Trailer Seal Requirements
When hauling loads for medical, beverage, or certain food-production customers, some customers require trailer seals on every access point connected to product integrity. This can include:
- Hose tubes
- Cold cabinet doors
- Any panel or compartment that could expose hoses or product-contact equipment
These seal requirements are always listed in the special customer instructions. It’s essential to read those instructions every time, even if you’ve pulled that customer a hundred times before; sometimes requirements change, and you’re responsible for knowing them before you roll.
If seals are required, you must:
- Apply seals to all critical access points before leaving the load point.
- Document seal numbers on the customer delivery note and TDS.
- Do not break a seal without having it signed off by customer security or receiving.
Failing to seal the trailer when required, or breaking a seal without permission, can lead to:
- Unexpected delays
- Load refusal at delivery
- A trail of emails between the customer, dispatch, and safety
- Potential corrective action depending on the carrier and customer
Seals protect both the customer and the driver. Read the instructions and seal it up. You definitely don’t want to drive 500 miles and get sent packing.
