Sealing TIR cables is a practical way to make unauthorised access to curtainsider trailers quickly visible. Anyone can lift the tarpaulin and reach the cargo without opening a door. That is why TIR cables are used: steel cables that run through the tarpaulin and along the side closures. At the rear, the ends come together. This makes it a logical control point to seal.
Why seal TIR cables?
A seal does not stop someone with tools from getting in. It does make unauthorised access visible. If the seal is intact, there is no sign that the TIR cables have been undone. If the seal is broken or replaced, it stands out during inspection.
European security guidance for road transport lists sealed or padlocked TIR cables as a measure to better protect soft sided trucks and trailers. It also notes that registering and auditing seal numbers helps. Varying the type or appearance of seals makes forgery harder.
Seals are a standard measure in transport security too. The TAPA TSR standard, for example, mentions tamper evident seals for direct, non stop transport. It also calls for a clear procedure: who applies the seal, who removes it, and how this is recorded. The same standard refers to the use of a TIR cable for full truckload direct transport.
What is needed to seal TIR cables?
In practice, four points make the difference:
A seal that fits through the cable ends. A wide, smooth seal tail or a metal strip often works well.
A breaking strength that suits the way of working. Either breakable by hand, or removable only with cutting tools.
Unique numbering. This allows the number to be checked on arrival.
A fixed routine for checking and recording. For example, a check at departure, at transfer and on arrival.
NSS560-L Seal
Tyden Ball Seal
Metal Flat End Seal Guard Lock
Which seals does Navacqs offer?
TIR cables are often sealed with fixed length seals. These have a set usable length. They cannot be tightened, so the right length matters.
NSS560-L Seal
A long fixed length seal (total length 293 mm, usable length 245 mm) with a breaking strength of 14 kg. It can be broken by hand. The printed flag is easy to read. The NSS560-L is in stock in yellow, with a unique imprint and sequential numbering. Custom text or a logo is possible.
Tyden Ball Seal
A metal seal with a high breaking strength of around 52 kg. It is applied by hand and removed with pliers. It is widely used for sealing TIR cables and suits situations that call for a sturdier seal.
Metal Flat End Seal Guard Lock
A metal strip seal with a fixed length and a breaking strength of 45 kg. It is a cost effective alternative for sealing with metal, without the ball mechanism. It is also removed with cutting tools.
Cable Seal 150
Fitted with flexible steel wire, so it suits tight openings and bent locking mechanisms. At 330 kg, it has the highest breaking strength in this group.
Questions, or advice tailored to a specific set up? The Navacqs team is happy to help.
