Shipping containers are an extremely useful way to transport and store a variety of goods, from timber to luxury vehicles. They can even be repurposed to build houses, businesses, event venues and beyond. But no matter how you plan to use your container and what you plan to fill it with, it’s critical to invest in reliable shipping container security to keep it safe from break-ins and vandalism.
To help you keep your shipping container and its contents safe, our team at Container Sales Group has compiled our best container security tips.
Choose A Heavy Duty Lock
Shipping containers require locks to secure their contents. Padlocks are commonly used for securing shipping containers but not all locks are created equal. Here are some of the most commonly used padlocks.
Best Types of Padlocks
Closed Shackle
Designed to expose as little of the shackle as possible and therefore make it more difficult to cut off with bolt cutters.
Disc or Circular Shackle
A round disc lock that has a curved closed shackle that makes it tough to cut, since the shackle is not exposed.
Other Types of Padlocks
Lock Box
A lock box hides and protects the padlock from view. Since the padlock is only accessible from the under side of the lock box, it provides additional security & makes it difficult to torch off or cut with bolt cutters. If your shipping container does not have a lock box, one can be easily welded on.
Open Shackle
One of the most standard padlocks. Not the best for securing shipping containers since the shackle is exposed and can be torched or cut with a bolt or wire cutter. Best used inside a secured, covered Lock Box.
Long Shackle
Features an extended shackle like a U-shaped bar. The extended shackle, which is the weakest point of the padlock reduces the security as it allows a torch or bolt cutter to easily cut off. The lock is best used inside a secured, covered Lock Box.
Cross bar locks secure both shipping container doors together. This lock has an extendable steel clamp that can be attached to the outside of the doors using the locking rods or handles. It is highly secure as it is made of durable metal which makes it hard to use bolt cutters.
Twist Lock
Allows you to lock and secure together two or more shipping containers to make it difficult to move them. These are solid, metal devices that are inserted into the top and bottom of each of the four corner castings of a shipping container corner post that holds the containers together.
Location
It is important to consider the location to put your shipping container where it is not visible to the public. Secluded areas away from high traffic areas are more ideal locations to help protect your container.
Video System
Like your home, it’s beneficial to have a way of monitoring your shipping container for suspicious activity. It is easy to install wireless security cameras like the ones below around the exterior and interior areas of your shipping container to offer more protection.
Twist Lock
Allows you to lock and secure together two or more shipping containers to make it difficult to move them. These are solid, metal devices that are inserted into the top and bottom of each of the four corner castings of a shipping container corner post that holds the containers together.
Twist Lock
Allows you to lock and secure together two or more shipping containers to make it difficult to move them. These are solid, metal devices that are inserted into the top and bottom of each of the four corner castings of a shipping container corner post that holds the containers together.
Insurance
Another way that many people gain peace of mind is to make sure that their shipping container and the contents are insured on their general policy. In addition, it helps to maintain a record book and/or pictures of everything in your shipping container.
Maintain your shipping container
If you take some simple security steps as listed above, you can protect your shipping container overtime. At Container Sales Group, we work with F500 businesses, construction companies as well as residents throughout the country using containers for storage purposes. Our customers are now taking shipping container security more seriously to protect their container and the contents stored in it.
