Arizona companies say fuel thefts from big rigs on the rise

Fuel thefts from tractor-trailers on the rise, authorities say.

The Associated Press

6/24/2008

PHOENIX — As fuel prices soar, thieves are targeting tractor-trailers and their massive gas tanks. Trucking companies in Arizona say thieves sometimes use high-pressure pumps to drain the large tanks quickly while truckers sleep. In some cases, other truckers are stealing fuel.

Dave Williams, vice president of equipment and maintenance for Phoenix-based Knight Transportation, says fuel thefts have become a frustrating problem for the industry.

Knight and Phoenix-based Swift Transportation say they are not taking theft lightly.

The companies wouldn't talk about security precautions except to say they're cracking down.