Unisto has been an important supplier to the British transport industry since the middle of the last century and today has one of the most complete ranges of vehicle sealing solutions on the market.

Security seals are often seen as a necessary evil by users who try to find the cheapest and don’t worry too much about quality but bear in mind first and foremost, a seal is used to protect team members responsible for handling goods in transit, as they are often the first suspects if something goes missing. A poorly performing seal puts their integrity at risk. So insist on good value rather than low price alone and also consider the level of risk before deciding on which seal to use.

A plastic seal is ideal for point-to-point deliveries, where indicative security is all that is needed. If the load is high value and/or will be left for a time unattended, in a trailer park or on a ferry for example, then consider a barrier-type seal that will prevent opportunistic access. Reusable electronic seals are ideal for multi-drop deliveries from a DC to retail shops and reduce plastic seal waste and your carbon footprint with C2K, for example, generating 9.39 kg CO₂ per unit manufactured, against 7.39 kg CO₂ per thousand for a plastic Integer Seal. Given a C2K can replace up to 35,000 Integer Seals during its working life...that’s almost 250 kg CO₂ per unit saving by switching to C2K. 

Below are some of the leading products in Unisto’s transport seal range, providing guidance to the most suitable seal for your application, as well as a product in Unisto’s range that safely removes bolt seals, helping you to comply with both health and safety and gender equality requirements.

EntriSeal:

Category: tamper evident label. Non-residue leaving adhesive, label voids on removal to prevent reuse. Label size: 85mm x 25mm.

Ideal for use on vehicles such as vans without sealable latches the EntriSeal is placed over the gap between the rear doors. The tamper evident EntriSeal is serial numbered, with receipt strip and has kiss-cuts through the centre door gap, for easy release.

Integer:

Category: fixed length seal. Material: polypropylene. Operating length: 180mm break strength circa 8kg.

Typical applications: securing vehicle doors, TIR cords, Tautliner strap fasteners.

This popular seal is used to secure vehicle latches on rear roller shutter or barn doors. The seal break point is clearly visible outside the locking housing. The indicative locking finger is visible and shows free movement (showing that the seal has not been glued or heat welded) when sealed correctly.

Indicator:

Category: fixed length seal. Material: polypropylene and polyoxymethylene (POM). Operating length: 181mm, break strength circa 11kg.

Typical applications: securing vehicle doors, TIR cords, Tautliner strap fasteners.

A high-security version of the Integer, with an enhanced double-locking security mechanism in POM that is resistant to high temperatures and gives the Indicator a high level of tamper resistance. The Indicator’s end protrudes through the cap showing free movement and indicating correct sealing. The seal also has an anti-spin feature to further inhibit manipulation.

T Seal:

Category: fixed length seal. Operating length 180mm. Break strength: circa 70kg.

Typical applications: securing vehicle doors, TIR cords, Tautliner strap fasteners.

This high-quality metal strip seal provides a barrier against opportunistic access to vehicle loads. The T Seal is simple to fit and easy to check for tamper evidence. Please note that this seal requires cutters or snips for removal.

Metalo 15 / 30 / 50:

Category: barrier seals. The 30 and 50 versions are ISO 17712 certified and C-TPAT compliant. Operating length 250mm and 300mm.

Typical applications: securing vehicle doors and TIR cords against opportunistic access.

 For securing trailers or intermodal containers, the Metalo has colour-coded, anodised aluminium body, laser etched with serial number and company name or “SEALED”. The Metalo contains an integrated steel locking mechanism. Both the locking mechanism and the cable end are double crimped for additional security. The tamper-evident steel cable fans out when cut, preventing rethreading. Available with either 1.5mm, 3mm or 5mm cable, strength circa 350 / 1,000 / 1,500 kg respectively.

Please note all versions of the Metalo require cutters for removal.

Genius Solid:

Category: bolt seal.

Typical applications: securing trailers and intermodal containers.

This competitively priced bolt seal is not C-TPAT compliant, so unsuitable for US shipments. The Genius Solid has been tested to a tensile strength of more than 1,000 kg.

The Genius Solid requires bolt cutters for removal.

Hi Genius:

Category: bolt seal ISO 17712 certified and C-TPAT compliant. HMRC Group 1 accepted.

Typical applications: securing trailers and intermodal containers.

A high-security bolt seal with anti-spin tamper evident feature and auto number alignment for ease of checking. With a tensile strength tested to more than 2,000 kg, the
Hi Genius is packed in number sequence for ease of use and enhanced efficiency and control.

Hi Genius requires bolt cutters for removal.

Straplock Seal V1 and V2:

Category: tool-closing seal.

Typical applications: securing pallet or carton strapping.

V1: Secures polypropylene strapping 8mm to10mm wide at crossing points, rendering the strapping tamper-evident. The Straplock V1 is applied with either a hand or electric applicator.V2: Secures polypropylene strapping up to 18mm wide at crossing points, rendering the strapping tamper-evident. A brass pin positioned centrally perforates the strapping for additional security on wider strapping. The Straplock V2 is applied with either a hand or electric applicator.

Varis:

Category: pull-tight security seal. Operating length (maximum): 330mm. Break strength circa 52kg.

Typical applications: securing roll cages, tote boxes and bags.

The Varis is a highly robust seal, perfect for securing cages, bags or tote boxes in tough environments, and requires a safety knife or scissors for removal.

C2K and Manta Reusable Electronic Seals

Typical applications: securing roller shutter, barn doors and bulk tankers. Ideal for multiple drop applications.

Reusable seal for trailers, rigids and vans. The C2K is the entry level fit and forget replacement for single use seals. Easy to use with a lit LED display that is easy to read in all light conditions.

Manta has an Integral 100 sealing event back-track facility. 

Both types can use either a cable hasp or remote sensors that can secure multiple doors or tanker hatches.

Providing approximately 35,000 sealings per seal lifetime.

Safety Cutter Kit:

Category: Accessories

Typical applications: safe removal of barrier type seals from trailers and intermodal containers.

The safe alternative to bolt croppers, the Unisto Safety Cutter Kit provides all that in needed to remove steel bolt, cable and metal strip seals at point of delivery. A battery-powered hydraulic cutter, generating 4 tonnes of cutting force at the blades, removes bolt seals in seconds at the touch of a button using a safe incremental cut. Included are scissor-action side cutters that slice through wire rope and cable seals with ease. The kit is completed with protective goggles and gloves and a spare battery for risk-free operation.

So, over many years, Unisto has built a reputation for innovation, quality and service. A team of long serving specialist advisers are on hand to assist and advise on the most suitable choice of seal. Most of the products listed above are available ex-stock for next-day delivery.

www.unisto.co.uk