Fixed length strap (or band) seals have been a staple in the tamper evident seal market for over a century. And for as long as trucks have been carrying freight the flat band security seal has been the preferred type for securing trailer doors on trucks. Today both metal and plastic strap seals continue to be the most often used seal in trucking.

American Casting & Mfg. makes and supplies all types of strap seals from their US headquarters and factory in Plainview NY.

The popularity of strap seals for trucks is primarily due to history and familiarity with this type of seal in trucking. They also have simplicity in storage and handling which has become routine with users over the decades.

CHOOSING METAL STRAP SEALS

There are two basic types of metal strap seals. One type is all flat and uses a locking tab in a rectangular lock housing. The other has a round ball or globe on the end, which uses internal circular wires to lock the seal. Within those two general types are several variations in size and design to fit the variety of door latches and customer preferences.

Generally, the ball type seal is considered more resistant to tampering, though all or our band seals provide very good evidence of tampering when used and inspected properly. These are models B1 and G1. Model B1 allows the band to pass through the locking ball for added inspection points. Model G1 has an equally effective lock system at a lower cost.

Among the flat seals, there are different widths to accommodate trucks with smaller lock openings on the latch, plus flat metal seals come in 2 levels of lock thickness. The thicker lock is AC&M model FC4 which has increased depth of the lock, which further restricts attempts to tamper with tools. The other thinner models (FC1, FC2 FC3) are lower cost, while still working well to deter opening and provide evidence of tampering.

PLASTIC FIXED LENGTH STRAP SEALS

Plastic strap seals from AC&M fall into 2 basic types. The one used most widely on trucks is the standard duty model 4001 and its barcoded companion seal BCTS. This is a simple snap lock that shows evidence when cut, tampered or opened. The other popular option is AC&M’s heavy duty Models HS75 and HS115. These have a special multi-point locking system and greater pull strength for applications that call for more strength. The HS seals are one of the most advanced and highest quality fixed length plastic security seals on the market today.

Plastic strap seals are preferred by many truckers for several reasons. They are lighter and the edges are smooth for safer handling. The markings on plastic strap seals are bold and easy to read, and the options for marking and color-coding are greater than with metal seals.

All the seals plastic seals mentioned here are available in a wide range of colors and can be purchased from stock or custom stamped to suit the user’s marking needs.

Many in the trucking industry prefer stock seals so they can buy only the seals they need with rapid delivery from our New York factory and warehouse.

If you have questions about our seals or want information about using strap seals on trucks, or for any purpose, please contact us. AC&M serves thousands of seal users including transport/shipping companies of all types worldwide. We have 110 years in the industry and a wealth of expertise. We are glad to assist with guidance, samples, or pricing at your request.

An experienced seal applications expert is available any time during business hours. Contact us at our main office and factory: Email: info@seals.com Call toll-free at 1-800-342-0333 in the US or 516-349-7010 from anywhere.

Or see our website www.seals.com for sales and service locations outside the US.