If you have been advised that you should start using security seals then you’re likely to have a great number of questions. That’s excellent you have questions as we have the answers. We realize that you have to evaluate which you will need and then you must make sure you will get the correct products for the best uses. There’s no point getting any security seals if you buy the wrong ones and your load winds up getting denied and isn’t capable of getting to its destination.

Question: Are there unique categories of bolts seals because my delivery company said I need bolt seals and I was told that that they had to be high security seals.

Answer: Of course, there are trailer bolts seals and container bolt seals and the big difference is that the container bolt seals are lengthier with even bigger heads and an anti spin cap. Container bolt seals have to have an even bigger head on them and be longer as the openings on the container door handles are bigger and much more worn-out. By trying to make use of a 3 inch trailer bolt seal on a container then someone could force the bolt through the holes and get into your cargo then place the bolt back on. I’ve observed this done which is why ISO17712 is beginning to change the guidelines in March 2012 that the head of all bolts seals will have to be 18mm or larger and this will pertain to trailer along with container bolt seals. The container bolt seal is usually longer as a lot of the newer containers have larger sized handles and a 3 inch bolt seal from time to time won’t work with them. Trailer bolt seals could be shorter because they only need to go through the openings in the trailer door and those handles aren’t as large as the container handles so a 3 inch bolt seal works there.

Question: Could I use cable seals as my favorite high security seal?

Answer: This depends upon what you’re utilizing it for. If you’re exporting containers then no you can’t start using a cable seal since containers needs to have container bolts seals. If you’re locking trailers then a cable seal should be considered and plenty of times it’s the preferred choice as it’s much easier to cut, usually 2.5 to 3 times easier to cut which is a lot easier. To cut a bolt seal you typically need 36 inch long handled bolt cutters plus some good muscles to accompany it. To cut a cable seal you only need 24 inch long handled bolt cutters and not a great deal of muscle. Bolt seals which are utilized on trailers might also cause flat tires if they are not collected after they are cut off. I get emails complaining about that but until now the truckers are choosing what they already want and everybody has never consented to just use cable seals so that you can prevent the punctured tires. This occurs especially to trucks that haul in and out of receiving centres with massive yards and plenty of traffic as 100 to 200 bolts could get cut per day.

Dean Peterson can be a recognized knowledgeable in Security Seals and trailer seals for trailers and containers.