Stoffel Seals - Plastic Truck Seal, Bolt Seal or Cable Seal? Which Security Seal should be used?

Jan. 7, 2009 - PRLog -- Plastic Truck Seal, Bolt Seal or Cable Seal?  Which Security Seal should Loss Prevention Managers use on their next shipment?

Bolt seal or cable seal?  Will the shipment go across the border? Does the security seal need to be CTPAT compliant or will a plastic indicative seal suffice?  

These are essential questions that Shippers, Loss Prevention & Quality Control Managers need to ask themselves when deciding on the appropriate security seal.  As a security seal manufacturer for over 65 years, Stoffel Seals Corporation has assisted companies globally in determining the optimum security seal that will effectively safeguard their shipments.  

Purchasing security seals can be a daunting task. Not all security seals are created equal. At times a plastic truck seal can be used versus a bolt seal; or a cable seal should be used versus a plastic truck seal.  However, there are many instances where the incorrect security seal is used & loss or pilferage is the result.

Users of Tamper Evident Security Seals are all interested in preventing theft and creating some type of audit trail by recording and tracking the numbers of each seal.  It is critical to understand what your security seal options are. In order to clarify this process for seal buyers, the below questions were asked of Brian Lyle, Security Seals Business Unit Manager, Stoffel Seals Corporation.  

What to consider when Purchasing Security Seals:

•  What are you trying to achieve by using a tamper evident security seal?

If you are only concerned with preventing theft of opportunity or just want to identify that someone has accessed your shipment a plastic Indicative seal is all that is needed.

If you are trying to create a real barrier to entry a metal security or high security seal is needed.

•  If I just need a plastic Indicative seal what are my options?

Even though indicative seals can often be broken by hand you still need a seal that is difficult to tamper with and if there is an attempt the seal clearly shows that someone has tried to manipulate the seal.  Plastic seals with separate locking mechanisms are essential.  These are often referred to as two piece seals and the locking chambers can be produced out of metal or nylon to give the locking chambers greater strength.

Fixed length or adjustable?  A fixed length seal is always more secure by design.  There is one locking position and once broken the seal can not be resealed.  If  an adjustable seal is not cinched all the way tight when applied there is the chance for the seal to be cut and then resealed.

• If I want to create a barrier to entry.

When creating a real barrier you need a seal that requires a tool to remove the seal.  Bolt Seals (bolt cutters), Cable Seals (cable cutters), and Security Bars (saw) are all very common and provide their own unique advantages.

- Bolt Seals – low cost easy to apply
- Cable Seals – can be used in many different applications
- Security Bars – higher cost but provide a high level of security

High Security or CTPAT Compliant Seals.  Not all bolt and cable seals fall into these two categories.  Make sure the manufacturer or distributor provide the appropriate documentation to support their claim of compliance.

- Third party Test Results
- ISO Certificates

Make certain your next security seal purchase decision is the right one.  For additional information, please don’t hesitate to contact Brian Lyle, Business Security Seal Manager, Stoffel Seals Corporation, phone # 1800 345-3503 or contact our Security Seal Customer Service Department at 1 800 344-4772, info@stoffel.com. http://www.stoffel.com.

Stoffel Seals Corporation takes pride in educating consumers on our vast selection of quality tamper-evident & high security seals.

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Since 1941, Stoffel Seals Corporation has been a leading Manufacturer of Security Seals and Brand Identification products. Our approach is to Promote, Identify and Secure your product and brand from the factory to the consumer.