Missing seal on trailer

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Mad dog logistics llc, Mar 24, 2014.

  1. Mad dog logistics llc

    Mad dog logistics llc Light Load Member

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    I had a driver show up without the seal from the shipper on the trailer. He told the guy unloading that he was pulled over and the officer broke the seal to view the load. Im new to this business and not sure what to believe on this one. Nothing was missing or damaged according to the receiver, if an officer broke the seal wouldnt there be paper work? The truck came from Laredo TX so Im sure there inspecting things down there more then other places. Anyone ever had this happen?
     
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  3. ipogsd

    ipogsd Heavy Load Member

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    Yes it can happen, more likely near the boarder. A seal is almost meaningless to an officer. Trailer could be full of contraband etc. Also may be looking for proper load securement.
     
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  4. SHO-TYME

    SHO-TYME Road Train Member

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    Usually if a LEO breaks a seal they have one to replace or, if I'm correct, sign the paperwork that they broke the seal.
     
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  5. Big Don

    Big Don "Old Fart"

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    I guess the big question here is how much do you trust your driver. If nothing is missing from the load, there would only be one reason that I could think of that he would have broken the seal himself. And that would be because he wanted in the trailer to haul something that wasn't on any paperwork. Should that be the case, you as the owner of the truck, could be in trouble if he got busted. Particularly with a load of dope, or illegals.
     
  6. ipogsd

    ipogsd Heavy Load Member

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    Sure he could have haul his own cargo, but think about it, if an officer after inspecting cargo said "OK good to go" many would have turn the key and took off, not asking for a new seal or sign here! Yes it comes down to trust.
     
  7. ShortBusKid

    ShortBusKid Heavy Load Member

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    On a Texas inspection there is a space for the seal number removed and the new one put on. They will reseal the trailer generally or will do it if asked. I've had it happen twice where they marked the paperwork that they were in the trailer coming out of the valley. Not saying this driver did anything nefarious but I know it's on the inspection report because I just mailed one in this morning.
     
  8. gokiddogo

    gokiddogo Road Train Member

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    Nothing missing or damaged, what is the problem? You have never gotten a "full load" then were tempted to fit a couple extra pallets of LTL on the back? If they are paying for "exclusive use" then you best be charging premium dollar. If not, you can sometimes capitalize ...
     
  9. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    I had an officer in NM break the seal,it was one of those seals that require bolt cutters,after inspecting the load,she then replaced the seal.That driver should have asked the DOT for another seal.
     
  10. goblue

    goblue Road Train Member

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    might depend on cargo too. if it's all there and nothing can be tampered with, i.e. food stuffs, and after some extra inspection you're satisfied with product then I would think you're good to go. A lot of the customers I go to don't even mess with the seals. I just rip them off and put them in the back when I open up the load. Others, however, it seems like foodstuffs or high value, do take the time to monitor the seal process and to confirm the integrity of the load.
     
  11. Sly Fox

    Sly Fox Road Train Member

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    Customs and Border Patrol will break the seal at the border (assuming it's a cross-border load) and replace it with a bolt seal that states CBP with the number after it. If it was after the border, immigration could still check it at the checkpoint. Again, get the new seal and have the paperwork signed that the officer broke the seal.

    If it's food-grade, breaking the seal is a very big deal. Some receivers will reject a load because of a lack of seal (though produce is generally run otherwise without a seal so you can check on the produce). Either way, if the receiver's not breaking the seal, you need someone to sign for breaking it. Always CYA.
     
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