IGNORING container seals is opening the door to increased cargo theft according to UK freight insurance specialist TT Club.
TT’s Logistics Risk Manager, Josh Finch said in a media release issued on 13 August that while container seals weren’t perfect deterrents, they played a central role in identifying location, method and could often lead to the perpetrators of cargo theft.
He said there should be greater emphasis on the container seal as part of a stronger security culture across the supply chain.
Loss due to theft is among the top three causes of claims received on an annual basis by TT Club, something container seals could help with to maintain the integrity of the cargo and to promptly identify theft.
Despite the existence of a wide range of security seal types, from basic plastic clips through to the frequently used bolt seals, and now sophisticated digital options, Mr Finch said many in the supply chain are ignoring their benefits in maintaining cargo integrity and promptly identifying theft.
“Thieves have devised complex strategies, as well as traditional bolt cutters, to access a container’s cargo undetected.
“These include recruiting insiders and manipulating seal numbers, either manually or using 3D printing so almost identical seals can be affixed once the cargo is stolen.
“Whatever sealing regime is employed its effectiveness crucially depends on how the process is managed.
“It is important for supply chain managers to be aware of the limitations of the various seal designs but also appreciate that whatever seal type is employed, their efficacy hinges on whether the information from the seal is accurately checked. A security culture must pervade operations at both loading and unloading points, as well as other key handling locations.”
Mr Finch said personnel at the receiving warehouse often view the seal as a nuisance, something that needs to be cut from the doors prior to them opening the container and unpacking it. Identifying any tampering with the seal can be vital insofar as liability is concerned, helping to pinpoint exactly how the theft occurred, who was involved and where goods were damaged or stolen.
Almost all seals are single-use or have an element that is plastic which Mr Finch said raised questions of sustainability. He encouraged the use of digital seals that are increasingly appearing on the market.
