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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 labels on transit vans

Security Labels

Small 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

 

 

Security seals for roller door vans

Indicative Pull-Tite Seals

Vans 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

 
 Security seals for trailer doors 

Fixed-Length / Ring Seals

Trailer 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

 
Security seals for curtain siders

Fixed-Length Seals and TIR Cords

Curtain 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

 
Security seals for containers

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 foul play.

Open Top Containers

 

Security seals for open top containers

TIR Cords & Plastic or Cable Seals

Open 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

 
 Security seals for oil and bulk liquid tankers

Flexible Cable Seals

The 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.

  

 

Universeal is happy to explore suitable van, truck and trailer security solutions for your business- please contact us [email protected] or 01829 760000 to discuss your requirement for security seals and we should be happy to help.