According to Transport Topics, the FBI is warning industry groups that tanker trucks may be targets for terrorists operating in the United States.
National Tank Truck Carriers, an industry group representing – you guessed it – tanker truck carriers, says that it received word from the FBI that the TSA is worried that terrorists may use tanker trucks to carry out attacks within in the United States.
John Hamel, the chairman of the Massachusetts Motor Transportation Association said that the FBI advised him and other association members of the threats.
“They want to look at our drivers and analyze them. Maybe they give one who is desperate $50,000 or even $100,000 to go get a cup of coffee while parked at a truck stop, and when the driver gets back, the truck is gone,” said Hamel according to Transport Topics.
According to Hamel, once the truck is gone, it could be parked next to the ventilations system of a large building, poisoning those inside with the fumes or creating an explosion.
Carriers that run tankers are being encouraged to get in touch with their regional FBI offices.
“Be familiar with your local law enforcement command,” said Sonya Proctor, director of the TSA’s surface transportation division. “It’s important for you to know them,”
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Kyle says
Then they should pass a law so that drivers can carry concealed in every state!
mike says
it won’t do any good if you are not in the vehicle .
Max Doman says
I drive a hardshell. Hazmat hauling is more lenient and underpaid more than anyone knows.
Al says
And “terrorists” are “operating” in this country why exactly? So now they need to look for “desperate” drivers? All they need to do is hang out at the truckstops, tough to tell drivers from the homeless in many cases, especially if they work for ATA member companies.
G. Davis says
You got it, Al…
Tim says
Any other earth shaking news? They might also want to consider the used grease you see the waste trucks pick up from restaurants. Feds have a cool sense of humor
Tim says
So like, are some of those tankers hauling antimatter?
mike says
there is a chemical that if one drop gets on you can consider yourself dead .I can’t remember what the abriviation for it is ( something like pmd ????) . When you are making a delivery you have to suit up, rubber pants,rubber jacket , rubber gloves , a full face mask, head cover and anything I missed so nothing gets on you or breathed in by you. There is no second chance with this one . So I guess you might say yes to your question.
G. Davis says
We have a lot of wine tankers cruising around Northern California…very dangerous in the wrong hands 🙂
Andrew says
I’m not racist, but if I see a dude with his laundry on his head and needs 3 loads of phlegm to pronounce his name, and driving a fuel tanker or fertilizer flatbed, I’m moving to the other end of the truck stop.
Chris says
If they paid us more, then the drivers wouldnt be enticed to leave the truck for money.