Ajax-based security solution reduces fuel thefts for Portugalenses Transportes

Portugalenses Transportes, Lda is one of the major transport companies in Europe. It operates a fleet of over a hundred trucks all over Portugal and makes daily deliveries to Italy, the South of France and Spain.

The company is aiming to grow rapidly by expanding its fleet to 150 vehicles by the end of 2022. This meant security issues had to be addressed in order to improve cost-efficiency.

Protection of vehicles against fuel thefts

The transportation market is highly competitive. The control of costs and resources is essential to not weigh down the financial results of a logistics company.

Due to increased fuel thefts, Portugalenses Transportes had to find a security solution, in order to improve control and cost-efficiency. The company chose the Oliveira & Canha installation company which has developed a pioneering customised solution, based on an Ajax security system.

One truck’s fuel tank is 1,400 litres on average. With 100 vehicles and fuel prices fluctuating around €2, regular fuel thefts (up to ten per month) can cost Portugalenses Transportes up to €150,000 per year.

Therefore, protecting fuel tanks in parking areas, gas stations and monitoring the re-fuelling process could save a lot of money.

Customised fuel tank cap with magnetic opening detector

Oliveira & Canha, the installer, developed and patented a fuel tank cap, customised to prevent losses.

Featuring a built-in magnetic opening detector — Ajax DoorProtect — the cap can activate Ajax StreetSiren and instantly notify the driver and the company control centre about opening the tank.

Luís Sousa, the Fleet Manager at Portugalenses Transportes, Lda, said: “Oliveira & Canha, Lda has developed a solution adapted to our needs and implemented it with the greatest efficiency and professionalism, becoming a reliable and essential partner to our company.”

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 an alarm activation, the control panel sounds 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 re-fuelling is done. Thus, every re-fuelling 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.

Ajax StreetSiren outdoor sounder

The vehicle security system includes the Ajax StreetSiren outdoor sounder. Experience shows that a loud Ajax StreetSiren alert works perfectly to deter thieves in rest and parking areas.

Miguel Oliveira, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Oliveira & Canha, Lda, said: “Ajax has been our choice for its reliability, price/quality ratio and ease of use. Since the beginning of our relationship with Ajax, we have seen continuous product development with constant improvements and updates, increasing our confidence in the Ajax brand. Thanks to its versatility, it has allowed us to develop solutions for our clients.”

Portugalenses Transportes has installed Ajax security systems in 60 trucks and now incorporates this solution in its growing fleet. So far, the company has observed such outcomes:

• Increased security
• Cost savings
• More control and efficiency.

For more information, visit: ajax.systems