Increasing CPC4 Module Thefts

Because of national backorders and shortages, there has been an increase in CPC4 Module thefts. Why is the CPC4 Module so important, and how are companies working towards creating solutions to the growing robberies?

What is a CPC4?

The Common Powertrain Controller, or CPC, connects the MCM to accessories including the odometer, gas and brake pedals, and fuel gauge. They are essential for the effective operation of your truck. If the CPC is damaged, your Freightliner won’t move until you fix it or get a new one.
Still being stolen are older Freightliner Cascadia computer parts. Following an upsurge in May, Daimler Truck North America claims that the rate of robberies is now dropping.
At the end of July, the largest truck manufacturer in the industry reported receiving 340 theft reports involving its Class 8 trucks. As of May, Daimler had tallied 175 thefts.
Even though the number of reported instances has decreased, a DTNA spokesman said that “one recorded CPC [theft] is one too many.” In response to these occurrences, we have worked with our dealers and customers to build deterrence, tracking, and information-sharing methods.

THEFT VICTIMS RECEIVE LITTLE SOLACE.

Over the course of two days in August, the 2016 Cascadia computer module belonging to Svetlana Uz vanished in Sacramento, California. She does not take comfort in what Daimler is doing.
Uz noted in an email to Freight Waves, “After we filed a police report, we were told that they don’t promise that the item will be discovered, or who stole it. The police did not have high hopes of discovering the CPC module.
After her Cascadia was stolen, Uz discovered that hundreds of other Cascadias were being stolen.
The persistent microprocessor scarcity is connected to the scam involving the common powertrain control (CPC) module 4 unit. According to Daimler, the components may be removed and reprogrammed to work in other trucks.
One of the most prominent crimes in April involved the theft of modules from 24 trucks that were up for auction at a Hess Auctioneers yard in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
According to Michael Kimes, a detective with the Susquehanna Regional Police Department’s Criminal Investigative Unit, we have concluded our investigation into the theft of the CPC4 units. Two of the devices were found. Receiving stolen items has been charged against one person.
Kimes described his inquiry as having “discovered other instances involving the theft of these units that were being reviewed by other organizations.” These products continue to command high prices on the market and are still acknowledged as high-theft goods.
Daimler chose to conceal more specific information while acknowledging some arrests, accusations, and recoveries.

What measures are taken to prevent CPC theft?

The reports of stolen CPCs are handled by DTNA in a multitiered manner as opposed to unplugging the devices.
The vehicle identification number (VIN) of the truck is entered into a database that dealers can access when a CPC is reported stolen. Dealers use a database to cross-reference CPC units. The CPC cannot be programmed if it has been reported stolen.
The firm representative asserted that “DTNA can pull crucial information” identifying the programmers and the vehicles where CPCs have been reported stolen.
DTNA is keeping an eye on and tracking any CPCs that display a program date that is later than the stolen date through server activity.
At D & W Trucking Inc. in Inglewood, California, administrative services manager Clarece Wilson claimed one of the company’s drivers parked a 2018 Cascadia on a street close to his home and discovered a break-in the next day.
According to FreightWaves, Wilson claimed that Daimler “did not suggest they could aid in finding a new [CPC]”. They merely provided us with a reference number.
Freightliner customers are appreciative of the assistance, according to DTNA.
The official said, “Our consumers have expressed gratitude for what DTNA is attempting to do to help.”