Global commerce depends on movement. Every day, thousands of shipments cross borders, travel across oceans, and navigate complex supply chains. For companies and consumers alike, the integrity of those shipments is critical. When a package arrives intact, it protects not only the goods inside, but also the reputation of the brand delivering it. Yet the risks of tampering, theft, and counterfeiting remain as high as ever. Protecting cargo is no longer simply a logistical requirement. It has become a matter of building trust, safeguarding trade, and ensuring compliance with international standards.

American Casting & Manufacturing (AC&M) understands the challenges businesses face in protecting shipments. Security seals have become indispensable tools in this mission. Unlike ordinary locks, these devices are designed to make interference visible and unmistakable. Their presence deters unwanted access, while their construction provides companies with immediate signs of compromise. By combining innovation with proven manufacturing expertise, security seals allow businesses to take control of their supply chains and maintain confidence in a world of constant movement.

The Role of Tamper Evident Security Seals

At the heart of cargo protection are tamper evident security seals. These seals act as silent guardians. They are specifically designed to reveal signs of interference if someone attempts to access a container or package. When applied correctly, a tamper evident seal cannot be removed without leaving behind a clear visual indicator. Whether it is a broken strap, a distorted impression, or a void message, the mark left behind communicates instantly that the package has been compromised.

The presence of these seals is as significant as their function. Criminals are far less likely to target shipments that display tamper evident protection. For businesses, this translates into fewer losses, less shrinkage, and a stronger sense of accountability throughout the supply chain. For customs officials and border agencies, the ability to quickly identify signs of tampering helps streamline inspections and ensure smoother passage of goods. By delivering both deterrence and evidence, tamper evident seals play a central role in modern cargo security.

Types of Seals and Their Advantages

Security seals come in many forms, each designed for specific environments and cargo needs. Choosing the correct seal depends on the balance between cost, durability, traceability, and regulatory compliance. Below are some of the most common types of seals and their contributions to protecting cargo.

• Plastic Security Seals: These lightweight yet durable seals are a favorite for general cargo shipments. With the addition of barcodes or serial numbers, they provide an efficient way to track goods as they move through warehouses, trucks, and ports. Plastic seals are also cost-effective, making them an ideal choice for companies that manage large volumes of cargo while still requiring reliable protection.
  
  
• Wire Seals: In situations where shipments face extreme conditions or require extra strength, wire seals are the preferred option. Their steel construction makes them resistant to tampering attempts, cutting, and harsh environments. Wire seals are often used for securing sensitive or high-value goods, such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, or electronic equipment. They provide both a visual indication of tampering and a strong physical barrier against unauthorized access.
  
  
• Security Labels: Labels add a flexible layer of protection, especially for parcels and smaller shipments. When someone tries to remove them, the adhesive breaks to reveal a hidden message, such as “void” or “open.” They are quick to apply and effective in deterring package-level tampering. Security labels are especially useful in retail, e-commerce, and last-mile delivery, where fast movement requires simple yet trustworthy safeguards.
  
  
• High-Security Bolt Seals: Used for intermodal containers and international shipping, bolt seals are built to comply with C-TPAT and ISO 17712 security standards. They combine a sturdy locking mechanism with visible evidence of tampering. Customs authorities often require these seals for cross-border shipments, ensuring that containers remain secure from the point of origin to the destination. Their adoption has become an industry standard for companies operating on a global scale.
  
  

By offering a range of seals tailored to different needs, businesses can match the level of protection to the value and risk of each shipment. This flexibility ensures that cargo remains safe and compliant, regardless of the environment.

Industry-Specific Applications

The strength of security seals lies not only in their design, but also in their adaptability across industries. Each sector faces unique challenges, and seals offer solutions tailored to these specialized needs.

In shipping and logistics security solutions, seals are the first line of defense for cargo containers moving across oceans or highways. Freight forwarders rely on bolt seals to comply with customs regulations and prevent theft during long journeys. Distribution centers use plastic seals to track shipments from one hub to another, ensuring accountability at every checkpoint.

The airline industry also depends heavily on security seals. Catering carts, baggage compartments, and duty-free goods are sealed before takeoff to maintain security throughout the flight. Tamper evident solutions not only protect goods from theft, but also reassure passengers and regulators that safety measures are in place.

In retail and e-commerce, the demand for fast shipping has created new risks. Packages can be intercepted or manipulated during the last mile of delivery. Security labels provide a practical solution by indicating to customers that their products have not been handled since leaving the warehouse. This builds trust in brands and reduces the cost of return fraud.

The energy and utility sectors use seals to secure pipelines, meters, and distribution systems. Wire seals are particularly common, as they withstand harsh outdoor conditions and prevent tampering that could disrupt vital services. For companies handling electricity, gas, or oil, seals are a valuable asset. They ensure public safety and reliable service delivery.

These examples demonstrate the versatility of seals in meeting the diverse demands of various industries. By tailoring solutions to specific environments, businesses can utilize security seals not only as protective tools but also as essential components of their operational strategy.

Risk & Cost Context

Cargo security is more than a checklist for the operations team. It serves as a financial shield that protects revenue across the entire supply chain. Cargo theft costs companies billions of dollars worldwide each year. Unsealed or weakly sealed shipments invite pilferage during handoffs. These losses compound through write-offs, insurance claims, and recovery costs. Strong sealing practices reduce these losses by lowering both opportunity and risk.

Disruptions often begin with a minor breach that slows a truck or flags a container as being out of order. Delays ripple through schedules, push out deliveries, and trigger fee penalties. Counterfeit goods also thrive when cartons can be opened and resealed without leaving any evidence. Customers who receive altered products lose trust and move to safer brands. Investigations and recalls then consume time that should be spent serving demand. Seals reduce these risks by making tampering visible and by creating a clear chain of custody.

Technology Integration

Modern sealing is both physical and digital today. Tracking data turns each seal into a source of truth for movement and status. Teams can scan, sync, and analyze events from the warehouse to the last mile. These tools lower manual errors and deliver faster exception handling. Managers gain a clear record that supports audits and service promises. Below are key technologies that strengthen control while keeping workflows simple.

• Barcoded seals. Unique barcodes or numbers allow teams to scan at packing, dispatch, and receipt. Each scan creates a timestamped trail that confirms custody and quickly exposes weak links.
  
  
• QR code verification. QR codes connect workers or customers to live records with a single scan. This supports authenticity checks and provides instant context to support teams during claims.
  
  
• RFID-enabled seals. Radio frequency tags enable bulk reads without requiring a line of sight. Large yards and busy docks gain speed because pallets or containers can be verified in seconds.
  
  
• IoT sensors and telematics. Paired devices can record temperature, shock, or light exposure during transit. Alerts help teams respond early when conditions drift from safe ranges.
  
  
• Blockchain audit trail. Writing seal events to a secure ledger prevents silent edits to history. Partners can trust the same record, which reduces disputes and shortens investigations.
  
  
• AI-driven risk scoring. Pattern analysis highlights routes, hubs, or time windows with higher risk. Managers can then allocate seals, escorts, or stop checks where they are most needed.
  
  

Technology works best when it becomes an integral part of daily routines. Scans should integrate seamlessly with packing, dispatch, and receiving processes without additional steps. Alerts should be clear enough to guide the following action in seconds. Data should be connected to inventory and transportation systems for a unified view. AC&M supports these goals with sealing options built for digital tracking. The result is a secure flow that saves time, limits cost, and protects every load.

The AC&M Advantage

Selecting the correct type of seal is essential, but choosing the proper manufacturer is just as important. For over 110 years, American Casting & Manufacturing has been a trusted provider of high-quality sealing solutions. From our beginnings in 1910 to our present role as a global leader, our commitment has remained the same: to protect what matters most to our customers.

At AC&M, quality is never compromised. Every seal is manufactured with precision, using durable materials and rigorous testing to ensure performance. Our product range includes tamper evident plastic seals, durable wire seals, security labels, and ISO 17712-compliant bolt seals. Beyond product variety, we specialize in customization, designing seals that meet the unique needs of various industries, ranging from logistics to utilities.

Are you ready to strengthen your supply chain? Contact us today to explore our full range of security seals and labels. Call us toll-free at (866) 360-6748 or 516-349-7010, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. You can also email us at info@seals.com for more information. With AC&M by your side, your cargo is protected, your reputation is secure, and your business is prepared for the future.