It's Not Just a Seal...It's a System!
Recommended security procedures using the Relcor seals and system
It's not just a seal...it's a system, designed to enhance security and assist the seal custodian


Tamper Evident Packaging
Seals are individually packed within a Tamper Evident Pouch. Pouches come in a convenient dispenser box and are connected in a web of thirty (30) pouches seperated by perforations.

Seal Issue Log and Inventory Control Sheet
At no added cost, Relcor preprints the exact serial numbers of each seal contained within the dispenser box on a Seal Issue Log and Inventory Control Sheet for all models. No error can be made in recording the numbers. The seal custodian completes the form to provide a permanent record when issuing seals.

Pre-Printed Peel Off Labels
An optional feature with certain seal models, the peel off labels are preprinted with the barcode and human readable serial number of the accompanying seal. This eliminates the need for manual entry of the seal number on the shipping documents and prevents transposition errors.

Seal Assignment Card
Another optional feature is the Seal Assignment Card that provides a record of each change of responsibility thereby providing knowledge of who, when, and where an attack may have occurred. Initially designed for the Maritime Carriers to prove "Due Diligence" to comply with the Sea Carrier Initiative Agreement, various formats can be customized to meet your own unique needs.

 

 

Proper procedures, along with an effective seal and system, are basic foundations of cargo security. All too often a trailer or container arrives at its destination with the security seal apparently intact, yet some or all of the cargo is missing or contaminated. To assist shippers, carriers, and consignees with cargo theft issues, the Relcor engineers worked to develop a truly tamper evident security seal and system. Along with our recommended procedures, Relcor seals help protect cargo from the time the shipper closes the container doors until the final delivery and acceptance of the shipment by the consignee.

Relcor recommends the following effective security seal procedures. Assign a 'Seal Custodian' for the acceptance, inventory, and issuance of seals. Have the custodian review each master carton of seals from the vendor when it arrives to make sure it has not been opened. Then place the carton of seals in a secure location, with access limited to the seal custodian. If anyone can help themselves to seals, chances are they can help themselves to cargo!

Issuing the Security Seal

  1. Open the Master Carton and remove a Dispenser Box.
  2. Open the Dispenser Box and remove the 'Seal Issue Log & Inventory Control Sheet'.
  3. Separate the next tamper evident pouch from the perforated string of 30 and check for signs of tampering.
  4. Locate the serial number of the seal on the Seal Issue Log & Inventory Control Sheet.
  5. Fill in the appropriate information, i.e. date, customer, container number, etc.
  6. If used, apply the preprinted peel off labels with the seal number to various shipping documents.
  7. Have the individual responsible for applying the seal initial the Seal Issue Log & Inventory Control Sheet.
  8. Return the remaining seals to a secure location.


Attaching the Security Seal

  1. Examine the tamper evident pouch containing the seal. If tampering suspected, return the seal to the seal custodian.
  2. Open the pouch and remove the seal.
  3. Insert the seal stem portion through the top of the hasp of the trailer or container. If the seal is imprinted, face the company name or ID code outward.
  4. Engage the seal lock housing portion, keeping the serial number facing outward.
  5. Push the two portions together until two distinct, audible clicks are heard indicating the locks are fully engaged.
  6. Verify with the Relcor Electrical Tester (Series 8 and 9) to assure that the electrical circuit has been established.
  7. Photograph the seal applied to the container and send that picture along with shipping documentation to validate the type of seal applied.

Verifying the Seal Integrity
At each change of responsiblity a close examination of the Relcor seal should be performed. If any evidence of tampering appears, the proper authority should be notified immediately.

  1. Pull down on the lock housing portion of the seal to assure that the seal is engaged.
  2. Hold the stem and then twist or rotate the lock housing portion to assure free movement.
  3. Closely examine the Relcor seal and inspect the internal locking mechanism for visual indications of tampering.
  4. Use the electrical tester on Series 8 and 9 seals to assure that the seal was not cut open and bonding attempted.
  5. Compare the serial number and container number to the shipping documents.
  6. The consignee should take a picture of the seal on the container and also verify that it is the same seal as the one in the photograph supplied by the shipper. Remove the seal and retain until a final count of the cargo has been taken.