Motor carriers have mixed views of a plan floated by federal security regulators last month that would mandate locks on all trucks and trailers. While supporting the need for improved security, they are concerned about the proposal's cost and impact on productivity.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reportedly is worried that terrorists might steal unlocked trucks and place bombs inside them. Late in 2002, the TSA said it was studying whether all motor carriers and shipping companies should be required to install locks on their trucks, trailers and storage areas.

To force adherence to the measure, the TSA reportedly is considering a penalty provision under which drivers and trucking companies could face tickets and fines for non-compliance. When contacted about this proposal, which had been reported in the press, TSA spokesperson Heather Rosenker said, "It's premature for us to comment on this. There has not been anything definitive on this yet."

Reports that the TSA was considering a lock requirement stirred unease in some quarters of the transportation industry. The American Trucking Associations (ATA), for instance, expressed concerns that such a rule would hinder productivity. "It just wouldn't work in every situation, especially in the package-delivery sector," says spokesman Mike Russell. According to the ATA, a mandatory lock rule would impact some 4.6 million trailers and more than 21 million commercial trucks of all sizes.

Some carriers, though, already use locks to secure their equipment. United Parcel Service, for one, uses locks on the cabs and padlocks on the trailers of its big rigs, says UPS spokesman David Bolger. Although drivers do not lock the cabs of package-delivery vans, the company does lock up package holding areas.

The nation's other leading package carrier, Federal Express, did not want to describe the locking mechanisms employed on its vehicles for security reasons. Spokesperson Sally Davenport also declined to comment on the TSA's lock proposal because it was "in an early stage."

A lock requirement would not be an issue for independent truckers, since most owner-operators already use locks to protect their personal investments in equipment. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association does not support fines for non-compliance, though. "I don't see a security payback (from fining drivers)," says Executive Vice President Todd Spencer.

At press time, the TSA had not made a final decision on whether to go forward with a lock rule. If it should do so, the agency would first have to publish a notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register and accept public comment.