One of the biggest challenges in transporting cargo is ensuring its security and being able to detect and deter tampering or theft. This can be achieved by sealing the cargo with security seals. Security seals act as both a barrier and evidence of intrusion.

Security seals come in many forms, from security tapes and labels to plastic seals, bolt seals, or wire seals. These seals are applied to doors, hatches, valves, and openings to prevent them from being opened without the shipper or consignee's knowledge.

Tapes and labels are placed along seams and break when moved from their original position. Plastic security seals are used to secure moving parts together and can be used on doors or valves. Bolt seals seal doors or hatches and, once applied, require bolt cutters or specialized removal tools to remove them. Cable seals are available in various lengths and can be fixed in multiple locations, providing both a barrier to entry and evidence of intrusion if cut.

During transportation, cable seals combine the advantages of easily breakable plastic indicator seals with the advantages of fixed-length bolt seals. Cable seals offer a variety of lengths, locking mechanisms, and marking options, allowing them to be customized for nearly any application. Seals are typically laser-marked with serial numbers, barcodes, and company/manufacturer names. Seals often utilize unprefabricated steel cables to prevent them from being cut and reused. Once cut, the cables fray and cannot be passed through the seal body.

Because security requirements are often determined by the customer, cable seal applications, sizes, and markings vary across the logistics industry. The industry-wide desire to move goods quickly and minimize errors has led to increasing popularity of overmolded and barcoded cable seals.

Overmolded cable seals are standard metal seals coated with a plastic outer shell, which enhances the legibility of the marking and makes them easier to read with various barcode scanners. These seals are rust-resistant and less susceptible to tampering than traditional painted or printed seals. In the logistics industry, cable seals are commonly used on railcars, containers, and truck doors.

One of the most common applications for large-diameter cable seals is the secure transportation of high-value goods across multiple industries or across borders. Cable seals thicker than 1/8 inch (5 mm) are the minimum standard recognized by members of the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT), a public-private partnership between Customs and Border Patrol and companies interested in cross-border cargo. The cable seal body can be made of a variety of different metals, but zinc and aluminum are the most common, with a steel cable attached.

Cable seals are often the best security seal and tamper-evident solution for cargo shipped by ship. These long, extended supply chains using ocean-going vessels present unique challenges that are crucial to cargo integrity. These include the use of corrosion-resistant materials and redundant containment systems, both of which are crucial for the reliability and security of ocean-going cargo and cargo traversing the world's harshest environments.

In these cases, a large seal with a diameter of 4-6 feet (approximately 1.2-1.8 meters) to seal both doors is often the best option. This prevents tampering on both sides of the container and is a cost-effective way to secure high-value cargo.

For cargo shipped by rail or railcar, unique challenges must be considered. Vehicles undergoing inspection or transshipment at rail yards often traverse rural or inhospitable areas, subject to unpredictable climates, and face chronically unstable physical security conditions. All of these factors pose very real threats to cargo transported by rail. In these situations, cable seals can withstand the turbulence and environmental challenges of transport, including exposure to wind and rain. Furthermore, cables are less likely to puncture tires when cut than bolts, which can pose challenges in intermodal transport.

What materials are cable seals made of?

Hey there! If you're in the market for cable seals, you've come to the right place. I'm a supplier of cable seals, and I'm here to share with you all about the materials these little security heroes are made of.

1. Plastic - The Versatile Workhorse

First up, let's talk about plastic. Plastic is one of the most common materials used in cable seals, and for good reason. It's versatile, lightweight, and cost - effective.
 

There are different types of plastics used in cable seal production. Polypropylene (PP) is a popular choice. It's known for its good chemical resistance and flexibility. Cable seals made from polypropylene can withstand a fair amount of bending and twisting without breaking. They're often used in applications where the seal doesn't need to endure extremely harsh conditions but still requires a certain level of security. For example, in some light - duty industrial or commercial settings, like sealing small storage containers or securing low - value shipments. You can check out our Cable Security Seals which are made from high - quality polypropylene.
 

Another type of plastic is polyethylene (PE). PE is a bit more durable than PP in some aspects. It has better impact resistance, which means it can handle being dropped or knocked around without cracking easily. PE cable seals are great for outdoor use because they're resistant to UV rays and moisture. You'll often find these seals in the agricultural or transportation industries, where they're used to seal equipment and cargo trailers.
 

2. Metal - The Heavy - Duty Protector
 

When it comes to high - security applications, metal is the go - to material. Steel is a classic choice for cable seals. Steel cable seals are incredibly strong and can withstand a lot of force. They're used in situations where tampering is a major concern, such as in the shipping of high - value goods or in high - security facilities.
 

Stainless steel is even better. It doesn't rust or corrode, which makes it ideal for long - term use, especially in harsh environments. Stainless steel cable seals are often used in the oil and gas industry, where they're exposed to chemicals and extreme weather conditions. Our Security Container Cable Seal made from stainless steel provides top - notch security for large containers and storage units.
 

Brass is another metal option. Brass cable seals are not as strong as steel, but they have their own advantages. They're more malleable, which means they can be formed into different shapes easily. Brass also has an aesthetic appeal, so you'll sometimes see it used in applications where appearance matters, like in some high - end packaging or display cases.
 

3. Fiber - The Lightweight Defender

Fiber materials are also used in cable seals. Aramid fiber is a well - known example. Aramid fiber is incredibly strong for its weight. It has high tensile strength, which means it can hold up under a lot of tension. Aramid fiber cable seals are often used in the aerospace and military industries, where weight is a critical factor but security can't be compromised.
 

Glass fiber is another option. Glass fiber cable seals are lightweight and have good insulation properties. They're used in electrical applications where you need to seal cables to prevent electrical interference. They're also used in some data centers to secure network cables.

4. Rubber - The Flexible Friend

Rubber is used in some cable seals to provide flexibility and a good seal. Neoprene rubber is a common choice. It's resistant to oil, chemicals, and weather conditions. Neoprene rubber cable seals are often used in automotive and marine applications, where they need to seal cables and protect them from moisture and other contaminants.
 

Silicone rubber is another option. Silicone rubber is very flexible and has a wide temperature range. It can withstand both high and low temperatures without losing its properties. Silicone rubber cable seals are used in electronic devices and appliances, where they need to seal cables and prevent dust and moisture from entering.

5. Composite Materials - The Best of Both Worlds

Composite materials combine the properties of different materials to create a better product. For example, some cable seals are made by combining plastic and metal. This gives the seal the lightweight and cost - effectiveness of plastic along with the strength and security of metal.
 

There are also fiber - reinforced plastics. These materials use fibers like glass or carbon fiber to reinforce the plastic matrix. Fiber - reinforced plastic cable seals have high strength - to - weight ratios and are used in a variety of industries, from sports equipment to industrial machinery.