TT Club, a leading freight insurance specialist, has raised concerns about the widespread neglect of container seals in the supply chain, emphasizing their critical role in preventing and identifying cargo theft. While not foolproof, seals are essential for tracking the location, method, and perpetrators of theft, yet their importance is often overlooked.

Read also: Safeguarding Supply Chains: Navigating the Surge in Fraud and Cargo Theft

TT Club’s latest Security Bulletin highlights the need for a stronger security culture that prioritizes the use and inspection of container seals. Despite the availability of various seal types, from basic plastic to advanced digital options, many supply chain operators fail to recognize their value in maintaining cargo integrity and quickly detecting theft.

Josh Finch, Logistics Risk Manager at TT Club, stressed the importance of properly managing the sealing process and the need for thorough checks at every stage of the supply chain. Ignoring these measures, he warns, could lead to increased cargo theft and compromised security.

TT Club also acknowledges the environmental concerns associated with single-use plastic seals but underscores the societal risks of not addressing cargo theft. The company sees potential in emerging digital seal technologies that offer both security and sustainability benefits.

Gathered together in this Security Bulletin is TT’s own loss prevention advice together with collaborative work undertaken with other like-minded organisations in this space. From basic descriptions of seal specification, performance characteristics and benefits to new e-seal and tracking technology, and from details of criminals methodologies to guidance on best practice to combat theft, the Bulletin outlines the crucial role seals should play in operators’ security processes and culture. It can be accessed free of charge HERE