Seal Management & Tracking for Cross-Border Trucking

Track seal numbers from origin to destination, maintain audit trails for compliance, and integrate seal data directly into your eManifest filings. Essential for C-TPAT and cross-border security requirements.

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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 CBP accepts qualifying bolt seals for C-TPAT shipments, which must carry a high-security seal. 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, security, and high-security grades under ISO 17712; qualifying high-security cable seals are accepted for C-TPAT shipments.

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

In TruckerPro's TMS, each load has fields for up to four seal numbers, and native eManifest filing declares them on the trailer, or on the truck when no trailer is hooked, after checking each one against the agency's format. On plans that include C-TPAT Seal Management, the TMS also tracks each seal from inventory to removal: issuing it to a driver, applying it to a load, checks along the route, and removal or replacement with the reason, such as a customs inspection. Each step is logged, and the seal log can be exported.

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) take up to four seal numbers for each trailer or container in CBP's truck manifest format, each 2 to 15 letters or digits. ACI eManifests (Canada-bound) also support multiple seals. Record every seal applied to the trailer or container, since CBP requires the numbers of all seals affixed. In TruckerPro's TMS, each load holds up to four seal numbers, and native eManifest filing checks them against the agency's format before sending.

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 shipments that can be sealed, CBP requires high-security seals meeting the current ISO 17712 standard. 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. On plans that include C-TPAT Seal Management, TruckerPro's TMS records the removal reason and links the replacement seal, with a full audit trail.

Further reading on BorderPro

BorderPro is the standalone border-clearing product at borderpro.ai, currently in early access. Its site also has regulatory guides and per-crossing wait-time pages with notes on what to file before you cross.

Compare BorderPro eManifest Plans

BorderPro is a separate product with a free tier for up to 5 shipments per month; paid plans currently start at $89.95/month. Check the pricing page for current limits and inclusions.

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