Conveyance Inspection Procedures
and Sealing Process
Presented by
SSCSS Mark Isaacson
SCSS Tom Greulich
SCSS Mark Mahoney
Objectives
Systematic 17-point conveyance inspection process
Identifying security breaches
Sealing Criteria
Seal inspection procedures
17-Point Truck & Trailer Inspection
1. Bumper
2. Engine
3. Tires (truck & trailer)
4. Floor (inside truck)
5. Fuel Tanks
6. Cab/ Storage Compartments
7. Air Tanks
8. Drive Shafts
9. Fifth Wheel
10. Outside/ Undercarriage
11. Floor (inside)
12. Outside/ Inside Doors
13. Side Walls
14. Ceiling/ Roof
15. Front Wall
16. Refrigeration Unit
17. Exhaust
Conduct a Systematic Inspection
Begin and end your inspection at the same point every time.
Point 1
Bumpers
Point 2
Engine Area
Point 3
Tires
Point 3
Tires
Recently Mounted
Tampered Bolts
Water Streaks
Point 4
Floor
Point 5
Fuel Tanks/Battery Box
Point 5
Fuel Tank Compartment
Point 5
Fuel Tank
Point 6
Cab/Sleeper
Point 6
Storage Compartment
Point 7
Air Tanks
Point 8
Drive Shaft
Point 9
Fifth Wheel Area
Point 9
False Floor in Fifth Wheel
Point 9
Fifth Wheel Area
Point 10
Outside Undercarriage
Point 11
False Floor
Point 11
False Floor in Trailer
Point 11
Floor Compartment
Point 12
Door Hardware
Point 12
Check Hinges
Point 13
Side Wall Compartments
Point 13
Side Walls
Point 13
Side Wall Kick Panel
Point 14
Ceiling/Roof
Point 14
Roof Compartments
Point 14
Roof Compartments
Point 15
Front Wall Compartments
Point 15
Dry Box – Front Wall
Point 15
Contraband in False Wall
Point 16
Refrigeration Unit
Point 17
Exhaust / Air Deflector
Procedures for a Sealed Container
Conduct a systematic 7-point inspection
Verify the trailer/container integrity prior to leaving the yard and
any stop while in transit to the border.
Verify the seal number and seal integrity
7-Point Inspection
Be systematic
Criteria
C-TPAT Criteria…
Container Security (Importer):
Container integrity must be maintained to protect against the
introduction of unauthorized material and/or persons.
At point of stuffing, procedures must be in place to properly
seal and maintain the integrity of the shipping containers.
A high security seal must be affixed to all loaded containers
bound for the U.S.
All seals must meet or exceed the current ISO/PAS 17712
standards for “High Security” seals.
Criteria
C-TPAT Criteria…
Container Security (Highway Carrier):
When transporting a container or trailer for a C-TPAT
importer, a high security seal that meets or exceed the
current ISO PAS 17712 standards for high security
seals must be utilized.
Trailer Seals (Highway Carrier):
The sealing of trailers, to include continuous seal
integrity, are crucial elements of a secure supply chain,
and remains a critical part of a carrier’s commitment to
C-TPAT.
A high security seal must be affixed to all loaded trailers
bound for the U.S. All seals must meet or exceed the
current ISO PAS 17712 standards for high security
seals.
ISO
How Do You Know?
Look for the “H” stamped on the seal:
Bottom of the locking body
Top of the steel bolt or rod
Criteria
C-TPAT Criteria…
Seal Affixing Process:
Only designated, authorized employees must distribute
and affix container seals for integrity purposes. The
fewer people who have access to seals, the better!
Unauthorized employees must never handle seals!
Affix
Container/ Trailer Seals… Seal
Seal Affixing Process:
Seals should be affixed to the right door of the container/
trailer on the hasp that has the welded rivet. This practice
will raise the level of security for the shipment.
After the seal is affixed to the container, an authorized
employee should make sure that the seal is secure by
pulling down on it.
Affix
Container/ Trailer Seals… Seal
Outside Doors:
Detachable or loose bolts can allow access inside container
Affix
Container/ Trailer Seals… Seal
Affix
Container/ Trailer Seals… Seal
Detachable or loose bolts can allow access inside container
Affix
Container/ Trailer Seals… Seal
Affix
Container/ Trailer Seals… Seal
1 2
3 4
Seal Inspection
Seal Verification and Inspection Process:
VVTT
V - View seal & container locking hardware
V - Verify seal number
T - Tug on seal to make sure it’s on right
T - Twist & turn seal to make sure it doesn’t unscrew
View
Seal Inspection Seal
Seal Verification and Inspection Process:
View seal & container locking mechanisms.
Excessive damage to the seal or locking mechanisms must be
reported to a Supervisor before opening the container.
View
Seal Inspection Seal
Seal Verification and Inspection Process:
View seal & container locking mechanisms.
Look for loose bolt and hasp
Verify
Seal Inspection Seal
Seal Verification and Inspection Process:
Verify seal number for accuracy.
U .S . C u s t o m s S e r v ic e - O f fic e o f F ie ld O p e r a t io n s S lid e 4 8
Seal number must match paperwork.
Tug
Seal Inspection Seal
Seal Verification and Inspection Process:
Tug on seal to make sure it is affixed properly. Seals that
come apart must be reported to a Supervisor before opening
the container. The container might have contraband inside!
Tug
Seal Inspection Seal
Seal Verification and Inspection Process:
Tug on seal to make sure it is affixed properly.
U .S . C u s t o m s S e r v ic e - O f fic e o f F ie ld O p e r a t io n s S lid e 5 4
Seal stem is bent. Seal does not lock properly.
Tug
Seal Inspection Seal
Seal Verification and Inspection Process:
Tug on seal to make sure it is affixed properly.
U .S . C u s t o m s S e r v i c e - O f fi c e o f F i e ld O p e r a t i o n s S li d e 8 1
Glue inside locking mechanism. Seal does not lock properly.
Twist
Seal Inspection Seal
Seal Verification and Inspection Process:
Twist & Turn seal to make sure it does not come off.
If a Seal is threaded, it can be unscrewed to gain access.
Twist
Seal Inspection Seal
Seal Verification and Inspection Process:
Twist & Turn seal to make sure it does not unscrew.
U .S . C u s t o m s S e r v ic e - O f fic e o f F ie ld O p e r a t io n s S lid e 3 8
Twist counter-clockwise to unscrew.
Evidence is Always Present
Visual indications that an area has been disturbed or altered
Recognition of normal factory construction, normal oxidation,
and dirt accumulation from road use.
Inspection Points
Scratches
Burn/Weld Marks
Tampered Bolts/Rivets
Fresh Grease
Fresh Paint
Silicone
Fiberglass Patchwork
Odor Masking Substances
After Market Modifications
Summary
Establish an inspection process that fits your fleet.
Train your drivers on how to conduct an inspection and
verify the seals.
Management should follow up to ensure drivers are
following the established inspection procedures.
Report all suspicious activity to the appropriate law
enforcement agency.
Questions?
Contact your assigned SCSS
Reference the portal
or email: industry.partnership@dhs.gov
