SENT Tracker Malfunction During a Propane Delivery: What to Do If You Lose the GSM Signal?
Deliveries of liquefied gas (propane CN 2711 12) and heating oil exceeding 500 liters are subject to monitoring through the SENT system. Find out what a tanker truck driver must do in the event of a loss of geolocation transmission to avoid a 7,500 zł fine.
Legal Framework for Monitoring Supplies of Liquefied Gas and Heating Oil
Deliveries of liquefied propane gas (CN code 2711 12) and heating oil with a gross weight exceeding 500 kg or a volume exceeding 500 liters are subject to a mandatory registration requirement in the SENT registry (Act on the System for Monitoring Road and Rail Freight Transport and the Trade in Heating Fuels, Journal of Laws 2017, item 780).
Every means of transport carrying out such a delivery must be equipped with a functional geolocation device: - External Location System (ZSL) – an on-board GPS/GNSS module permanently integrated into the tanker’s system, - or Tracking Device (OBU/SENT-GEO app) – a dedicated smartphone or tablet with the National Revenue Administration app installed.
Pursuant to Article 10a(1) of the Act, the driver is required to activate the tracking device before commencing transport and to deactivate it no earlier than after the goods have been delivered to their destination and unloading has been completed.
What to do in the event of a loss of GSM signal or GPS failure?
Tankers delivering liquefied gas to residential tanks in small towns or forested areas regularly encounter so-called “dead zones” in cellular network coverage. The Act stipulates a strict procedure for such situations:
- Assess the duration of the transmission interruption (critical 60-minute threshold): The PUESC/SENT-GEO system tolerates short-term losses of the GSM signal, provided that the device buffers the positions and transmits them immediately upon regaining connectivity. However, if the interruption in geolocation data transmission lasts longer than 60 minutes, the device is formally considered malfunctioning.
- Obligation to stop the vehicle (Article 10a, paragraph 2): If the tracking device is malfunctioning for more than one hour, the driver has an absolute legal obligation to immediately stop the vehicle at the nearest parking lot or pull-off. Continuing to drive with a malfunctioning tracking device constitutes a direct violation of the law.
- Contacting the dispatcher and verifying the backup device: The driver must immediately notify the fuel depot dispatcher. The quickest way to resume driving is to activate the backup tracking device (e.g., a spare company phone with the SENT-GEO app) and link the new device number to an active SENT reference number on the PUESC platform.
Financial Penalties for Failure to Follow the Procedure
The National Revenue Administration and the Road Transport Inspection (ITD) take a zero-tolerance approach to the monitoring of propane transport: - For the driver: A fine ranging from 5,000 PLN to 7,500 PLN for continuing to transport sensitive goods despite a malfunctioning tracking device or for failing to activate geolocation. - For the carrier: A fine of 10,000 PLN for failing to ensure the continuous transmission of geolocation data.
Checklist for propane tanker drivers
- □Before leaving the depot, make sure that the ZSL device or phone with SENT-GEO has an “Active” status and a fully charged battery.
- □Check that the SENT reference number and driver key have been entered correctly.
- □If you receive a notification about a loss of GSM signal en route, do not ignore the app’s warnings.
- □Keep a backup company phone with the KAS app installed on hand.
- □Remember: the tracker may only be turned off after the valve has been physically closed and the customer has signed for receipt.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Does a delivery of 4 33-kg propane cylinders require SENT? Yes, if the total net weight of the gas exceeds 500 kg (or 500 liters) or if the cylinders are transported as part of a delivery subject to this customs code and exceed the statutory exemption limits. A standard delivery of 1–2 11-kg cylinders to a residential customer qualifies for the consumer exemption.
What if there is no cellular network coverage at all on the customer’s property? The device buffers the unloading coordinates. It is important that the driver does not turn off the app until returning to an area with cellular network coverage, where the telemetry data from the buffer will be transmitted to the PUESC servers.
Who is responsible for changing the tracker number in the PUESC system during a failure? Changes to the link between the tracker number and the SENT number are made by the carrier or an authorized dispatcher in the PUESC system, or by the driver themselves in the SENT-GEO mobile app.