Why is the seal number written on transport documents such as the CMR?
A seal on trailer or container doors costs little, but on its own it proves nothing. It becomes evidence only when its unique number is written down at loading and checked at unloading.
What the seal number proves
A seal is a single-use lock with a unique printed number: a plastic strip, a steel cable or a bolt seal. It cannot be removed without being destroyed. The number on the document ties that particular seal to that particular shipment, so nobody can quietly replace it with another one.
- Chain of custody: the shipper, the driver and the consignee all see the same number, so the handover of responsibility is documented.
- Liability in a claim: an intact seal with the right number supports the carrier when goods are missing, because the load was not accessible on the way; a broken seal shifts attention to the transit.
- Customs: in transit procedures customs authorities apply their own seals and record them on the transit documents; only customs may break them.
A seal does not prove what is inside. If the shipper sealed the load, the carrier usually cannot check the count, and the documents often say so.
Where the number goes
There is no single mandatory box for it. On a CMR it is commonly written in a free field or among the remarks, on a Ukrainian TTN in the cargo or notes section, and on a sea bill of lading next to the container number. What matters is that the same number appears on every copy and matches the seal on the doors. Check your contract and local rules for any required wording.
A small example (illustrative numbers)
A trailer is sealed after loading with seal number 4417290, and the number goes on the CMR. At unloading the storekeeper finds seal 4417290 intact, but two pallets fewer than the CMR states. Because the seal was intact, the question goes to the shipper and the loading count, not to the driver. Had the seal read 4417311, the storekeeper would note the mismatch on the CMR, take photos and call the carrier before opening the doors.
What to check at unloading
- Compare the seal number with the document before cutting it.
- Look for damage or signs that the seal was tampered with.
- Photograph the seal with its number readable.
- If anything differs, write it on the document and have the driver sign the remark.
Where OrgLines fits
In the OrgLines logistics module drivers work through a Telegram bot and can send photos from the road, including a photo of the seal, the vehicle body or a document. The photos land in the logistics inbox and are attached to the driver's active trip, next to the TTN and weights, so the evidence is found where the trip is.