Seals

 

Modern electronics and the 14 hour rule are forcing everyone to manage driver time better. I am rarely put into a position where I actually count freight. Many of our loads are now preloaded. It is impractical to hold a driver liable for an actual count. What we are being held accountable for is proving that the load was not tampered with while under our control. It is our job to get to the consignee as the shipper shipped it and prove it.

 

That leads back to an ancient solution. Seals have been used since ancient times. In 1st Kings written documents were sealed to keep unintended eyes from reading them. They were used in Mesopotamia. An unbroken seal was proof that containers had not been tampered with. A broken seal was proof that it had been. Decades ago over the counter medications became equipped with tamper proof seals. Today even milk containers come with tamper proof seals. Seals are an inexpensive way to keep honest people honest.

 

Some seals go beyond that and add to the security of the load. A cable seal takes time to cut off even with the proper equipment. Bolt seals need bolt cutters. Wire seals can be a pain in the hinder to cut off, even with the right tools. That may push the potential thief to go to the next trailer. A good lock will do the same thing even if you have a plastic seal. Unless the seal is a plastic seal use something to break it with. Too many times I have tried to carefully break a metal seal only to cut myself. Once was too many. Now, I will either use gloves or a toll to break a metal seal.

 

These days, if the shipper does not provide a seal, I will. I will put the seal number on the load at the shipper before I sign the bills. I will also write seal intact on the bills. It is very rare that a consignee has a problem verifying that the seal was intact upon arrival. Some won't. In that case I will take a time stamped photo of the intact seal on their property.

 

My goal is to keep what I earn. A shortage on a load may tempt a customer to keep me from my goal. Writing seal intact on a load is a deterrent. Just like a good lock, it isn't perfect, but it sure does help.

 

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Jeff Clark

Jeff Clark of Kewaunee, WI has been driving a truck for 24 years. He has been an owner operator for 11 years.

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