What is a container seal?
A seal is a device that fastens or holds together two things to prevent the inside contents from breaking through. Seals are fixated on container doors in shipping containers as locks to preserve the cargo. Seals are essential parts of shipping containers during national and international shipping. It can also be described as a 'one-time door lock that acts as an authoritative lock that helps avoid unauthorised access. A container seal cannot be removed repeatedly and needs to be cut open to enter the container. Customs officials check and seal all shipping containers before being sent off for transportation. Upon arrival, container seals are inspected and then removed carefully.
What is a container seal number?
Each container seal is marked with a series of alphabets and letters on the base and pin of the seal. The container seal manufacturer or the shipping lines mark these numbers. Container seal numbers are allotted to facilitate legal cross-border trade under the CBP guidelines so that the container seamlessly passes all customs inspections. The container seal number for FCL shipping can be acquired regularly by the shipping line. Whereas for LCL shipments, the freight forwarders note the container seal number and convey it to the shipping carrier.
Why do you need a container seal?
Container seals are essential parts of shipping containers that help extend security to the shipment inside cargo containers. The importance of container seals is as follows-
1) Ensure shipment loading– During cargo loading, there are chances of cargo damage, tampering, or loss during cargo handling. A customs official supervises the container loading process and seals the container after loading it. A sealed container is a surety that the cargo has been carefully stuffed inside the boxes according to the goods listed in the bill of lading.
2) Secure container contents– A significant portion of cross-border trade is carried through shipping containers loaded onto various modes of transport. During their transit, chances of theft and tampering are high. Intact container seals validate that the containers have not been mishandled.
3) Ensure proper closure of doors– During the intermodal transportation of shipping containers, improperly locked container doors may open due to pressure and turbulence during shipping. A properly sealed container ensures that the container door will remain shut and the shipment will not gush out of the container.
4) Part of bill of lading– Container seal numbers are mentioned in the bill of lading and are checked by the customs to ensure that the proper shipment has arrived through international import.