How To Secure Your Shipping Container

Investing in shipping containers is a wise decision if you're searching for a robust, dependable, and inexpensive storage solution. These containers protect from harsh weather conditions and wildlife. However, they may only be partially secure with additional security measures. This is also true for other storage structures like garages, barns, sheds, and pole buildings.

If you're using a shipping container for storage or as a garden shed, you may be concerned about it being secure since it likely holds valuable items. The question is, can someone break into it? It's important to note that shipping containers are typically constructed with hardened steel bodies and steel plate doors that are highly resistant to break-ins.

Security locks and measures can be added to your shipping container to prevent unauthorised access. This article aims to provide all the necessary details to ensure your container is secure and protected if you're considering buying one.

Lock it Up With Heavy-Duty Padlocks

It is crucial to secure your container with heavy-duty locks or cylinder locks with short, thick necks or shackles. to prevent theft and break-ins. Choose a hard steel box that is difficult to breach and withstand harsh weather. Using more than one lock for backup protection is also recommended if a lock is broken or breached.

To add another level of protection, consider CISA security lock container padlocks. These are more effective than regular padlocks and are rated by the insurance industry. They can be used on all sizes of shipping containers, including 10-foot, 20-foot, 40-foot, and high-cube versions.

Use Security Lock Boxes

A padlock is a good way to secure your shipping container. However, if you're storing something valuable or irreplaceable, it's best to include a shipping container lock box and padlock for extra security. A shipping container lock box is a protective steel box that shields your padlocks from harm. It can accommodate a padlock and key but needs to be bigger to be picked or have its shackle or shank cut. These lock boxes improve the security of your shipping container by making it challenging to break into. Some new (one trip) shipping containers come with lock boxes, but a used shipping container lacks a lock box and must be purchased as an accessory. Installation is simple, and it involves either bolting or welding the box.

Use Crossbar Locks

Crossbar locks provide an added layer of security; if a thief cuts the padlock on your shipping container with bolt locks, they can gain access unless a crossbar lock has been added. Crossbar locks are extendable clamps made of tubular steel that you can attach to the shipping container's door using locking rods or handles. They have a keyed lock mechanism that ensures a secure grip. 

These bolt locks are designed to resist bolt cutters and lock picks. Even if someone manages to beat your padlock or locking latch, they wouldn't be able to access the shipping container. These heavy-duty locks are usually portable and do not require welding.

Install a Security Alarm

For more advanced security, you can install an alarm system. Depending on the security system and location, you may need access to buildings, a phone line, and power supplies. For a remote location, a cell phone alarm may work. These systems have motion detectors, sensors, and closed-circuit TV monitoring, just like other alarm systems.

You can install alarm systems with motion sensors on your storage container if it is on your property. For storage containers in remote locations, you can use a GSM alarm designed for storage containers which enable remote monitoring. Additionally, you can use antenna-based, wireless, or battery-powered alarms.