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News
A round up of all of the latest Universeal UK news, tamper-evident security industry updates and product guides to make your supply chain more secure.
Security Seals for Known Cargo / SPX Cargo
The Department for Transport, as part of a European wide regulations to standardise and improve aviation security, oversees the ‘known consignor’ scheme for consignments, whereby authorised and audited operators may apply their own in-house measures for the secure preparation of cargo destined for despatch by airfreight. This allows expedited cargo movements for those who follow best practice in the industry. Such cargo is classified as ‘known cargo’ or ‘SPX cargo’.
An application to the DfT for approval as a Known Consignor will be followed by a visit from a DfT accredited validator. If the shipper’s safety and audit controls meet the requirement they will be issued a unique identifier. Further information is available from the specialist aviation regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority (please visit: www.caa.co.uk).
Security seals are an important part of this process, both for the shipper who processes and packs goods for cargo movements, and for logistic operators who handle consignments between locations. Indicative seals, such as cable security seals and non-residue security labels, are uniquely numbered and provide suitable tamper-evident security to protect against unauthorised interference.
As an example of how such security seals can assist in practice, consider the role of a courier company transporting safety-critical aircraft parts between suppliers and secure airport facilities. If the goods are sent from a known consignor, who is accredited under national regulations, then consignments can be loaded within vans at the supplier facility, and a security label placed over the side and rear doors to verify the authorised loading. This allows the consignment to proceed directly for embarkation at airport. On the other hand, if they are not a known consignor then the load will have to proceed to a cargo handler, to be x-rayed and security validated. The consignment can be then sealed in the van in the same way, and proceed to the airport.
Security seals will be checked at the airline to make sure they have not been broken or tampered with. Our indicative plastic seals for trailers, cable security seals for air cargo containers, and security labels for vans can assist in the smooth operation of known cargo / SPX cargo operations. All of security seal products are available on short lead times and with bespoke customisation for your needs (for example, customer logos, barcoding/numbering, and other security features).
Please contact us on 01829 760000 or email [email protected] to discuss your requirements today.
Cargo Security: Sealing Vans, Trucks and Trailers
Cargo Security: Sealing Vans, Trucks and Trailers
Securing your assets against theft and interference whilst in transit is more important than ever in our globally-connected world. Security seals are an important part of the security process; helping to ensure that your goods arrive at destination as expected, without delay.
Security seals come in various forms to suit particular applications, and in this article we run through the different types of seals which are suitable on various forms of road transport vehicles.
Transit and Small Van Security | |
 | Security LabelsSmall transit and other small courier vans do not feature locking hasps or other features which would allow for sealing by way of an indicative pull-tight or fixed length seal. Instead, non-residue security labels can be placed on the seam of vehicle doors, preventing access without removing the label and de-facing the surface, leaving a VOID message through the seal. Non-Residue labels have the advantage in that they do not leave a residue on the surface of the doors, avoiding damage to paintwork. |
Vans with Roller Door Shutters |
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 | Indicative Pull-Tite SealsVans and other vehicles with roller-shutter doors feature hasp and staple-style locking arrangement. For these types of locks, we recommend use of a pull-tite or “pull-through” tamper-evident seal, which can be secured tightly around the mechanism, preventing interference by opportunists. Pull-through seals are available in many different sizes and configurations. We hold most items in our UK warehouse; alternatively, we can customise with your bespoke marking, logo and custom numbering. |
Articulated Lorry Trailer Doors | |
 | Fixed-Length / Ring SealsTrailer doors are available with a number of different locking mechanisms, and so the preferred security seal will depend on the mechanism in question - either pull-through or fixed-length seals are recommended. Fixed-length or "ring" seals, form a secured loop through a locking aperture. Ring seals do not “pull tight” around the locking arrangement, meaning that they can be freely rotated, checked and inspected for signs of tampering more easily. |
Curtain-Siders | |
 | Fixed-Length Seals and TIR CordsCurtain sided trailers are best secured using a TIR cord to pass through each of the buckles along the trailer, looping around so that TIR fasteners can be secured at the back of the vehicle using a plastic indicative fixed-length seal. This ensures that the only way to access any side of the trailer is by way of breaking the seal, providing the audit trail required. |
Containers on Trailers | |
 | High-Security Bolt Seals & Plastic Indicative Seals (empty loads only)Fully-loaded shipping containers which are being moved internationally require sealing by way of a security seal designated and tested as ‘high-security’ according to ISO17712 and CT-PAT regulations. Our high-security bolt seal is one of the most well-established on the market and fully compliant. For empty loads, we recommend use of plastic indicative seals – providing peace of mind that empty containers have not been accessed against the knowledge of the legitimate user, reducing risk of foulplay. |
Open Top Containers |
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 | TIR Cords & Plastic or Cable SealsOpen Top containers allow bulky items to be loaded directly from above. They usually covered and secured using a tarpaulin. TIR cords should be used to pass through the tarpaulin cover eyelets and around container corner posts or lashing rings. The TIR fasteners can then be secured with a security seal – either an indicative plastic seal, or where the goods are being shipped internationally, a high-security bolt seal or cable seal. |
Oil, Gas & Bulk Liquid Tankers | |
 | Flexible Cable SealsThe valuable and potentially hazardous contents of tankers are at risk of interference, theft and fraud, especially whilst in transit and away from the legitimate user. This makes it crucial that sensitive and valuable access points, such as valves, meters and hatches are strongly secured against tampering. Flexible, variable length and very strong cable security seals are ideal for ensuring such access points are secured against interference. |
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