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Cargo Control Equipment: How To Use Cargo Security Seals

Due to terrorist threats and criminals stealing items and goods, cargo security seals have become more relevant and more sophisticated. Commercial businesses can now choose from a wide range of mechanical and electronic seals to protect their freights. However, if you are new to these cargo security seals, you should learn how to use them.

Aside from knowing the different types available, it would be good if you could familiarize yourself with their features and functions. In this article, we are going to share some essential tips on how to use cargo security seals. Keep reading to learn more!

How to Protect Your Shipments Using Cargo Security Seals

The tips below will help you understand how cargo security seals work. More importantly, you’ll learn how to use them effectively.

Know and Understand the Items/Goods You are Protecting 

Every commercial business needs to evaluate the nature and level of threats to its cargo. If you are worried about tampering and theft, you should understand your cargo. This includes knowing if you are liable for theft and other potential damage to the items. 

Additionally, it would be best to perform historical research on your goods’ vulnerability to theft and criminals. You may also include your carriers’ theft history and the fragility of the supply chain connected to packaging and unit volume.

Cargo Control Equipment

Determine the Value of Your Loads to Thieves

Some items are more likely to be stolen than others. High-priced electronics, equipment, and machinery are attractive to thieves. On the other hand, terrorists may target gases, explosives, or corrosives. It would be good to know your products’ value to determine the type and strength of seal you need. Take note that different security threats require different intensities and types of seals. For instance, for the highest level of security, hazardous items and materials should travel in tankers. 

Familiarize Yourself With Cargo Seals 

Understanding the difference between different types of cargo seals can help you decide which is ideal for your cargo. When it comes to cargo types, barriers, electronic and indicative seals are the most commonly used. Locking bars and cable seals cannot be re-secured if cut. On the other hand, indicative seals change visual composition after tampering of any form. 

Aside from familiarizing with the types of cargo seals, it is also necessary to visually inspect the seal. It would be useful to compare its numeric identifier and determine if cargo seals were manipulated during transit. Bolt seals, cable seals and lock bars are all barrier seals; however, their physical properties are not reliable enough to judge their ability to protect your load.

Analyze Your Transport Modes

If you move products via container, trailer, pallet, or small parcel, you probably use a combination of shipping containers. When it comes to determining what kind of seal suits your cargo, consider the transport mode you are using in shipping the products. When shipping small packages, like computer chips, cameras, jewelry, etc., use packaging seals. You can use either pallet-locking steel top clips or self-adhesive seals. This will enhance security and allow the consignee to determine if the package was violated en route.

When using a full truckload or container load from origin to destination without breakbulk, use a locking bar or wrap-around cable seal. Both of these seals are effective in bundling the entire cargo. Do not use pallet seals for these conditions, as they do not adequately secure the load. On the other hand, pallet covers and top clips are best suited to an LTL shipment of products such as pharmaceuticals.

 

Related article: Know the Reasons Why an E-Track Is a Safe, Smart, and Effective Cargo Control Solution

 

Understand How to Install and Remove the Seal 

Remove the Seal 

Correctly applying even a bolt seal is challenging for most shippers. A lot of consignees also fail to understand how to inspect cargo seals upon delivery. Although you should select a cargo security seal for its ability to secure a load, it does not always mean that your consignee will accept it. In this case, you need to provide both carriers and consignees with proper training to validate the seal accurately. 

Also, doing this will ensure that consignees have the proper tools and knowledge to remove the seal once the cargo is delivered. Choose cargo seals aligned with your carriers and consignees to adequately protect the load, regardless of who has control over it.

Do Not Make a Decision With Price

Most of the time, shippers consider the price as the primary deciding factor when selecting cargo seals. This shouldn’t be so. To ensure the security of cargo in transit, you have to spend money. Therefore, when selecting seals, your choice must be based on their quality and fitness for your cargo type. It would help if you considered the shipping mode and physical environment also before the price.

Understand the Accountability of Seals at the Origin 

Seals at the Origin 

You should have sufficient standards for the issuance and control of seals. When sealing methods and products are employed simultaneously, inspectors can quickly validate containment throughout the logistics cycle. Also, take note that each packaging and bundling component needs a unique seal type. 

Final Thoughts

Now more than ever, the threat of terrorists and regular criminals looking to steal goods and items is higher. Therefore, cargo security seals have become more significantly crucial and more efficient. With the different types of cargo security available, it is essential to consider the factors above when choosing the best cargo seals for your shipments.

If you are looking for cargo security seals and other cargo control equipment, visit Toronto Trailers. Also, call us at 416 477 5488 or send us an email at info@www.torontotrailers.com. We’ve got the expertise and experience to help you!

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