Before we learn about Shipping Container Seal Types, it’s good to know about Logistics security is a critical aspect of Supply Chain management that involves protecting materials and goods from theft, damage, or loss during transportation from the original location to the final destination. It requires the implementation of various tools and best practices to make sure that the cargo is secure at all times. During the transportation process, it’s vital to conduct a security assessment in order to identify potential risks and vulnerabilities such as theft, terrorism, or natural disasters and determine the most effective measures to mitigate these risks.
Once an assessment has been completed, a logistics security professional can implement these tools throughout the supply chain. Cargo can be secured using Tamper-evidence seals, GPS tracking devices, and RFID technology. Additionally, security cameras can be installed at loading docks and other key locations to monitor the handling of cargo and detect any suspicious activity, another important aspect of logistics security is security. Personnel security personnel can be deployed to accompany shipments, especially in high-risk situations. They can also provide regular security checks, monitor their cargo during transportation, and respond to any security incidents.
In addition, there are also several best practices that Logistics Security professionals should use in order to protect the integrity of the cargo. One of the most important is to keep a detailed record of each shipment, including the route, the delivery schedule, and the security measures used. This information can be used to quickly respond to any security incidents and help track down lost or stolen cargo. Another best practice is to maintain regular communication with the suppliers, carriers, and other stakeholders in the supply chain. This can help ensure that everyone is aware of the security measures in place and can quickly respond to any issues that may arise.regular training and drills so that Personnel are prepared for any potential security incidents. This can include emergency response drills, evacuation procedures, and training on the use of security tools and technology.
Logistics Security Professionals can minimize the impact of any disruptions and ensure the continued flow of goods and materials. Finally, using pallet seals, bolts, cargo door seals, and barrier seals is crucial for logistic security. These seals provide a physical barrier to prevent unauthorized access to the goods in transit and ensure this shipment remains intact and secure from the point of origin to the Final Destination by conducting security assessments, deploying field personnel, and using best tools and practices Logistics Security Experts are able to protect cargo throughout the entire supply chain.
Table of Contents – Shipping Container Seal Types
Container Bolt Seal
This is a most popular seal type of shipping containers, and this strong locking device that act as one-time use, uses for freight containers, trucks, trailers, railroad cars etc. A high security bolt seal is certified as ISO 17712:2013 which is ideal for securing import and exports goods, moreover, this will accept most customs around the world also they are CTPAT compliant as well. This seal consists of a metal pin and steel barrel, each of these having a unique seal number on both pin and barrel.
I will explain to you a quick review of container bolt seal features, however, this may vary based on suppliers, it’s your responsibility to choose and customize your seal based on your requirement.
The raw material of bolt seal is low carbon steel and ABS, the inner rod is electroplated with zinc and color zinc to prevent rust, lock head is oxidation resistance. The colorful plastic shell is made of environmental protection materials ABS, non-toxic and odorless, lock body color shell colorless and tasteless at the bottom of the product marked as “H” means its High Security Seal.
The inside of the slot is a clip spring structure to achieve the sealing effect and some products have the function of “anti-rotation” the lock cannot be pulled out by high-speed rotation.
There are many choices of product models,
When in use, break off the joint in the middle of the product and insert the lock rod into the lock body, This strong type of security seal cannot break or open easily, you will have a bolt seal cutter to do so.
How to Open Shipping Container Bolt Seal
General Specifications of Bolt Seals
Length: 73.5 mm (2″ 57/64″)
Diameter (head): 20 mm (25/32″)
Diameter (pin): 8 mm (5/16″)
( dimensions may be vary based on supplier and product )
Container Cable Seal
Cable seals are used seal valves, locked doors, or various objects that have a small opening for inserting a cable wire. Different size of works requires different cable length, different cable diameters (typically between 1.5mm to 5.0mm)
Some cable seal meets ISO 17712 and this can be identifying as high security seal, this type is suitable for international shipping, also cable seals are barrier level seals, they cannot be removed by hand, require tools for removal, because it has a high tensile strength and unique metal looking mechanism.
Quick review of container bolt seal features, colour selection the aluminum lock is used in the oxidizing process and the wear is not faded, these types of seals are one-time, anti-false, and anti-theft seal which cannot be opened after the lock, unless malicious damage. The length and thickness of the wire rope can be customized according to requirements, moreover, lock body has higher than normal levels of tensile strength.
There are many choices of product models,
Aim the wire end around the lock hole and through the lock hole, pull the end of the wire through to make sure the object is locked. Once locked, it cannot be opened unless it is violently broken.
How to Open Shipping Container Bolt Seal
General Specifications of Cable Seals
Diameter: 3,5 mm (0″ 9/64″)
Length: 250 mm (9″ 27/32″)
Container Plastic Seal
Still If you have no idea about plastic seals, I am pretty sure you may notice plastic seals on emergency exists, fire extinguishers, medicine cabinets or your utility meters, but they used across almost major industry of transport and logistics, these seals are not heavy duty like bolt seal or cable seal, and they do not meet ISO 17712 standard therefore plastic seal have no international value.
Now your question is then what is the use of this? Well, this seal is classified as ” indicative seals ” they provide visual indicator that detecting tampering or attempted tampering with shipments. Quick review of container plastic seal features, it contains high impact resistance and corrosion resistance raw materials. products are firm, easy to lock and safe.
Plastic security seals can be categorized as,
- Adjustable Length Seals
- Fixed Length Seals
Manufacturers are designed various model of seal types and most common plastic seal types,
- Fixed length plastic seals
- Padlock plastic seal
- Adjustable plastic seal
- RFID plastic seal
- Plastic meter seals and twist seals
How to Open Shipping Container Plastic Seal
General Specifications of Plastic Seals
Diameter: 2 mm (5/64”)
Length: 220 mm (8” 21/32”)
Label: 30 x 10 mm (1” 3/16” x 25/64”)
Container E-Seal / RFID Seal
E-seal looks like a bolt seal, in fact, it’s a radio frequency device that sends container data/information. It combines both mechanical and electronic security standards most of e-seals meets ISO 17712:2013 standards. It has a unique ID number, and the use of UHF RFID Technology allows automated seal reading via suitable reading portal.
- The E-seal has large engraved a unique ID code and read/write user memory.
- It is available in tamper evidence version – seal is immediately detected.
- It provides automatic identification of trucks, trailers, and containers.
- Any tampering event is permanently recorded in the memory of the E-seal chip. This activates the TAG TAMPER ALARM, This immediately indicates if the seal has been tampered with or not.
- The EPC code of the seal will be scanned using an E-seal reader when used with your smartphone or tablet, and its TAMPER STATUS (intact/violated).
Key Benefits of E-Seal / RFID Seal
- E-seal reduces risk of pilferage and theft.
- Helps to find that have been tampered in discreet manner.
- Reduce time taken for manual inspection procedures.
Meter Seal
Meter seals are designed to prevent unauthorized access to meters that cannot be opened without being damaged, these seals can be seen on utility meters, road, and fuel transportation, since this has a transparent body, you can see locking mechanism is visible. moreover, this designed only for one-time use and destroyed when removed. “Twist Seal” and “Counters Seal” are the other names.
How to Lock and Break the Meter Seal
To lock the seal, Thread the cable through the hole in the plastic housing after tightening the cable, twist and red handle until it breaks, using wire cutters you can trim excess cable.
To remove the meter seal, cut the cable with wire cutters.
Metal Strap Seal
Another container seal types is metal strap seal is all-around indicative security seal, this can be easy to lock by blending the metal strap seal and click it in the locking mechanism, it has unique number has been stamped into the metal strap, this seal is disposable and same like other seals this can be lock and open just one time, it has good anti-theft performance.
Most popular seal types are.
- Metal Strap Seal
- Metal Globe Seal
However, manufacturers are giving different names such as steel ball seal, globe metal band, flat metal truck seal, ball metal truck seal, metal strap balloon seal, flat metal band seal.
Simple Steps to Lock and Break Metal Seals
Insert the flat end of the seal into the locking mechanism to simply lock the metal seal.
To remove use side-cutting pliers to cut the seal as close to the locking mechanism as possible prevent reuse.
General Specifications of Metal Seals
SIZE
Width: 9,5 mm (0″ 3/8″)
Length: 215 mm (8″ 15/32″)
SIZE
Width: 8 mm (0″ 5/16″)
Length: 217 mm (8″ 35/64″)
Padlock Seal
There are different types of security padlock seals available in the market and not all the seals are ideal for shipping containers and containerised trucks, easy to handle and lock but difficult to remove by hand and required tools to cut the seal.
Other light weight seal are suitable for smaller applications such as key cabinets, airline trolley, first aid boxes etc.
Padlock Seal Types
General Specifications of Padlock security seal
SIZE
Diameter: 4 mm (steel hasp) (5/32”)
Length: 75 mm (2” 61/64”)
Padlock body: 32 x 20 mm (1” 17/64” x 25/32”)
Barrier Seal
Barrier Seals provide the maximum protection for your container, this type is easy to install and not require special tools, also this can be used only one time, this meets ISO 17712:2013 usually width is 35mm and length is 505mm. There are different types of barrier seals available in the market, you can select high security seal as per your choice.
How to use Barrier Seal Correctly
- Hook the locking J-Bar around the left locking rod with the locking box facing out.
- Firmly insert the locking pin into the locking box, when installed properly the locking pin should be flush with the lock box.
- If the top of the locking pin is not flush with the lock box, the locking pin is not fully engaged and may fall out during shipping.
- If you cannot fully insert the locking pin by hand, use a hammer to strike the pin until it is flush.
How to open Barrier Seal – Caution – wear eye protection
- Using an angle grinder with a cutting wheel, cut the J-bar to the right of the lock box.
- Remove both sections of the barrier seal.
Electronic Seal
This type of seal is specifically designed for greater security in the supply chain. These locks combine security, data storing and the ability to monitor, also real time alerting and recording feature are also available.
Different products are available and most of them can be reusable and contain 2G/4G network facility, good battery lifetime such as 2600mAh and feature of waterproof.
Lead Seal
- Sealing with lead seals is the most traditional way of sealing.
- This lead seal is economical and easy to use.
- lead seals can be used in combination with sealing pliers and seal-wire.
- The Lead seal is a round lead seal product which is utilized with any length of pre-cut or rolls of various wire types.
- To prevent slippage, sealing pliers must be used to clamp the lead seal.
Learn more about – How to Seal a Shipping Container Correctly
Disclaimer: The views expressed by the authors in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of CONTAINER SURVEYOR. Data and charts, if utilized, in the article have been sourced from available information and have not been authenticated by any statutory authority. The author and CONTAINER SURVEYOR do not claim it to be accurate nor accept any responsibility for the same. The views constitute only the opinions and do not constitute any guidelines or recommendation on any course of action to be followed by the reader.
