Physical Security Policy | Keep It Cyber

Physical Security Policy for Logistics Operations

Establish comprehensive facility controls and access management for your transportation facilities, equipment, and dispatch centers. NIST-aligned and CMMC-ready for regulated logistics environments.

NIST SP 800-171 CMMC v2 FMCSA Guidelines CTPAT Standards

Tier 3 Policy

What is a Physical Security Policy?

A Physical Security Policy establishes a comprehensive framework for protecting your logistics facilities, equipment, and physical assets from unauthorized access, theft, or damage. It defines security zone classifications, access control standards, monitoring requirements, and emergency procedures to ensure that your operational environments maintain appropriate physical protections.

The policy creates a structured approach to facility access management (who can enter different areas of your operations) and physical asset protection (how equipment and infrastructure are secured), addressing the complete range of physical security controls from perimeter protection through incident response.

Why It Matters for Logistics Companies

Transportation operations maintain numerous physical locations and critical equipment that require protection. Without proper physical security controls, your organization faces:

Unauthorized access to dispatch centers, server rooms, and loading docks
Theft of cargo, fleet equipment, or technology assets
Physical breaches leading to data compromise or system tampering
Inadequate protection of regulated zones and sensitive operations
Compliance violations with NIST, CMMC, and CTPAT security criteria
Inability to monitor and respond to physical security incidents

A well-implemented Physical Security Policy provides the foundation for protecting operational assets, securing regulated environments, and maintaining compliance—ensuring your logistics business has appropriate protections against physical threats and unauthorized access.

What's Typically Included

Our logistics-optimized Physical Security Policy addresses the unique challenges faced by transportation operations:

Security zone classifications for logistics environments (public, operations, restricted, high security)
Roles and responsibilities for facility security management
Badge and credential management systems for staff, drivers, and visitors
Visitor management protocols for logistics facilities
Perimeter security requirements for terminals, yards, and warehouses
CCTV and surveillance standards tailored to transportation operations
Loading dock security protocols for shipping and receiving
IT room and equipment protection requirements
Mobile device and endpoint security controls
Remote location and work-from-home security standards
Integration with incident response and emergency procedures

Why Your Logistics Operation Needs This Policy

Comprehensive physical security is essential for any transportation company with facilities, equipment, or regulated operations. This policy is particularly critical for:

Companies with dispatch centers, terminals, or warehouse operations
Organizations pursuing government or defense logistics contracts
Operations with server rooms or IT infrastructure supporting regulated data
Cross-border carriers subject to CTPAT requirements
Companies with high-value cargo, equipment, or technology assets
Operations with multiple facilities or remote/unstaffed locations
Organizations with regulated data storage or processing environments

For comprehensive security governance, pair this policy with an Incident Response Policy to create a complete protection framework for your logistics organization.

Available in Our Regulated Logistics+ Tier

The Physical Security Policy is included in our advanced compliance package for logistics operations with complex regulatory requirements

Tier 3: Regulated Logistics+

$8,500 · One-time purchase

Complete zone classification system
Access control and badge management
Visitor monitoring protocols
CCTV and surveillance standards
Loading dock and warehouse security
IT equipment protection requirements
Full NIST, CMMC, FMCSA, and CTPAT mapping

See Full Package

This policy is exclusively available in our Tier 3 package due to its specialized nature and advanced regulatory alignment.

Compare All Policy Tiers

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about implementing a Physical Security Policy

How do we implement security zones in mixed-use logistics facilities?

Our policy provides specific guidance for implementing security zones in combined operations where dispatch, warehouse, and administrative functions may share the same facility. We recommend a progressive security approach that uses clear demarcation between zones, controlled transition points, and appropriate visual indicators. For smaller operations, we provide cost-effective approaches like strategic badge reader placement, door access controls, and CCTV coverage focused on zone boundaries. The policy includes visual mapping templates to help you document and communicate security zones to your team. We also address specialized requirements for multi-tenant facilities where your logistics operation may share space with other businesses. The implementation guidance outlines how to create "security enclaves" for regulated data processing within a larger facility using both physical and administrative controls, effectively balancing operational flexibility with compliance requirements.

What access controls are needed for fleet terminals and driver facilities?

The policy outlines specialized access control requirements for transportation-specific environments like driver check-in areas, fleet terminals, vehicle staging zones, and maintenance facilities. For driver access, we recommend implementing tiered controls that balance operational efficiency with security, such as driver authentication systems that integrate with your dispatch operations. The policy addresses secure key management for fleet vehicles, equipment access protocols, and visitor management specific to vendor technicians servicing vehicles. We include guidance on gate access systems that can validate both drivers and vehicles, security camera placement for yard visibility, and appropriate lighting standards for 24/7 operations. The policy also addresses how to secure driver credential information, DOT documentation, and other sensitive information that might be processed in these areas while maintaining quick access for authorized personnel.

How do we secure IT equipment in dispatch and operational areas?

Our policy provides comprehensive guidance on protecting IT assets in high-traffic operational environments like dispatch centers. We recommend a layered approach that includes physical security cables or locking mechanisms for workstations, secure equipment cabinets, and privacy screens for monitors displaying sensitive information. For network equipment, the policy outlines requirements for locked network closets or secured rack enclosures even in open dispatch environments. We address tamper-evident seals for critical system components, asset tagging protocols, and inventory management practices. The policy includes specialized guidance for dispatcher workstations that need 24/7 accessibility while maintaining security during shift changes. For mobile devices used in operations, we provide secure storage solutions, check-out procedures, and physical tracking mechanisms. The policy also addresses secure cable management to prevent unauthorized access to network connections in shared operational spaces.

What surveillance requirements are needed for CTPAT compliance?

The policy includes specific CCTV and surveillance requirements aligned with CTPAT Minimum Security Criteria for cross-border carriers and logistics providers. We outline camera placement requirements covering all entry/exit points, loading docks, cargo handling areas, and parking facilities. The policy defines minimum retention periods (90+ days) for footage, resolution standards sufficient for identification purposes, and monitoring responsibilities. For smaller operations, we provide guidance on prioritizing camera placement to achieve compliance with limited resources. The policy addresses integration with access control systems to correlate entry events with video evidence, alarm triggering capabilities, and appropriate signage requirements. We also cover specialized considerations for international border locations, including additional documentation requirements and coordination with Customs authorities. The policy includes CTPAT-specific audit checklists to help you prepare for validation visits and demonstrate compliance with physical security criteria.

How does this policy help with CMMC compliance?

Our Physical Security Policy directly addresses CMMC v2 requirements in the Physical Protection (PE) domain, particularly practices PE.L2-3.10.1 through 3.10.6. The policy includes specific controls for limiting physical access to systems containing CUI, maintaining visitor logs, escorting visitors, and controlling access to output devices. For logistics contractors pursuing CMMC certification, we provide guidelines for creating and documenting physical security boundaries around CUI processing areas, even within larger operational environments. The policy includes implementation guidance for technologies like badge readers and surveillance systems that can provide essential evidence during CMMC assessments. We address specific physical security documentation requirements for System Security Plans (SSPs), including facility diagrams, access control configurations, and visitor management procedures. The policy also outlines how physical security incidents must be integrated with your broader incident response capabilities to satisfy CMMC requirements for reporting and remediation of physical security breaches affecting CUI.

Ready to Secure Your Facilities?

Get our comprehensive Tier 3 policy suite for regulated logistics operations

Get Started Today

Need help with CTPAT compliance? Contact Us