How many seals can I list on an eManifest?

ACE eManifests (US-bound) allow multiple seal numbers to be recorded per conveyance. ACI eManifests (Canada-bound) also support multiple seals. There is no practical limit to the number of seals you can list — you should record every seal applied to the trailer or container. TruckerPro allows you to add multiple seal numbers to each manifest and tracks them throughout the shipment lifecycle.

Seal Management & Tracking for Cross-Border Trucking

Q: What types of seals are accepted at the border?

The most common seal types for cross-border trucking are bolt seals (high-security metal seals that require bolt cutters to remove), cable seals (adjustable wire seals for various closure types), and barrier seals (heavy-duty seals for containers). For C-TPAT compliance, CBP recommends high-security seals meeting ISO 17712 standards. The seal type should be appropriate for the conveyance — bolt seals are standard for trailers, while cable seals may be used for flatbeds or other equipment.

Q: What happens if a seal is broken at inspection?

If a customs officer breaks a seal during inspection at the border, they will typically apply a new government seal and record the new seal number. The carrier should document the seal change, including the original seal number, the new seal number, the location and time of the change, and the officer's name or badge number. TruckerPro's seal tracking system allows you to record seal changes with full audit trail, which is important for C-TPAT compliance and dispute resolution.

Why Seal Management Matters at the Border

Cargo seals are a fundamental security measure in cross-border trucking. They provide physical evidence that a trailer or container has not been opened or tampered with between the point of loading and the border crossing. Both U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) require seal numbers to be recorded on eManifests, and seal integrity is a core requirement of the C-TPAT program.

Poor seal management leads to real problems: missing or incorrect seal numbers on eManifests can trigger inspections and delays. Broken or missing seals at the border almost always result in a secondary inspection. And for C-TPAT certified carriers, inadequate seal protocols can jeopardize certification status during revalidation.

Effective seal management means tracking every seal from assignment through application, transit, and removal — and maintaining a complete audit trail that proves the integrity of your supply chain at every step.

Types of Seals Used in Cross-Border Trucking

Bolt Seals

The most common seal type for cross-border trailers. Bolt seals are high-security metal seals that require bolt cutters to remove. They meet ISO 17712 High Security standards and are recommended by CBP for C-TPAT carriers. Each bolt seal has a unique serial number stamped on the body.

Cable Seals

Adjustable wire seals suitable for various closure types including trailer doors, flatbed tarps, and rail cars. Cable seals offer flexibility for non-standard equipment. Available in indicative and security grades depending on the ISO 17712 rating.

Barrier Seals

Heavy-duty seals designed primarily for shipping containers. Barrier seals replace the container's locking rod mechanism and provide the highest level of physical security. Commonly used in intermodal and ocean freight but also seen in cross-border trucking of high-value goods.

Seal Number Requirements for eManifest Filing

When filing an ACE or ACI eManifest, carriers must include seal numbers for every seal applied to the trailer or container. This is not optional — missing seal data can cause the eManifest to be flagged or rejected by customs authorities.

For ACE eManifests (US-bound shipments), seal numbers are recorded at the conveyance level. Each seal number must match the physical seal on the trailer when it arrives at the port of entry. CBP officers will compare the seal numbers on the manifest with the actual seals during processing.

For ACI eManifests (Canada-bound shipments), seal numbers are similarly required and are verified by CBSA at the border. Discrepancies between the manifest seal numbers and the physical seals will trigger additional inspection.

How TruckerPro Tracks Seal Numbers

TruckerPro Border integrates seal management directly into the eManifest workflow. When creating a manifest, you enter the seal numbers applied to the trailer. The system validates that seals are present, records them on the eManifest, and maintains a complete audit trail. If a seal is changed during transit or at an inspection point, you can update the record with the new seal number and the reason for the change.

For C-TPAT certified carriers, this audit trail is invaluable during revalidation. The seal management log provides documented proof that your company follows proper seal protocols — one of the key requirements for maintaining C-TPAT certification.

Frequently Asked Questions About Seal Management

Seals are required for cross-border shipments as a security measure to ensure cargo has not been tampered with during transit. Both CBP and CBSA require that sealed containers and trailers have their seal numbers recorded on the eManifest. C-TPAT certified carriers are required to use high-security seals that meet ISO 17712 standards. Seal integrity is a key component of supply chain security programs.

ACE eManifests (US-bound) allow multiple seal numbers to be recorded per conveyance. ACI eManifests (Canada-bound) also support multiple seals. There is no practical limit — you should record every seal applied to the trailer or container. TruckerPro allows you to add multiple seal numbers to each manifest and tracks them throughout the shipment lifecycle.

The most common seal types are bolt seals (high-security metal seals requiring bolt cutters to remove), cable seals (adjustable wire seals for various closures), and barrier seals (heavy-duty seals for containers). For C-TPAT compliance, CBP recommends high-security seals meeting ISO 17712 standards. The seal type should be appropriate for the conveyance type.

If a customs officer breaks a seal during inspection, they will typically apply a new government seal and record the new seal number. The carrier should document the seal change, including the original seal number, the new seal number, the location and time of the change, and the officer's name or badge number. TruckerPro's seal tracking system allows you to record seal changes with a full audit trail.