Companies and organizations involved with the shipping and receiving of goods must be aware of the importance of protecting their items with security seals.

Whether you are transporting confidential or sensitive documents, medical supplies, or military munitions, it is essential to ensure that your cargo shows evidence of tampering.

By using high-quality security seals, you can create an extra layer of protection for your shipments. In this article, we will discuss the risks of not using security seals, the different types of seals available, and how to select the right option for your needs.

The Risks of Not Using Security Seals

In a world of global shipping and commerce, the potential risks to your cargo are numerous. Your shipments could be stolen by thieves looking to make a quick profit or tampered with by disgruntled employees or malicious actors seeking to cause harm.

In some cases, such as with military munitions or medical supplies, the consequences of losing or having your shipment tampered with could be catastrophic. From a financial perspective, the cost of lost or damaged goods can be high. In some cases, it may even be irrecoverable.

That is why it is so important to take measures to protect your shipments with security seals. By doing so, you can help to ensure that your cargo arrives at its destination safely and intact.

Types of Security Seals

There are three main security seals: indicative, barrier, and electronic.

Indicative Seals

Indicative seals are the most basic type of security seal. They are typically made from materials like plastic and simply indicate that the container or product has been sealed.

Indicative security seals are a deterrent and can be removed without the use of a special tool. This can deter would-be thieves or vandals from attempting to break into the container as they will be able to see that it has been sealed.

These seals are popular with companies that ship large quantities of goods as they are relatively inexpensive and easy to use. However, they offer little actual security as they can be easily broken or removed.

Barrier Seals

Another type of security seal is the barrier seal. These seals are designed to physically prevent access to the contents of a container.

Barrier seals are typically made from more robust materials like metal or steel and are much more difficult to tamper with than indicative seals. They work by creating a physical barrier that you must break in order to access the contents of the container.

When a barrier seal is broken, it will usually show signs of tampering that are obvious to anyone who inspects the container. This can deter thieves or vandals from attempting to break into the container as they will know that it has been sealed.

Barrier seals are popular with companies that ship high-value or sensitive goods as they offer a higher level of security than indicative seals. However, they can be more expensive and difficult to use.

Electronic Seals

The third type of security seal is the electronic seal. These seals are designed to electronically monitor the status of a container or product.

Electronic seals work by attaching a sensor to the container or product that can detect when the seal has been broken. This information is then transmitted to a central monitoring system.

If the seal is broken, you can track the container using the GPS coordinates transmitted by the sensor. This helps to ensure that the contents of the container can be recovered even if it is stolen.

Electronic seals are popular with companies that ship high-value or sensitive goods as they offer a higher level of security than indicative or barrier seals. However, they can be more expensive and difficult to use.

Selecting the Right Option for Your Needs

There are critical considerations you need to take into account when selecting a type of security seal for your needs.

1. The type of goods you are shipping: You need to consider the type of goods you are shipping when selecting a security seal. If you are shipping high-value or sensitive goods, you will need a more secure seal than if you are shipping lower-value goods.

2. The shipping and customs process: You also need to consider the shipping and customs process when selecting a security seal.

If you are shipping goods internationally, you will need to ensure that the security seal you select is compliant with customs regulations. For example, it is essential to consider the normal chain of freight custody and how electronic seals (or other types of seals) can play a role in maintaining control and visibility over your cargo.

3. The cost and source of origin: While price is often a consideration when selecting a security seal, it is important to remember that cheaper seals may not offer the same level of security as more expensive seals.

You also need to consider the source of origin when selecting a type of seal. If you are shipping goods internationally, you will need to ensure that the security seal you select is compliant with customs regulations and other security standards.

Source Security Seals with Alta Max

The need for high-security seals for shipments is evident. As the world becomes more connected, the risks associated with shipments increase. It is essential to take measures to protect your shipments and cargo with security seals.

Alta Max provides a wide range of security seals that can be customized to meet your specific needs. We offer a wide variety of security seals designed to ensure that your shipments remain safe.

As a leading provider of military shipment and security products, we are committed to providing the highest level of security for your shipments. Our security seal catalog includes:

• Cable Security Seals
• Alucast 911 Seals
• Prong-Lok & Sealing Tool
• CTPAT Bolt Seal
• Beaded Pull Adjustable Seals
• Plastic Truck Seals
• Truck Seals

Our experts can help you select the correct type of security seal for your needs and ensure that your shipments are protected. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services.