Get Ready for Memorial Day Weekend

As we find ourselves on the cusp of the long-awaited Memorial Day weekend, it's a time filled with joy, community, and reflection. Families come together to celebrate the unofficial start of summer with barbecues, parades, and cherished traditions. However, amid the festivities, it's vital to take a moment to honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. While we enjoy the holiday's offerings, let us also remain vigilant and prepared, particularly in securing our properties against potential threats. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the significance of Memorial Day while providing essential tips to safeguard your facilities during this busy time. Join us as we blend remembrance with practical advice for a safe and meaningful holiday weekend.

In this issue:

• Reminder - Click it or Ticket!
• Registration is open online for the 2025 Idealease/NPTC Spring Safety Seminar!

Read, share, and/or print this week's Safety Bulletin.
Check out past Idealease Safety Bulletins.

Every May, many people celebrate Memorial Day with activities like summer barbecues, beach outings, and local parades. Some tune in to watch the Indianapolis 500 or other sporting events, while families come together to relax, play games, and enjoy each other's company. However, amidst the festivities, it’s crucial to reflect on the true significance of the holiday. Memorial Day is dedicated to honoring the courageous soldiers who have fought valiantly to safeguard our freedoms.

Here are a few poignant quotes that remind us of the sacrifices made by our military personnel—both past and present—and encourage us to pay tribute to those who have inspired such heartfelt words. Ultimately, it’s a time to express our gratitude. Acknowledging their service and sacrifice should be a commitment we uphold every day, not just on a single occasion.

"Memorial Day: Celebrate, honor, remember."

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” – Ronald Reagan

“Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

“Patriotism is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.” – Adlai E. Stevenson II

“It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God such men lived.” – George S. Patton

“And I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free. And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.” – Lee Greenwood

On May 3, 2000, President William J. Clinton designated 3:00 p.m. on Memorial Day as a moment for U.S. citizens to observe one minute of silence in honor and respect for those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our nation’s freedom. Let us also keep in our thoughts and prayers the brave men and women currently serving in our armed forces. Wishing you a safe and meaningful holiday.

Now is the Time to Prepare your Terminal Facility for the Long Memorial Day Holiday Next Weekend

As we approach the first three-day holiday weekend of the year, it's crucial to stay alert. Holidays tend to be a target period for thieves looking to hit truck terminals and dealerships, particularly during times of lower activity. There's been a notable rise in vehicle break-ins and thefts, including a significant increase in the stealing of Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs), which contain valuable precious metals.

Thieves often utilize battery-powered saws to swiftly remove DPFs. In a recent incident, a customer experienced the theft of an entire after treatment system. This not only involved the expense of replacing the system, but it also led to the unit being out of service for six weeks due to parts being on backorder.

Criminals understand holidays provide an opportunity, especially when facilities may be left unattended or have minimal staffing. We encourage you to take a moment to review the following security tips to help safeguard your location:

Security Tips:

• Enhance Security for Vehicles and Valuables: Make sure to take additional measures to secure trucks and valuable items.
• Fuel Theft Prevention: If your vehicles do not have anti-siphon devices or locking fuel caps, advise drivers to avoid refueling at the end of the day.
• Check Alarm and Surveillance Systems: Make sure that all security alarms and cameras are functioning correctly and are strategically placed.
• Check the Fencing: Walk around the perimeter of the yard to ensure that the fencing is sturdy and in good condition.
• Clear the Perimeter: Remove any units, pallets, tires, and other objects from around the fences to avoid them being used as a climbing aid.
• Check Security Lighting: Make sure all lighting is functional and unobstructed. Trees or vehicles can create shadows where thieves can hide.
• Block Lot Entrances: To enhance security and prevent vehicle theft, consider physically obstructing access to the lot.
• Random Facility Checks: Designate management staff to perform property checks at various times during the weekend.
• Notify Local Law Enforcement: Let them know your holiday hours so they can monitor unusual activity accordingly.

By taking some additional preventive measures and using good judgment, you can significantly lower the chances of theft and prevent expensive disruptions to your business.

Wishing you a safe and secure holiday weekend!

Cargo theft, up 40% so far this year, expected to rise for Memorial Day 

Cargo theft expected to rise more over the holiday weekend

Cargo theft has already seen a significant rise in 2025, and industry experts at CargoNet are warning truck drivers and others in the supply chain that theft activity is expected to spike even further over the upcoming Memorial Day weekend.

Source: CargoNet

As a reminder, your next Idealease Safety Bulletin will be released on June 6 due to the Memorial Day holiday next week.

Click It or Ticket!

Regardless of the vehicle you operate, one of the easiest and most impactful safety decisions is to wear your seatbelt.

With more people traveling during the Memorial Day weekend, you can anticipate an increased presence of law enforcement on the roads as part of the Click It or Ticket campaign. This initiative, running from May 19 to June 1, highlights the critical importance of seatbelt use and the legal penalties, including fines, for not wearing one.

Stay vigilant. Stay protected. Buckle up.

Registration is now open online for the 2025 Idealease/NPTC Spring Safety Seminars!

Idealease and the National Private Truck Council NPTC will again be hosting safety seminars in the spring and fall of 2025. The one-day seminar this year will focus on basic safety and compliance, regulation changes and CSA. The seminars and will be provided to all Idealease customers, potential customers and NPTC members at no charge. The seminar provides important information applicable for both the novice and experienced transportation professionals.

Upcoming Fall Seminars:

• 9/16/2025 - Weirton, WV
• 9/30/2025- Knoxville, TN
• 10/21/2025 - Los Angeles, CA
• 10/23/2025 - Baltimore, MD

To register for an upcoming fall seminar in 2025, click on the following link:
Safety Seminar Registration

*The Idealease Safety Bulletin is provided for Idealease locations and their customers and is not to be construed as a complete or exhaustive source of compliance or safety information. The Idealease Safety Bulletin is advisory in nature and does not warrant, guarantee, or otherwise certify compliance with laws, regulations, requirements, or guidelines of any local, state, or Federal agency and/or governing body, or industry standards.