Cargo theft across the U.S. supply chain continues to increase, with rail and intermodal freight emerging as a growing target—particularly in and around major Midwest rail corridors. One trend shippers and importers should be especially aware of is container seals being cut, broken, or tampered with while moving by rail, including recent activity reported on lanes served by BNSF Railway.
In many cases, theft may not be immediately obvious. Containers may arrive largely intact, with only a portion of cargo removed or disturbed. However, a broken or compromised seal is a critical warning sign, even if no shortage is confirmed at first glance. Seal tampering can indicate pilferage, product contamination risk, or an attempted theft that may escalate further down the line.
Why immediate notification is critical
Timing plays a major role in cargo recovery and insurance outcomes. Once cargo has been unloaded, dispersed, or integrated into inventory, recovery becomes far more difficult—and insurance claims can be delayed or denied if notice is not provided promptly. For that reason, early communication is essential.
What to do if a seal is broken
If a container arrives with a seal that is missing, mismatched, cut, or otherwise compromised, shippers should:
- Document the condition immediately before unloading (photos of the seal, doors, container number, and surroundings)
- Record seal details, including expected versus actual seal numbers
- Notify M.E. Dey immediately, even if no cargo loss is yet confirmed
- Preserve all evidence, including the seal if available
- Pause distribution of the cargo if there is any indication of intrusion, pending further guidance
A broken container seal is an ASAP notification event. Even minor or suspected issues should be reported right away. Prompt action allows M.E. Dey to coordinate with carriers, terminals, insurers, and other stakeholders to protect your interests and support any necessary claims.