Cable seals are one of the few ways to secure the swing doors of trailers and cargo containers. While bolt seals used in these situations only secure the handle to the trailer, they don't prevent the doors themselves from being opened. It's fairly easy to drill out the handle pin and circumvent the bolt seal completely, leaving your load susceptible to covert theft.

On the other hand, cable seals secure the locking bars that keep the doors closed; if someone manages to break in, it will be plenty obvious. Since most in-transit theft is covert--thieves don't want to reveal their modus operandi--a cable seal is an effective deterrent. Thieves will look for easier targets.

Varieties of Cable Seals

There are two main varieties of cable seals. One is a fixed length and can be fit to any size application. The other type is of variable length and is of a pull-through construction; a loop at one end receives the other end and then cinches closed. Generally, the unused portion is either cut off (a small knife or small scissors are all that is required) or torn off if the cable has been pre-scored.

Seals are available with a number of identifying features, such as bar codes, logos, sequential numbers, or custom designs. Also, memory buttons--tiny electronic storage devices--can be used in conjunction with a cable seal. These memory buttons are easily accessed through portable or handheld computers and contain pertinent information about the cargo secured by the seal so the container can remain securely closed.