The Different Types Of Security Seals

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Security Seals

With the growing global concern of cargo theft, terrorism, and tampering of goods in the storage and transportation sector, security becomes a top priority. The use of C-TPAT seals has been proven to be the best approach to provide the maximum security for goods on transit. 

A security seal is an effective tool for detecting and deterring unauthorized access, tampering, or theft on sealed containers. The main use of security seals is to ensure that high-value products, especially those involved in long-distance shipping, do not tamper. Therefore, when choosing a security seal, it is important to compare the different types available. Security seals can be selected with the basis of the task intended and the level of security they offer. Security seals are applicable across a wide range of markets, such as securing food containers, sealing freight, and securing cash in transit in the banking sector.

Security seals are classified by the degree of protection, including high-security seals, security seals, and indicating seals. High-security seals are used to secure high-value maritime containers. Security seals are used for a wide variety of applications, whereas indicating seals are mainly used for identification.

Here are the different types of security seals:

#Bolt Seals

Bolt seals are one of the high-security seal options. Bolt seals are designed with a complex self-locking mechanism that does not require a tool, implying that they do not require specialized skills to set up. 

Bolt seals have a steel bolt and a tamper-evident part that is manually attached to form a seal. These types of seals can be customized by print, color, and barcoding, which increases security. Bolt seals are ideal for cross border shipments, door latches, trailers, and containers. To remove the seal, they require a bolt cutter.

#Cable Seals

These are durable seals used to seal items with an opening through which a cable wire can be inserted. Such items include locked doors, tanker trucks, shipping containers, rail cars, and valves.  The cable must be adjusted to fit tightly to the item being secured to maximize security and prevent tampering. Some cable seals meet high-security standards and can be used for circumstances like international cargo shipping. Cable seals come in varying cable diameters and can be etched with a permanent laser marking for a sequential number and barcode, a logo, and company name. 

#Plastic Strap Seals

They are adjustable to match specific needs and come in a wide variety of breaking strengths. 

They are further grouped into Fixed-length plastic seals, and Plastic pull-tight seals. Pull-tight plastic seals are widely used for tankers and trucks, empty shipping containers, rail wagons, roll cages, warehouses, airline cargo, customs control, and hazardous waste. Fixed-length plastic seals are ideal for securing cargo for truck shipments. 

Plastic seals are not so much expensive, so they are a good option when the cost is a consideration.

#Metal Strap Seals. 

These are Metallic strap seals similar to plastic seals, except for the material. They are more durable and stronger than plastic strap seals. Custom numbering, printing, and barcoding are customizable mechanisms used to increase the security level of metal strap seals. Similar to the plastic alternative, metal strap seals are another option for trucking cargo.

#Padlock Seals. 

These are relatively small seals with an extremely easy to use procedure. Typically, padlock seals are used to prevent doors from being opened. While plastic padlock seals are mostly used for securing zipper bags, first aid kits, and food and beverage carts, wire padlock seals are ideal for securing drums and meters. 

#Cable Sealocks

Cable sealocks are available in various cable diameters and are best suited for the seal of Intermodal-Containers, trailer trucks, and Containers – as well as for the seal of valuable cargo. By laser printing, they can be furnished with a barcode, personalized, or numbered.

#Intermodal Seals

These are high-security seals similar to bolt seal, except that they are specially developed for sea containers. Intermodal seals vary in sizes, diameter, and color. This type of seals can be furnished with a barcode, numbered, or personalized. Besides, the axis of the seal can also be marked.