20' Shipping Containers | 40' Shipping Containers | 40' High Cube Containers | Container Housing | How to Buy a Shipping Container |
One of the most commonly overlooked differences between new and used shipping containers is the lack of a lock box. Considering that a majority of people purchasing a used shipping container are doing so for storage or a similar use, having a lock box installed is a strong selling feature.
Used, off lease containers typically donât have a lock box installed because the shipping line doesnât require one. When a shipping line or leasing company purchases a container for their core fleet, theyâre aware that the container will spend a majority of its leased life on a ship, in a depot, or somewhere in a protected, secure environment. Noting this, they opt to save the cost of a lock box and use the money elsewhere. This isnât an issue until the container comes off lease and is sold into the secondary market â and the end user purchases the container to serve as an on-site storage unit.
Lock boxes can be installed two ways â either purchased and welded onto the container, typically at the depot; or purchased later on and installed once the container is on-site.
Lock boxes that are welded onto the container are highly secure, and very difficult to remove or break into. However, to install a welded on lock box you need to be near welding equipment â either at the depot, or have a mobile welding truck come to the unit. Installing a lock box at the depot is the better of the two options, and typically cost around $100 (depending on the depot and location). If your container is already on-site, or welding equipment isnât available, you may want to consider purchasing a bolt-on lock box specifically designed for shipping containers. A bolt on lock box requires no welding, and installs in around 15 minutes with common tools (a drill, screwdriver, and wrench). Although itâs not welded on, a bolt on lock box has all the features that a welded on lock does, without the cost. |
![]() |
ContainerAuction.com now provides America made lock boxes; both weld on and bolt on lock boxes, through their website ContainerLockBox.com. Both retail and wholesale purchase are available on the site, and distributor agreements are available.