Patent ID: 6982643

Claim:
A method of screening and protecting freight prior to transportation on a carrier, the method comprising the steps of: a. applying x-rays with an x-ray machine to freight to detect the presence of hazardous substances in the freight, the x-ray machine having an alarm which is activated if hazardous substances are detected; b. covering the freight with a flexible, durable, water-impervious cover if the freight does not activate the alarm, the cover comprising a top portion and first, second, third and fourth sidewalls joined at their upper ends to the top portion and joined at their respective sides to an adjacent sidewall so that the top portion and sidewalls together form an open box-shaped structure which fits over and covers the freight each of the sidewalls also having a bottom edge, the cover further comprising fastening means for securing the cover to the freight, wherein the fastening means comprises a first strap positioned along the bottom edge of at least the first sidewall, and a second strap positioned along the bottom edge of at least the third sidewall, the first strap having first end connected to an attachment device and a second end terminating in a loop, the second strap having a first end connected to an attachment device and a second end terminating in a loop, wherein the attachment devices of the first and second straps each comprise a handle having a plurality of spaced apart ringed openings therethrough, and wherein the cover is secured to the freight by inserting the loop of the first strap through one of the ringed openings in the handle of the second strap, and by inserting the loop of the second strap through one of the ringed openings in the handle of the first strap; and c. applying a locking device to the fastening means and locking the locking device to lock the cover on the freight.