Guide for 

Security Practices

in Transporting

Agricultural and

Food Commodities

United States

Department of

Agriculture

In partnership with

Agricultural and

Food Transporters

Conference

Conference of

American Trucking

Associations
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

7

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. 
8

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.
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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. 
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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.
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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.) 

13

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. 
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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.
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• 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. 
16

• 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.
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. 

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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.

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