First separate the need: a lock stops theft, a seal shows that the container was not opened on the way. A single-use numbered seal does not lock the box; because it cannot come off unbroken it shows a breach, and its number goes on the delivery note to be compared on arrival.
On a multi-stop round the vehicle doors open all day and the container is the only barrier over the load, so a physical lock earns its place on those routes. GEBHARDT offers the metal Secutec security container for a lockable build. On insulated boxes the lock is added with a part and mounting point made for the model, and we take the part from GEBHARDT and pass it on. Drilling the body can affect insulation and closure.
A lock costs the operation something: unlocking at every stop takes time, the lid stays open longer and keys get lost. Locks therefore go on the routes that need them rather than the whole fleet; a separate key per route or numbered padlocks limit a loss, and who holds each key is written down.
Where only traceability is needed, a numbered seal gives a clean record at low cost.
