Bar / Barrier Seal – Seaforce®1 X-009 Disposable/Two Applications ($18.75 per unit)

How does a Bar Seal differ from a Bolt Seal?

A bolt seal secures a single latch point. A bar seal, however, is designed to lock both vertical locking bars on a shipping container together. By bridging the gap between the two bars, it creates a physical obstruction that prevents the doors from swinging open, even if the hinges or handles are tampered with. This makes the bar seal a “double-barrier” system that significantly increases the time and noise required for a thief to gain entry.

The “Time-to-Breach” Factor in Cargo Theft

Most cargo thefts are “crimes of opportunity” occurring in truck stops or unsecured lots. Thieves look for seals that can be quickly cut with hand tools. A Bar Seal requires industrial power tools (like an angle grinder) or massive leverage to break. This “Time-to-Breach” is a critical deterrent; the longer it takes to open a container, the higher the risk for the thief, making them move on to a softer target.

What materials are used in American Seals Bar Seals?

Our bar seals are forged from high-carbon steel and finished with a thick zinc coating or powder coating. High-carbon steel is chosen for its hardness and resistance to sawing. The cross-bar is engineered to resist several tons of tensile pressure, ensuring that even if a vehicle attempts to force the doors open from the inside (a rare but known theft method), the seal remains the strongest point of the door assembly.

How does the locking mechanism work?

The bar seal typically utilizes a high-security bolt mechanism at one end. Once the bar is positioned over the container rods, the locking bolt is inserted through the bar’s alignment holes and snapped into the locking bush. Once clicked, the internal locking rings expand, creating a permanent bond that cannot be shimmed or picked.

Securing High-Value Electronics and Pharmaceuticals

For shipments where the value of the cargo exceeds $500,000, insurance providers often mandate the use of barrier seals. Electronics and pharmaceuticals are prime targets for organized crime. Using an American Seals Bar Seal satisfies most high-value insurance rider requirements and provides the “maximum effort” security proof needed in the event of a claim.

One-Way Shipments and Long-Term Storage

Bar seals are excellent for containers used as long-term storage on construction sites or at remote facilities. Unlike electronic locks that require battery maintenance, a bar seal provides a constant, maintenance-free physical barrier. They are also ideal for one-way international shipments where the container may sit in a high-risk port for weeks before being picked up.

Is special training required for drivers to install these?

No special training is required, but a specific technique is recommended. Drivers should ensure that the bar is level and that the locking bolt is fully seated until it “clicks.” We recommend drivers take a digital photo of the installed bar seal and the serial number at the point of origin to provide a time-stamped proof of security.

How do receivers remove a Bar Seal safely?

Because these are barrier devices, removal requires industrial bolt cutters or a battery-powered angle grinder. Personnel should be trained in the use of these tools and wear appropriate PPE (eye protection and gloves). It is also vital to verify the serial number against the shipping documents *before* cutting the seal to maintain the integrity of the chain of custody.

Are Bar Seals compliant with international shipping laws?

Yes. All American Seals Bar Seals are designed to meet or exceed ISO 17712 standards. While many bar seals are used *in addition* to a bolt seal, our high-security bar seals are often used as the primary seal for C-TPAT shipments due to their extreme physical strength.

Conclusion: If your cargo is high-value, high-risk, or traveling through volatile regions, the American Seals Bar Seal is your ultimate defense. It is not just a seal; it is a structural reinforcement that says your cargo is off-limits to everyone but the intended recipient.