22202-4220

Website: www.tsa.gov

E-mail: highwaysecurity@dhs.gov

Transportation Security Operations Center (TSOC)

Point of Contact: TSOC Watch Officer

Telephone: 703-838-1999

Email: M&L.TSCC@tsa.gov

The TSOC serves as the 24/7 point of contact for all

transportation security concerns to include rail, trucking,

mass transit, maritime, pipeline, highway and aviation

issues.

Recommended

Security Awareness

for Employees 

Basic procedures that employees should familiarize themselves with as part of the overall truck rental 

security process:

l Be knowledgeable of your company’s security 

policies and procedures.

l Know appropriate contact information for your 

supervisor and local police. You should also know 

appropriate hotline numbers for reporting security

threats and/or suspicious behavior. Keep this 

contact information readily accessible at all times.

l Maintain a high level of awareness at all times, but 

be especially vigilant during heightened security 

alerts as determined by the Homeland Security 

Advisory System (HSAS). Make sure to immediately 

review all security-related communications your 

company distributes in response to heightened alerts 

and to familiarize yourself with new or additional 

security measures your company might institute in 

response to heightened alerts.

l Always be observant of your surroundings whether 

at the rental counter, inside and outside the 

company’s facility or in the areas near your 

company’s location.

l Always wear any required uniforms and/or 

company ID when on the job. Stolen or lost 

employee uniforms and/or company identification 

should be reported immediately in accordance with 

your company’s established security policies and 

procedures.
How to Proceed

If you encounter these or similarly suspicious customer

behaviors, you should proceed in accordance with your

company’s established security policies and procedures. If

there is any doubt regarding suspicious behavior, it should

be reported to appropriate management personnel or law

enforcement, in accordance with company policy. 

DISCLAIMER: The security suggestions provided here

are voluntary recommendations and are not mandated by

law. Please use this information as a guideline for

enhancing transportation security.

Suspicious Activity and Threat 

Indicators – Vehicles

Suspicious activities that should raise your awareness

level because they might indicate a more serious threat

include: 

l Employees receiving returned vehicles should take 

special note of those vehicles which: 

- Have altered company logos, altered DOT 

numbers or any structural or appearance 

modifications.

- Show physical evidence or produce an 

odor suggesting chemical or fertilizer 

transport. 

- Contain maps, blueprints, photos or 

drawings of buildings, roads, or other 

infrastructure or notes regarding the surveillance 

of such objects.

l Reports of rental vehicles parked in unusual 

locations such as fields, vacant warehouses or 

other secluded areas.

l Unauthorized persons loitering where rental 

vehicles are parked or serviced.

If you notice suspicious activity, you should proceed in

accordance with your company’s established security policies

and procedures. If there is any doubt regarding suspicious

behavior, it should be reported to your supervisor.

Suspicious Activity and Threat

Indicators – Customers

Customer behaviors that should raise your awareness

level because they might indicate a more serious threat

include customers who: 

l Give vague or unverifiable references or 

employment information in making a reservation or 

completing a rental agreement.

l Present altered or expired identification or driver’s 

license.

l Attempt to expedite collection of deposits made on 

rental vehicles reported as "stolen."

l Inquire whether vehicles can be modified to handle 

heavier loads, create additional storage areas, 

increase fuel capacity, or vehicle speed.

l Insist on renting a truck with a wooden rather than 

metal floor.

l Wear extraordinary attire such as heavy coats in the 

summertime or seem to have attempted to disguise 

their appearance.

If you encounter these or similarly suspicious customer

behaviors, you should proceed in accordance with your

company’s established security policies and procedures.

If there is any doubt regarding suspicious behaviors, it

should be reported to your supervisor. 

Effective Reporting: Suspicious

Activity and Threat Indicators

When reporting suspicious activities or threats within

your company or to government or law enforcement

authorities, you should attempt to provide information

that is accurate and detailed. Be prepared to provide

information that includes:

l Date, time and place of your observations.

l A complete description of any suspicious activity.

l Any identifying information given by a suspicious 

individual such as name, date of birth, place of birth, 

driver’s license number, passport number, credit 

card number, citizenship, destination and expected 

length of rental period.

l A detailed description of any suspicious individual 

including characteristics such as height, weight, 

gender, age, hair color, eye color, complexion, scars, 

birthmarks, tattoos, clothing or jewelry.

l A description of any suspicious odor or residue 

remaining in the vehicle.

l A description of any suspicious item left in the 

vehicle.

l A detailed description of any vehicle in which 

suspicious individuals are traveling including license 

plate number, color, make, model and any dents or 

damage.