This container seal was cut off on the loading dock of an apparel company in Los Angeles around 1999. Theft has always been a problem on ships and the docks, Containerization has not only lowered the cost of shipping, it has also lowered costs from damage and theft. A simple plastic wrapped metal seal like this is put on when the container is loaded in the factory. The container is then kept closed until it is delivered where the seal is cut off. Fast, secure, and inexpensive containerized shipping made global production easier.