Types of Security Seals for Trucks & How to Choose the Best

With expanding global trade, security concerns in transportation are growing at an alarming pace. The risks of theft, tampering, and unauthorized access to shipments have become more prevalent, making strong security measures necessary. So, companies must know how to secure their cargo, trucks, and containers during transit.

Though selecting the best security seals for trucks requires some technical knowledge, we’ve simplified everything for you in this detailed post. Here, we present a list of the ten most popular security seals for trucks and expert tips to help you choose the right seal for your needs. Let’s start with the basics.

What are Security Seals for Trucks?

Truck security seals are mechanical devices that secure cargo trucks, containers, or trailers. The seals act as barriers against tampering and deter unauthorized access by providing clear, visible evidence of breakage or removal, alerting the authorities of potential theft or mishandling. 

To evaluate the security level of a seal and determine its feasibility for specific applications, it is accessed according to industry security standards. Below are some of the primary standards for logistics transportation:

Types of Security Seals for Trucks and Their Applications

Here’s a list of the best security seals for securing truck doors, trailer latches, cargo compartments, and goods. 

Now, we’ll briefly discuss each type of security seal, including its mechanism and the level of security it provides. We’ll also see the typical applications of each seal and its advantages. 

1. Bolt Seals

Bolt Seals are the most popular type of tamper-evident seals used to secure cargo containers and trucks. They consist of a cylindrical metal shaft and a female locking chamber. The chamber has a metal ring on the inside that secures the shaft in place. 

These seals are designed for single use only and often feature unique serial numbers or logos. Applying bolt seals is easy and manual and does not require any machinery. Once locked, the seal cannot be removed without special bolt cutters, ensuring safe transport. 

Bolt seals are mostly ISO-17712 and C-TPAT certified and provide high security, which makes them a recommended choice for international shipments. Using bolt seals for truck doors and trailer latches makes tampering easily detectable so shipments reach their destinations safely.

Applications

• International shipping containers
• Trailer doors
• High-value cargo

Advantages

• Compliance with ISO-17712, C-TPAT, and TIR Convention
• High security
• Tamper-evident

2. Cable Seals

Cable seals are another common security solution used across various industries to secure goods and prevent unauthorized access. These seals have a flexible metal wire and a lock that grips the wire. They often have serial numbers or barcodes imprinted for identification and traceability. 

The application process is quick and user-friendly, with no need for tools or machines. You just need to thread the cable through the truck locking point, insert it in the lock, and pull it tight. Cable seals provide reasonable protection against theft, as they require strong cutting tools for removal, which can slow down tampering. 

These seals are cost-effective but don’t provide the same level of protection as high-security seals. They are ideal for irregularly shaped or hard-to-reach locking points and are commonly used for high-value goods transported over short distances.

Applications

• Tankers carrying fuels or liquid goods
• Perishable refrigerated items cargo
• Bulk shipments

Advantages

• Affordable
• Easy-to-use
• Tamper-evident 

3. Plastic Pull-Tight Seals

Plastic pull-tight seals are another popular type of tamper-evident seal used in logistics and transportation. These seals are lightweight and adjustable, making them ideal for applications requiring flexible and reliable sealing. They are made from plastic and offer low-to-medium security. 

These types of seals are easy to use, with a variable strap and locking mechanism. To create a secure seal, pass the strap through the truck locking point, insert its tail into the locking chamber, and pull the strap tightly. These seals are for single use and can only be opened by a seal cutter. 

Plastic seals are often used to secure bags and pouches in trucks, trailers, and cargo containers. They are also used to protect fire extinguishers and utility meters. They are often printed with serial numbers. If the seal is broken or doesn’t match the recorded serial number, it can signal tampering. 

Applications

• Non-critical goods
• Short-distance shipments
• Garbage collection trucks

Advantages

• Cost-effective
• Adjustable 
• Lightweight

4. Padlock Seals

Padlock seals are versatile security tools that prevent goods from unauthorized access and tampering during transit or storage. The seals can be categorized into full-plastic seals, plastic seals with metal wire, and plastic seals with metal rods, arranged in increasing levels of security, with metal rod seals offering the highest protection. 

The application process typically involves inserting the shackle through the locking mechanism and closing it to create a secure seal. Padlock seals can show clear signs of tampering, such as broken or cut shackles, cracks, and missing or altered serial numbers.

Padlock seals are both tamper-evident and tamper-resistant. These seals are commonly used to secure truck doors, trailer latches, and cargo compartments. They also protect retail goods, small parcels, medical supplies, and drug store cabinets.

Applications

• Small or medium-sized parcels
• Trailer latches
• Spare tyre compartments on semi trucks

Advantages

• Portable
• Inexpensive
• Tamper-evident

5. Fixed-Length Seals

As the name suggests, fixed-length seals are designed to have a fixed, predefined length. These seals are commonly made of plastic or metal and are for single use only. Fixed-length seals are both tamper-resistant and tamper-evident but provide a moderate level of security. 

The application process for fixed-length seals is straightforward, requiring no tools or machinery. The seal is simply inserted into the locking mechanism with a push. A “click” can be heard confirming the seal is locked. 

Due to their fixed size, these seals are suitable for situations where flexing doors or latches during transport can cause the adjustable seals to break. They are ideal for securing roller shutters, barn doors, and other transport latches. 

Applications

• Roller shutters
• Lightweight goods 
• Barn doors 

Advantages

• Durable during transit
• Quick application
• Consistent and reliable security

6. Twist-Wire Seals

Another type of security seal commonly used for securing cargo during transit is a twist-wire seal. These seals consist of a thin wire and a locking mechanism. The head of the seal is usually marked with serial numbers or barcodes for tracking and to prevent unauthorized access.

Twist-wire seals consist of a thin wire threaded into the lock and twisted tightly to form a strong seal. They offer moderate levels of protection and are used where tamper-evidence is important. To remove the seal, wire cutters or strong scissors must be used to cut the twisted wire. 

These seals may be ISO certified for lower security levels. They can also be used in some C-TPAT-compliant logistics but are most commonly used for securing truck doors or trailers, containers with hazardous materials, and medical shipments. 

Applications

• Hazardous chemical shipments
• Electrical control panels 
• Food-grade trucks’ ventilation hatches

Advantages

• Resistant to harsh environmental conditions
• Easy application
• Economical

7. Bar Seals or Barrier Seals

Bar seals (or barrier seals) are high-security, heavy-duty seals that protect goods during transit or storage. These seals are categorized as tamper-proof due to their exceptional strength and highest level of protection against tampering. They are usually made of steel or metal alloys.

These types of seals offer a two-piece locking mechanism. The application involves securing the two sections around the container’s locking rods with a locking piece. Once secured, the seal forms a physical barrier requiring specialized cutting tools, making tampering highly unlikely. 

Barrier seals generally comply with all important security standards discussed previously. They are commonly used to secure containers in cross-border shipments or trucks and trailers transporting high-value or sensitive cargo. 

Applications

• High-value luxury products
• Sensitive government materials
• Highly sensitive pharmaceuticals 

Advantages

• Highest level of security
• Compliance with industry standards
• High durability

8. Metal Strap Seals

Next on the list is metal strap seals. These seals have a design similar to fixed-length seals, except here, the material for straps is steel. They are categorized as tamper-evident and difficult to break without specialized tools. 

To apply a metal strap seal, the strap is passed through the locking mechanism and secured by a tight pull and a clicking sound. Metal strap seals offer high security, and any unauthorized access is immediately detectable. For additional security, metal strap seals are often printed with serial numbers and barcodes.

Metal strap seals are also highlighted in ISO and C-TPAT standards. Customers should prioritize products that have the required certifications to ensure compliance with these regulations. These seals are also used for railcars, trolleys, truck doors, and cargo compartments. 

Applications

• Industrial raw materials
• Agricultural products
• High-value furniture shipments 

Advantages

• Compliance with high-security standards
• Durable
• Versatile 

9. RFID-Enabled Seals

When it comes to modern security seals and advanced technology, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is gaining popularity. RFID tags market is forecasted to grow at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 8.4% and reach $16.09 billion by 2028. These seals are used for high-security applications where cargo identification and real-time tracking of tampering events are crucial. 

RFID seals consist of a tag, which is a small wireless data transmission device. The tag contains a small embedded chip for storing and processing data and an antenna for transmitting data. The RFID seal can be applied without machinery by threading it through the locking point.

These offer tamper-evident and tamper-resistant qualities, and any attempt to alter the seal is recorded. RFID seals are often compliant with ISO 17712, C-TPAT, and TIR conventions, making them suitable for industries where maintaining supply chain integrity and protecting high-value products is crucial. 

Applications

• Temperature sensitive goods
• High-value electronics
• Sensitive medical equipment

Advantages

• Efficient supply-chain management
• Strongly tamper-evident
• Easy integration

10. GPS-Enabled Seals

Last but not least, we have GPS (Global Positioning System)– enabled seals. These seals combine sealing with the ability to monitor and track cargo location in real time during transit. They are tamper-evident, providing immediate alerts upon any compromise. 

GPS-enabled seals have a physical locking mechanism, similar to traditional seals, but they also have an embedded GPS tracker. As the seal locks on the cargo or container, the GPS module continuously transmits data for location. These seals are typically battery-powered and can also track movements within container terminals for operational insights.

This type of seal is highly effective for securing cargo compartments and monitoring the vehicle’s route. It offers advanced protection against tampering but generally does not comply with traditional physical security standards. 

Applications: Fleet management, Military and government logistics, Bank shipments

Advantages

• Real-time monitoring and traceability
• Increased protection
• Remote access

How to Choose the Right Security Seal for Your Truck?

When selecting the right security seal for your truck, it’s important to consider several technical factors to ensure the protection of your cargo. One of the first aspects to think about is the security level required. If you’re transporting high-value or high-risk items, it’s best to opt for high-security seals, such as bolt seals, metal strap seals, or RFID-enabled seals, as these offer the highest level of protection.

Another key factor to consider is the type of cargo you’re transporting. For flexible or non-rigid containers, a cable seal or fixed-length seal may be enough. However, for hazardous chemicals or sensitive goods, it’s advisable to use more robust options like bolt seals or RFID-enabled seals, which provide extra security and monitoring capabilities.

Compliance with industry standards is also crucial. Ensure that the security seal you choose meets relevant regulations, such as ISO 17712, C-TPAT, and the TIR Convention. These certifications ensure that the seal provides adequate protection and complies with international security requirements.

Consider the environmental conditions of the transit route when choosing a seal. For trucks traveling through extreme temperatures, metal straps or bolt seals are ideal, while for trucks with doors or latches that may flex, fixed-length seals offer better durability and reliability.

Finally, while cost is an important consideration, investing in high-security seals like RFID or GPS-enabled seals may require a higher upfront cost but can offer long-term savings by providing more reliable security.

Best Practices for Using Security Seals on Trucks

Once you select the security seal, it is important to follow the recommended practices to create a secure seal. Below are some of the best practices for using truck security seals.

• Proper Installation: Confirm that the seal has been installed correctly. Some seals, like fixed-length and metal strap seals, make a clicking sound when secured. Try pulling or interfering with the seal to check if it is properly locked. 
• Regular Inspections: Perform regular inspections at different transit points to confirm the seals are intact and look for any signs of tampering or compromise. 
• Train Staff: Drivers and workers should be trained to handle shipments properly and inspect security seals. They should also be well aware of possible tampering attempts and how to detect them.
• Documentation: Maintain a record of seal numbers, type, and time of application, especially for long-distance trips. This helps to verify the integrity of cargo during inspections. 

FAQs

Are security seals weather-resistant?

Yes, some security seals, such as twist-wire seals and RFID-enabled seals, are designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions.

How can I track my shipment using a GPS-enabled seal?

GPS-enabled seals track shipments in real-time and send alerts if compromised, providing security and monitoring during transit.

Which security seal is best for international shipping?

Bolt seals are ideal for international shipping due to their high-security standards, tamper evidence, and durability.

Conclusion

As technology continues to evolve, so does the ability to secure cargo more effectively. From RFID to GPS-enabled seals — these innovations provide not only tamper evidence but also enhanced tracking capabilities, making them ideal for high-value and sensitive shipments. Businesses should embrace these technologies to stay ahead of potential security threats.

Secure Your Cargo with Confidence!

At Shosky Security, we specialize in providing advanced tamper-evident solutions designed to meet the unique needs of various industries. Our advanced security seals, including RFID and GPS-enabled options, ensure that your cargo remains secure throughout its journey. Contact us to know how we can help you enhance your security measures.