For companies and organizations working with shipments, security is critical to ensure that shipments are safely processed and delivered on time.

The use of security seals can help monitor and manage this process to ensure the safety of all cargo during shipment.

Most companies and organizations rely on security seals to protect their freight shipments.

Security seals come in various forms, shapes, sizes, and colors; however, all seals must meet necessary standards as defined by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Making sure these security seals are used correctly is critical in maintaining the integrity of freight shipments. This article will break down the best practices for using security seals in shipping and find suitable security seals for your shipping needs with Alta Max.

What Are Security Seals?

Security Seals come in many styles and can be used across a variety of purposes:

• to help secure freight
• to protect cargo
• equipment and assets
• to prove that the shipment has not been tampered with.

Security seals are often used by companies looking to identify their shipments as company property.

There are two main styles of security seal: indicative and barrier. Indicative security seals reveal tampering, whereas barrier security seals indicate whether a shipment has been opened or not.

Best Practices for Security Seal Use

There are some best practices companies should follow to help increase the effectiveness of your security seals. Below, we will break down the best practices for outbound shipments and inbound shipments.

Security Seal Practices for Outbound Shipping

For shippers looking to use security seals for outbound shipping, there are some key practices to follow:

1. Use the Right Security Seal for your Shipment

The first step to ensuring that your cargo remains untouched during shipment is to use the correct security seals. There are several factors to consider when choosing which type of security seal to use, including what you will be shipping and how important its integrity is.

2. Keep All Seals Numbered Consecutively

When preparing your freight for shipment, you need to ensure that a unique identifier is placed on each seal.

This is done using a consecutive numbering system that matches the numbers placed on each seal with those indicated in an accompanying document.

3. Make Sure Security Seals are Completely Visible

The security seal needs to be easily visible to anyone handling the freight, ensuring that all cargo remains untouched throughout shipment.

Also, make sure to mention the type of security seal used on the packing list or invoice accompanying your shipment and have it displayed on the outside of the package.

4. Invest in Barrier Seals for Outbound Shipping

For security seals to be effective, they must remain intact until delivery.

This can be achieved using barrier seals instead of indicative security seals for shipments that are not expected to be opened. Barrier security seals provide a physical indication if the shipment has been tampered with or opened by unauthorized personnel.

5. Have Supervision of Seal Application

Security seals must only be applied by authorized personnel, individuals who have been instructed on how to properly apply a security seal. Damage to a seal should not occur while it is being applied to ensure that it will be intact during the entire shipment process.

6. Keep All Seal Information in a Tracking Log

After the security seal has been applied, the necessary information should be entered into a tracking log along with any pertinent details of the shipment. This information must be kept for future reference in the event that there are questions about the integrity of your shipment.

Security Seal Practices for Inbound Shipments

There are also some best practices companies should follow when using security seals for inbound shipments:

1. Check the Security Seal Immediately Upon Delivery

Upon receiving your shipment, you should check that all of the security seals remain intact. If a security seal has been broken or tampered with during delivery, the cargo and freight will need to be inspected thoroughly to determine whether any tampering has taken place.

2. Only Accept Outbound Freight that is Sealed Properly

Each outbound shipment needs to be checked by the receiving party before it can be accepted and then proceed through the delivery process.

This helps ensure that all security seals remain intact throughout transit and ensures no tampering has taken place during transit. If a seal is broken or tampered with, it is possible that tampering may have also occurred to the contents of the freight.

4. Only Allow Certified Individuals Remove Seals

The only people who should remove security seals from a shipment are those who have been specifically trained to do so.

Security seals must not be broken by unauthorized personnel or without specific authorization from the freight owner. If an unqualified individual breaks a seal, it is possible that tampering may also have occurred to the contents of the package.

5. Match All Seals With Packing List/Invoice

When receiving outbound shipments, you need to make sure all seals match what has been indicated on your invoice or packing list for verification purposes.

If there are any discrepancies, you need to contact the shipper immediately. If no packing list or invoice is accompanying your outbound shipment, all security seals should be kept in separate storage for future reference if needed.

Invest In Security Seals with Alta Max

By building a set of best practices for security seal use, companies can follow a standardized process to ensure the integrity of their shipments at all times.

At Alta Max, we carry a wide variety of security seal options so you can find exactly what you need for your cargo and freight shipments. With offerings for both indicative and barrier security seals, you are sure to find the perfect option for your needs.

Alta Max's security seal offerings include cable, bolt, and plastic tamper-evident seals that are built to meet the expectations and needs of today's leading industries.

We provide a wide range of security seals designed to meet the growing needs of various industries. You will also find cable seals, bolt seals, padlocks, and other products that will help you keep your shipping and cargo secure from unauthorized access.

Alta Max is committed to providing a wide range of security seal solutions that will meet the needs of all our clients. Visit Alta Max online today to learn more.