Guide to shipping container seal in FTL shipping

Full truckload (FTL) shipping, often secured with a shipping container seal, is a popular transportation method worldwide, enabling businesses of all scales to utilize an entire delivery truck for their own freight. However, security is critical when trusting a carrier to handle your cargo, and proof of seal FTL shipping is one of the most effective solutions to keep goods safe. 

How does it work? Below, we’ll explain how a shipping container seal can help protect your freight, how to seal a trailer properly, and more.

What is a container seal?

A shipping container seal is a locking device attached to the doors of a container before transportation. Seals help secure shipments, and they prove that the cargo has not been accessed or tampered with in transit. 

Most seals are marked with unique numbers to simplify identification. Different types of security seals are available, including bolt and cable varieties. Seals may be made of metal or plastic. 

Despite the name, a shipping container seal is not exclusively for containers — they’re also used to secure the doors on a full truckload trailer. Carriers can use seals to protect freight and provide clients with greater peace of mind.

Once a seal has been applied to a truck or container, nobody can open the doors and access the cargo inside without breaking it. 

When intact, these devices serve as a simple indication of a safely sealed trailer. However, if they have been broken before the truck reaches its destination, the security seals indicate that someone may have tampered with the contents. 

Who provides the container seal?

A shipper, carrier, or third-party logistics provider typically supplies security seals. Ultimately, it depends on your shipping arrangements. It’s best to clarify this when planning your shipments. 

In most cases, a shipper applies the seal after all goods have been loaded onto a truck trailer. They must be certain that everything due to be transported is on board before putting the seal in place. 

Third-party logistics providers may apply seals as part of their service, particularly when transporting high-value shipments or sensitive goods. 

How do you seal a shipping trailer?

Understanding how to seal a trailer is crucial to keep goods secure on the road. 

Here is a simple step-by-step guide for sealing a shipping trailer:

• Preparing the trailer: Fully load the trailer and confirm that all goods scheduled for transportation are in place. Close the doors and make sure that they’re secure. 

• Put the seal in place: Loop the seal through the locking mechanism on the trailer doors to set its position. You can use multiple shipping container seals to secure your FTL truck trailer, but make sure that each one functions properly before locking it into place. 

• Lock the seal: Lock or snap the seal in position (depending on the type of seal you use). 

• Recording and tracking: Record the unique seal number(s) in your shipping documents. This is vital for tracking the shipment and verifying it once the sealed trailer arrives.

What is proof of seal in FTL shipping?

Proof of seal is a documented record that shows a shipping container seal was applied to the trailer correctly and stayed intact throughout the journey. Creating a proof of seal usually involves the following steps:

• Recording the unique seal number on the bill of lading or shipping documents at the time of departure. 

• The driver may note that the seal was intact when they picked up the trailer and that it remained intact when they arrived at the destination. 

• Photos or electronic logs may also be used for additional verification. 

Maintaining proof of seal helps protect both shippers and carriers in the event of any disputes, damage claims, or similar issues down the line. This can be a valuable option when working with a new carrier for the first time or when sending freight through areas where cargo theft is a risk.

Learn more about FTL shipping with DTS

Using a shipping container seal for FTL transportation can help businesses arrange, track, and verify the security of freight. Security seals are a great way to help protect goods from tampering before they reach their destination. 

If you’re navigating FTL shipping and have questions, DTS can help. We are a shipping logistics company with more than 35 years of experience, and we can help you find the ideal transportation solution for your budget and goals. 

For professional advice on domestic and international freight shipping, get in touch with our team today.