When you use a shipping container to send important cargo to other locations, choosing the best shipping container lock is just as important as assessing the steel box’s condition.
Much like any home, a container’s security can only go so far in protecting your belongings so long as you don’t lock the container properly.
Luckily, finding the best shipping container lock for your situation is easy, so long as you know what and where to look. To do it, read more here!
Also Read: Construction Storage Container Rentals: Why They Matter
Characteristics of a Good Container Lock
Securing your shipping container is about more than just slapping on any old padlock and hoping for the best. Why?
A good container lock should provide robust protection against theft, tampering, and the elements that can endanger your cargo.
So, what should you look for when choosing the best lock for your container?
Material Strength
The best locks only use solid, high-quality steel or hardened alloys to ensure durability and maximize service life, especially if you use the container in hazardous environments.
Weather Resistance
Look for locks with rust-resistant coatings or bodies made from brass or stainless steel that can help boost the container’s waterproofing capabilities.
Tamper Resistance
A good lock should be resistant to bolt cutters, drills, picking, and prying, making adding shackles, dual ball locking mechanisms, and anti-drill plates important for extra security.
Compatibility
The lock should fit your container’s locking system and ideally work with lock boxes or crossbars when you must use two or more container lock types for maximum protection.
High-Security Certifications
The locks should have important security ratings or certifications (like ISO 17712 for seals) because of their role as the standard for any container lock types out there.
Ease of Use
While you can reuse certain container lock types, certain types, like cable seals, are not reusable to ensure people won’t reuse them for other occasions.
Container Lock Type Recommendations
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to container locks, because different situations call for different lock types.
To help you find the best shipping container lock for your circumstances, the following types are the most popular on the market:
Padlocks
Padlocks are the classic go-to for shipping containers, but not just any padlock will do.
Look for heavy-duty models designed specifically for containers to maximize the security you deserve. Here’s what makes a great container padlock:
- Hardened Shackle: The shackle should be thick and made from hardened steel or boron alloy for maximum cut resistance.
- Solid Body: Brass or steel bodies resist corrosion and physical attacks.
- Dual Ball Locking Mechanism: This resists pulling and prying, making it much harder for thieves to force the lock open.
- Pick Resistance: Advanced cylinders, like those with spool pins, are nearly impossible to pick.
- Rekeyable: Some high-security padlocks allow you to rekey them if you lose their keys.
Padlocks are versatile, easy to use, and work well with lock boxes for extra protection. Just make sure the size fits your container’s hasp and that it’s fit for outdoor use.
Truck Seals
Truck seals aren’t technically locks, but they’re a vital part of container security, especially for shipments in transit.
These single-use seals, like bolt seals, cable seals, and plastic pull-tight seals, have designs to help users identify visible evidence of tampering.
- Bolt Seals: With ISO-17712 and C-TPAT certifications, they’re extremely tough, have unique tracking numbers, and you can only remove them with bolt cutters.
- Cable Seals: Flexible and strong, cable seals are great for odd-shaped locking points and provide a high level of security.
- Plastic Pull-Tight Seals: While not as strong as bolt or cable seals, they’re useful for lower-risk situations or as a secondary layer of tamper evidence.
You can combine the use of truck seals with a strong lock so you can enjoy heightened physical security and a clear indication if someone has tried to access your container.
Crossbar Locks
Crossbar locks are heavy-duty steel bars that span across the container’s doors, locking into the vertical locking rods.
They provide an extra layer of security by physically preventing bad actors from entering the container despite their success in opening the padlocks by force.
- Solid Steel Construction: These locks are nearly impossible to cut or break.
- Easy Installation: Most crossbar locks can be installed without special tools.
- Versatility: They work with both standard and high-cube containers.
Crossbar locks are especially popular for construction site storage and high-value cargo. For maximum security, use them alongside a padlock and lock box.
Roll Door Lock Boxes
A roll door lock box is a steel box welded onto the container door to house the padlock, shielding it from bolt cutters, saws, and prying tools. Here’s why they’re a smart addition:
- Physical Barrier: The lock box makes it extremely difficult to access the padlock with cutting tools.
- Weather Protection: It helps shield the lock from rain and debris, extending its lifespan.
- Compatibility: Most are designed to fit standard container doors and work with high-security padlocks.
A lock box is a must-have if you will leave the container without supervision for long periods or is in a high-risk area.
Hidden Shackle Padlocks
Hidden shackle padlocks, sometimes called “hockey puck” locks, are designed so the shackle is completely enclosed when locked, making it nearly impossible to cut or pry.
- Hardened Steel Body: These locks are tough and built to withstand brute-force attacks.
- Hidden Shackle: The shackle is hidden from view, so bolt cutters and saws can’t reach it.
- High Security: Often used with lock boxes or crossbar systems for maximum protection.
Because of these characteristics, these locks are popular for storage containers and mobile offices, where you need to maximize their security since you put important belongings there.
When to Choose Each Container Lock Type
Choosing the best shipping container lock comes down to understanding your specific needs and the required security level. Here’s a quick recap:
General Uses
Go with a high-security, weather-resistant padlock and pair it with a lock box if you use the container for most situations.
Shipments in Transit
You can use ISO-certified truck seals (bolt or cable) for tamper evidence and tracking, so you know what’s going on with the cargo’s security.
High-Risk or Long-Term Storage
Combine a crossbar lock, hidden shackle padlock, and lock box for ultimate protection when you deliver cargo worth millions of dollars.
Also Read: Move Shipping Containers Without Heavy Equipment Done Right
Conclusion
By using the best shipping container lock, you can rest easy knowing that your cargo will be safe along the way during transit. To ensure the container itself is safe by default, contact Tradecorp today to source it! With their industry-leading specifications and various types, Tradecorp’s shipping containers are guaranteed to satisfy any of your business needs.
