Warehouses are important cornerstones of many industries, often housing valuable merchandise and materials. Unfortunately, this makes them prime targets for theft. To protect against risks, warehouse security guards work to safeguard inventory and ensure that trucks and deliveries are secure from theft or damage during every stage of the shipment process. In this blog, we’ll outline the key duties of warehouse security guards when conducting truck and inventory checks.
Why Is Warehouse Security Necessary?
Warehouses store large volumes of high-value goods, ranging from consumer electronics to raw materials. This concentration of merchandise makes warehouses common targets for theft, vandalism, and other security threats.
Inventory discrepancies and damage during transport can result in significant financial losses for warehouse and transport companies, so businesses must provide adequate security coverage at distribution centres. Warehouse security guards help prevent incidents by performing checks and patrols, ensuring that trucks, inventory, and the entire premises remain secure. Their duties contribute to the smooth operation of the warehouse, protecting not only the assets but also the reputation of the business.
How Security Guards Conduct Truck Checks
One of the primary responsibilities of warehouse security guards is conducting thorough checks on incoming and outgoing trucks. They inspect trailers for damage, leakage, and any signs of tampering during transport. If any issues are discovered, security guards will document and report them, ensuring full transparency and accountability.
When a truck arrives at the warehouse, security guards follow a detailed process to ensure its integrity. First, the guards check the seals or locks on the truck’s doors. Typically, there are two seals or physical locks placed around the truck trailer. The condition of these seals is critical to determine if there’s been any tampering during transport.
Guards will verify that the seal or lock condition remains unchanged from the time it was initially documented. If the cargo has crossed a border, border agents will also have documented the lock, adding another layer of verification. If the seal or lock doesn’t match the paperwork or has been tampered with, this could indicate an issue that needs immediate investigation.
Once the seal is confirmed, the security guards inspect the trailer’s contents to ensure they align with the paperwork provided by the truck driver. This step ensures that no items have been stolen, damaged, or altered during transport. After all of the above has been confirmed to be in order, the truck is approved for unloading.
How Warehouse Security Guards Conduct Patrols
Warehouse patrols are an integral part of maintaining a secure environment. Guards regularly patrol the warehouse yard, checking for any damage to the perimeter fence and scanning for suspicious activities. They follow specific protocols provided by the warehouse management and communicate directly with truck drivers to ensure a smooth and secure process.
As part of a guard’s patrol, they will check that bay doors are properly closed and secured, especially during closing hours. They use technology like TrackTik, an industry-standard security reporting software, to document any issues they encounter. TrackTik enables clients to view real-time updates on all security and maintenance issues, enabling full transparency and peace of mind. Issues such as leaking substances or other hazards that could compromise the safety of the warehouse are promptly reported and addressed appropriately.
Key Patrol Responsibilities:
Warehouse security guards perform several key duties to ensure the facility remains safe and secure. They routinely check perimeter fences for any signs of damage or breaches and ensure that all bay doors are securely closed during and after business hours. Guards also report any potential hazards, such as leaks or spills, that could compromise safety in and around the premises.
Maintaining open communication with truck drivers and warehouse staff is essential and allows staff and guards to coordinate effectively to address any concerns. Throughout their shifts, guards strictly adhere to the security protocols established by warehouse management to maintain overall security.
Partner With Canada’s Best Warehouse and Distribution Centre Security Company
Warehouse security requires attention to detail and thoroughness to ensure the safety of the premises and the security of incoming and outgoing shipments. Warehouse security guards act as the first line of defence against theft, damage, and other security threats, ensuring that warehouse operations run smoothly and securely to safeguard the valuable merchandise stored within.
At Blackbird Security, warehouse security is one of our specialties. We understand the unique challenges of the industry and deliver tailored security solutions to keep your inventory safe. If your Canadian warehouse is in need of protection, get in touch with us through the form below.
In addition to warehouse security, we offer services in the following areas:
- Mobile Patrol Security
- Construction Security
- Uniformed Security
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- Executive Protection
- Office & Facilities Security
- Government Security
- Event Security
- Shopping Mall Security
- Front Gate Security
- Factory Security
- Shipyard Security
- Transportation Security
- Overnight Security
- Logistic Security
- Warehouse Security
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