Secure and stabilise your shipping containers with our high-quality twist locks and stacking pins. Choose from a range of manual, dovetail, and semi‑automatic options, each designed to provide maximum strength and reliability for storage, transportation, or construction applications.
When it comes to securing containers, it’s important to choose the right twist lock for the job. We offer a wide range of options, each designed to meet different needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a locking or stacking system that’s simple and easy to use or one built for maximum strength and durability, we have a solution for you. With manual, semi-automatic, and dovetail options available, we’ve made sure there’s a twist lock that’s easy and intuitive for everyone to use, regardless of experience.
Types of twist locks and stacking equipment
We supply a wide range of twist locks, stacking pins, cones, and mounting systems to suit different container handling setups.
Standard twist locks
Manual twist locks, semi-automatic twist locks, and adjustable levelling legs provide secure lifting and stacking, with easy operation and dependable performance for everyday use.
Dovetail systems
Our dovetail twist locks and foundation plates provide secure anchoring for ground-fixed or semi-permanent container installations. These systems are ideal when containers need to be locked into position with a stable, fixed base.
Stacking pins & cones
Stacking pins and standard, hanging, and lockable cones help align containers safely during stacking and positioning. They’re widely used in yards, depots, and on-site setups for quick, accurate container placement.
Specialist connectors
Our specialist range includes DNV-certified container connectors, retractable lorry bed twist locks, bridge clamps, and corner locks. These products are designed for haulage, side-by-side connections, and demanding industrial environments.
Why choose our twist locks and stacking pins?
Our twist locks, stacking pins, and container connectors are made for secure, reliable container handling in demanding environments. Whether you’re lifting, stacking, transporting, or fixing containers in place, all our twist lock options are tough enough to withstand high winds, heavy loads, and harsh conditions, giving you peace of mind no matter how challenging your environment
Built for heavy loads
Made from high-strength, durable materials, our twist locks and stacking pins are designed to handle the stresses of lifting, transporting, and stacking any type of container.
Cost-effective solutions
Built for demanding site conditions and offered at fair prices, our twist locks and stacking pins give you dependable performance while keeping overall project costs under control.
Simple & reliable operation
With dependable locking mechanisms and easy handling, these systems make securing containers simple and straightforward. Whether you’re using manual locks, semi-automatic locks, or stacking cones, all our products are made for quick and secure application.
Compatible with standard container setups
All our products are designed to fit standard corner castings and common container configurations, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.
How to install our manual twist locks
To see our manual twist locks in action and get a better understanding of how they work, watch the demonstration video below.
Ready to secure your containers with ease? Browse our range of twist locks, stacking pins, foundation plates, and more above or get in touch with us for more details if you have any specific requirements. Our team is here to help you choose the best solution for your shipping containers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are twist locks and stacking pins?
Twist locks and stacking pins are components used to secure shipping containers during lifting, stacking, and transport. Twist locks lock into a container’s corner castings to hold containers firmly in place, while stacking pins and cones help with alignment and stable positioning.
Are twist locks compatible with all ISO containers?
Yes. All our twist locks and stacking equipment are designed to fit standard ISO corner castings, making them suitable for most shipping containers used in transport, storage, and site installations.
What’s the load rating for twist locks?
Load ratings vary by product, but all twist locks and stacking pins are made for heavy-duty use and tested to meet industry standards. Check each item’s specifications or contact us if you need help choosing the right rating for your setup.
Can twist locks be used on lorry beds?
Yes. We stock specialist options such as the Universal Lorry Bed Retractable Twist Lock, designed specifically for securing containers, trailers, and other substantial loads onto flatbed trucks.
What’s the difference between manual and semi-automatic twist locks?
Manual twist locks need to be locked and unlocked by hand, while semi-automatic versions engage automatically when the container is lowered into position. Semi-automatic locks help speed up handling and reduce manual work on busy sites.
When should I use a dovetail twist lock and foundation plate?
Dovetail twist locks and foundation plates are ideal when you need to secure a container to the ground or a fixed base. They’re commonly used for semi-permanent or permanent installations where movement, shifting, or uplift needs to be prevented.
Do I need stacking cones or twist locks for stacking?
Stacking cones are used for quick alignment and positioning, while twist locks provide a secure mechanical lock. For safe, secure stacking, especially at height or during transport, twist locks are recommended, with cones used as an additional guide if needed.
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Find out why our customers love us and our products
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Stephen Edwards
Stephen and the team at Universal Container Services Limited have been super efficient and very helpful, I would recommend this company to anyone thinking about purchasing a container for any multi-use purpose.
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Sales @ H and B Electrical
Great service from start to Finish, Stephen Woolley was very thorough and professional.
Thanks for all your help Stephen
H&B Electrical Services
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David Wilden
Very impressed with the quality of the containers and the facilities they have for insulating and boarding them. Many thanks to Stephen for spending time showing us around and helping us get a great deal.
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Mike Gathercole
We have just purchased a fully insulated container from Universal we visited the site prior to our order Colin and Stephen both in the sales office we brilliant they answered all our questions and were very helpful in processing our order thanks again lads really appreciated
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Graham Sanderson
Scarcroft and District Allotments Association in York have used two containers from Universal - one 20' unmodified new container as a store and one 40' new container insulated and supplied with electrics package and two secure windows and a secure accessible door as a shop- to replace their 50+ year-old wooden hut used as a shop and association base. Shaun McWilliams (project engineer) has been our main contact at Universal with oversight and support from Carl Jeffries (project manager). They have been hugely supportive through a long process. Nothing has been too much trouble for Shaun, adapting plans and offering choices at every stage - always friendly, imaginative and flexible. We'd recommend Universal without reservation for any project involving shipping containers.
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My AIMS Ltd Manchester
We recently got in touch with Universal Containers Services as we were looking to stack two Containers
Excellent service provided by universal containers. We dealt with Vanessa and her communication was excellent she kept us informed from point of order upto delivery. Delivery was fast and I would definitely recommend using this company.
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nick curtis
Great and quick service.. Colin was really helpful and knowledgable
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zeshan s
prompt service, Colin was very helpful
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David Heath
Ordered a container for a Scout group, we are so pleased with the service and the container. Very helpful and nothing was a problem, arrived on time and looks amazing. We would definitely recommend and use again.
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Richard Banning
We were impressed with the service provided by Stephen on our first order , we have purchased another 2 containers , the service and quality was very good and would recommend the company if you are looking to purchase.
