How Much Money Do Brinks Trucks Typically Carry?

The question of how much money a Brinks truck typically carries can vary significantly depending on various factors, such as the specific route, the type of service being provided, and the needs of the clients being served. According to industry experts, the amount can range from tens of thousands to several million dollars, but in rare cases, it can even exceed these figures.

Factors Influencing the Amount Carried

Urban areas with high cash flow, such as those around peak retail hours, can see considerably higher cash loads. Conversely, in quieter times or less populated areas, the cash load may be much lower. Additionally, a Brinks truck can carry not only large amounts of cash but also other valuables such as jewelry or important documents, which can further increase the overall value being transported.

Personal Accounts from Former Messenger-Guards

There are accounts from former employees who worked in armored transport carrying massive amounts of money. One such individual, who previously worked for Wells Fargo Armored Corp, recalls a time when they had over 50 million dollars in gold bars, which were primarily transported from mines in Nevada. These gold bars were escorted all the way from the mines to Salt Lake Airport, where they would be loaded onto a waiting plane headed to Fort Knox.

Another former message-guard noted that the amount of money could vary significantly based on the route. One day, they stopped at a casino and picked up as much as 12 million dollars in a single stop. They also mentioned that they had personally handled hundreds of millions of dollars in cash over the course of their career, with incredible security measures in place at the casino they worked for.

The Role of Safety and Security

Security and safety are paramount in the industry, and companies like Brinks and similar security firms prioritize these aspects. They may adjust the amount of cash being transported based on risk assessments and the needs of the clients they serve. For instance, they might transport less money on smaller business routes and more on routes visiting larger commercial establishments, such as race tracks.

During a typical day as an armored car messenger, one might spend their time on local routes or, a few times a week, traveling across a state to make deliveries and pickups to banks. The regional Federal Reserve office would often preload the trucks with money, either for deliveries to local banks or for pickups to be deposited back at the Fed. The vehicle would be accompanied by a driver, a guard, and the messenger, all equipped with firearms for protection. At the end of the day, when they arrived at the last bank, the guard would take the lead, ensuring the messenger's safety while they unloaded the entire contents of the truck into a bank vault. Afterward, the messenger and their colleagues would head to a hotel for dinner and rest, before starting their journey back the next day.

Incidents and Anecdotes

There are also intriguing anecdotes about what happens during these trips. For example, during one bank stop, a guard decided to switch to a different shotgun. The guard asked the messenger to verify if the chosen shotgun was loaded. This request came after hearing a shotgun slide being racked, which caused the guard to suspect that the chosen weapon might not be trustworthy. It highlights the importance of thorough safety checks when handling such high-value cargo, especially in an industry continuously on high alert for potential threats.

Conclusion

In summary, the amount of money transported by Brinks trucks can vary widely based on the route, type of service, and specific needs of the clients. While it can be as low as tens of thousands or even lower in less populated areas, it can also exceed several million dollars in high-cash-flow urban areas or for specialized transport jobs like that of the messenger-guard in Nevada. The industry places a strong emphasis on security measures to ensure such valuable assets are transported safely and efficiently.