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An indicative cargo seal’s primary function is to be a visual indication of a tampering.
Carriers and shippers should be aware of their cargo seal options, including indicative cargo seals.
Indicative cargo seals are manufactured for a one-time use and may or may not be used with an accompanying lock. Typically, they are made out of plastic, wire, or thin strips of sheet metal marked with unique serial numbers or an identifier. The seal is slipped through a hasp or around locking bars or handles. No one can enter the cargo container without first breaking the seal.
The indicative seal can be easily broken by hand or simple tools and offers no physical protection from intrusion. An example of an indicative seal is the label seal. It is a fragile paper- or plastic-backed seal with adhesive. Obviously, the combination of paper and adhesive will not prevent entry, but it will cause the seal to tear if someone breaks into a cargo container or attempts to do so.
The following are some of the more common examples of indicative cargo seals: