Founded in 2002, Portugalenses Transportes operates trucks all over Portugal and makes daily deliveries to Italy, the South of France, and Spain. Due to increased fuel thefts, Portugalenses Transportes looked to improve security and cost efficiency and as a result the installation company Oliveira&Canha has developed a customised solution based on an Ajax security system.
One truck’s fuel tank is 1,400 litres on average. With 100 vehicles, and fuel price fluctuating around 2 euro, regular fuel thefts (up to 10 per month) cost Portugalenses Transportes up to 150,000 euro per year. Protecting fuel tanks in rest, parking areas and gas stations and monitoring the refuelling process could save this money.
The installer developed and patented a fuel tank cap customised to prevent losses. Featuring a built-in magnetic opening detector, Ajax DoorProtect, this cap can activate Ajax StreetSiren and instantly notify the driver and the company control centre about opening the tank.
Every protected truck has an Ajax Hub 2 (2G) control panel connected to the vehicle battery via Ajax 12V PSU. The hub uses 2G networks to communicate with the company control centre. In case of alarm, the control panel activates the siren, sends notifications to the Ajax app on the driver’s smartphone and the Ajax PRO Desktop monitoring app at Portugalenses Transportes control centre.
To open the fuel tank at a gas station, the driver needs to disarm the system with the Ajax SpaceControl keyfob or via the app, and arm it back when refuelling is done. Thus, every refuelling process is logged. Notifications on the hub security state are transmitted instantly in real time. With a vehicle ID assigned to every hub, operators can collect data for analytics.
Portugalenses Transportes has installed Ajax security systems in 60 trucks and now incorporates this solution in its growing fleet. An Ajax security system protects vehicles and drivers against theft and danger. Instant notifications, a loud siren, a panic button on the keyfob, and mobile and desktop apps work perfectly to deliver comprehensive security. Monitoring and security reduced 90% of fuel thefts, saving money enough to buy one brand new truck per year. The implemented solution helps the company to carry out analytics, which provides management with the ground to make relevant decisions for the business.
