A trailer seal provides a recorded control point in a shipment’s custody process. It is useful only when the parties agree on who applies it, where the number is recorded, and how exceptions are handled. Establish those instructions before a sealed load leaves the dock.

Record the starting condition

Identify the trailer and shipment, confirm the loading process is complete, and follow the shipper’s procedure for applying the specified seal. Record the seal identifier accurately on the required documents and communications.

Where your process requires photos or an inspection record, capture them before departure. A seal record should correspond to the actual loaded trailer, not an earlier equipment assignment.

Specify who may authorize opening

Give the carrier a contact and procedure for planned transfers, delivery changes, or other events requiring access. Account for inspections by authorities and the associated documentation rather than telling a driver that a seal can never be opened.

If a seal is replaced, preserve the original number, reason, location, time, responsible party, and replacement number as appropriate to the event.

Check the record at receiving

Have the receiver compare the arriving seal information with the shipment record before opening under its procedure. Report a missing, damaged, or mismatched seal to the designated contact.

A discrepancy requires review; it does not by itself establish what happened to the cargo. Likewise, an apparently intact seal does not prove the original quantity, product condition, or absence of every kind of loss.

Plan for multi-stop or changed deliveries

If a load has several stops, define how opening and resealing will be recorded at each one. Keep the remaining cargo count and new seal information aligned after partial unloading.

Include customer-specific seal requirements in the booking request. Discuss whether the proposed service can follow them, particularly if transfers or other intermediate handling are part of the operating plan.

References: CBP recommended seal procedures and best practices.

Related shipping guides

Dry Van Truckload Quotes: How to Compare the Full Shipping Cost
Produce Shipping Checklist: What to Confirm Before Booking a Reefer

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Share your seal and custody documentation requirements with 2A Logistics when arranging transportation.

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