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If youâve purchased, or plan to purchase, a shipping container to use as a storage unit youâre going to want to make sure the container is as secure as possible. On most standard containers there are only doors on one end of the unit and, assuming there are no modifications to the box, the area thatâs most vulnerable to anyone trying to break are the doors. In an ideal world, a simple lock would provide ample protection and let people know that they shouldnât try to open the doors without permission. Unfortunately, this isnât always the case and a lock thatâs exposed and visible may present an opportunity to an individual with a strong desire to see what you have stored inside. To increase the level of security there are two options for installing a lock box onto your container: a weld on lock box, or a bold on lock box. Both provide exceptional protection for a minimal investment.
Lock boxes are common in many industries from real estate to shipping and storage containers. For shipping and storage containers, a lock box is a device thatâs placed on the doors and provides a secure house which makes the lock inaccessible from all sides but the bottom. This mechanism makes it very difficult for anyone trying to break into the container by cutting the bolt or hasp of the lock.
 No, not all shipping containers have lock boxes installed on them. Historically, when a shipping line builds a container they plan on using it for 10-15 years and arenât thinking about the end of life user. The container spends most of its life on a ship, truck, or in a bonded container yard and all of these areas are insured against theft and loss of property.
One trip containers and many new build containers come equipped with a lock box. These containers are typically built with the intention of selling off once theyâve reached their destination, normally within a year.
| If you have access to a welding torch or similar equipment, a lock box thatâs welded on provides a great amount of protection. The lockbox can be physically, permanently adhered to the container, and once welded on itâs almost impossible to remove. Pry bars and other equipment will have a very hard time getting around the box to remove it, and the lock stands a very good chance of remaining untouchable. If your container is still at the depot or container yard, be sure and ask about the ability to purchase a lockbox through the depot or yard and have it installed on-site. |  |
| Bolt on lock boxes were designed for those that donât have immediate access to welding equipment. Once the container leaves the depot or storage lot, it can be cost prohibitive to move welding equipment to the location of the container, and almost impossible to move the container back to the welding equipment. The best solution is to purchase a bolt on lock box. This type of container lock box requires that you drill a few holes through the doors of the container to secure the housing. Once installed properly, none of the bolts are exposed on the outside of the container and the housing is securely fastened to the container. The housing of a bolt on lock box provides all of the security of a lock box thatâs welded on, however itâs fastened with bolts instead of being welded. The major benefit to a bolted on lock box is that it can be done at the location of the container, with standard tools. |  |
If you need a bolt on lock box for your shipping or storage container, ContainerAuction.com provides them through retail locations throughout North America and on-line at ContainerLockBox.com. ContainerLockBox.com also provides tips, information, and ideas for making your shipping or storage container more secure.