How to Secure a Shipping Container: Shipping Container Security Tips

Shipping containers are inherently robust and sturdy, but it’s important to ensure they are always secured to keep everything inside safe and protected. With people using shipping containers for a variety of reasons, they can often become targets for theft, which makes securing them properly even more important.

Shipping containers can also be susceptible to damage from weather conditions, so if you’re storing items that could become damaged, it’s vital that you consider robust security.  

How secure are shipping containers?

Shipping containers have always been designed for security and protection due to their first uses for moving cargo around the world via rail, land, and sea. It’s for that reason that shipping containers have become versatile and secure solutions for many different functions. 

Using steel, as one of the strongest materials, shipping containers are already highly secure in their makeup. However, most containers are also reinforced with heavy-duty locking mechanisms and durable materials throughout. 

Shipping container vulnerabilities

While secure, shipping containers are still susceptible to certain vulnerabilities and risks which could impact their security. Understanding what these vulnerabilities are is essential for ensuring the safety and security of your container, no matter what you’re storing inside.

Physical vulnerabilities

Physical threats are one of the most prevalent when it comes to shipping containers. Often used to store or transport valuable items, shipping containers can be a juicy target for thieves, and while the construction of shipping containers is robust, they can still be broken into. 

Many containers rely on standard padlocks, which can be easily broken with bolt cutters or compromised by lock picking or drilling. Additionally, the doors on shipping containers can be susceptible to rust or corrosion over time, which can make them more vulnerable and easier to breach. 

Some containers will make use of seals that indicate whether a container has been opened, especially in transit. Tampered or broken seals will show signs of unauthorized access, but skilled thieves have found new ways to replace them and hide signs of a break-in.

Environmental risks

The structure of shipping containers can be weakened or damaged by environmental conditions such as sea air that causes rust or storm damage. Extreme temperatures can also affect how locks and electronic security devices work. Another environmental factor for consideration is how well-lit or populated the area is where your container is secured. Containers in poorly lit areas are at a higher risk of theft or tampering.

Technological threats

With technology advancing at a rapid pace, thieves are making use of technology to interfere with shipping container security. In transit, criminals can use technology to interfere with GPS tracking devices, causing containers to disappear from tracking systems either temporarily or completely. 

More people are securing their containers using technology, but this should not be relied on as the sole security method. A multi-faceted approach combining physical, environmental, and technological measures is needed to completely secure containers. Using technology alone to secure your container can leave you at risk of hacking, whether that’s unauthorised access to your container or logistics information in transit. 

Why secure your shipping container?

There are many reasons why you should secure your shipping container, no matter what you’re using it for. If you’re using a container for storage, you’ll want to ensure your belongings stay safe and protected. Likewise, if you’re using a container as a business premise or living space, it should be fully secured and protected from physical damage, theft, or environmental damage. 

Even if your shipping container isn’t housing expensive items, thieves don’t know that, and they could still cause damage to the container in a bid to see what’s inside. This could harm you financially by having to fix the container and implement more robust security measures, but it could also cause emotional damage due to the invasion of your privacy.

How hard is it to break into a shipping container?

Breaking into a shipping container can be easy or difficult, depending on several factors. The type of container, its condition, security measures in place, and tools available will all play a role in how easy or hard it is to break into a shipping container. For example, a rusty old container with a simple padlock will be very easy to break into compared with a well-looked-after container that utilises multi-layered security.

While shipping containers are made with durable and robust steel designed to withstand harsh conditions, they can still suffer vulnerabilities. If you’re looking to secure your shipping container, it’s important to consider how someone might break into it so you can put preventative measures in place.

Some methods thieves use to break into containers include:

• Using brute force and a crowbar/pry bar
• Cutting through steel walls using power tools
• Using lock-picking tools and techniques
• Breaking into the airlock with bolt cutters

What are security devices for shipping containers?

Security devices for shipping containers are designed to enhance the security of containers, whether on the move or stationary. There are a number of different options available depending on your needs, what you’re using the container for, and whether it’s in transit or not. Security device options typically include physical locks, built-in sensors, biometric locks, and intercom systems.

Built-in sensors are commonly used in shipping containers moving around the world. They can be attached to any container type and removed once the journey is complete. Cargo owners often use them to support their legal position should damage occur during transit.

How to secure a shipping container from thieves

Breaking into a shipping container isn’t easy, but it’s equally not impossible for determined or experienced thieves. Criminals can pick or break open locks, use tools to access the airlock, or even take power tools to the container and cut holes through the steel. The fact is, if someone wants to get into your container badly, they will find a way to do it. 

However, you can minimise the risk of your container being broken into by thieves by properly securing your shipping container and putting preventative measures and deterrents in place.

Invest in heavy-duty shipping container locks

One of the simplest and cheapest ways to secure your container is with heavy-duty container locks. When shopping for a container lock, you’ll want something heavy-duty and ideally made with steel to ensure it’s difficult to breach. Heavy-duty container locks are usually available in different styles and sizes so you can choose the best one for your container. 

Most heavy-duty shipping container locks are easy to install and can be installed quickly. They usually need to be bolted or fastened onto your shipping container for optimal security and breach prevention.

Padlocks

Padlocks are the simplest of all container locks, and the good news is that you’ve likely already used them before for something else. They’re commonly available and come in a wide variety of sizes, materials, and weights. However, padlocks can be some of the easiest to breach. If you’re keen to use a padlock either alone or alongside other security measures, we’d recommend looking for “shutter” or smart padlocks that can be more difficult to break.

Lock boxes

In addition to a padlock, you can opt for steel lock boxes that fit around the padlock for an extra layer of security. Lock boxes are typically made with hardened steel, with anti-pick mechanisms that make them harder to breach. Not only do lock boxes protect your padlock from being accessed and broken by thieves, but they also have a level of environmental protection over your padlock to keep it free from rust or weather damage.

Inner bolt locks

Similar to locks on the outside, inner bolt locks are fixed to the inside of your container to protect it from people accessing it from the outside. Most often, these bolt locks are fitted to the inside of a shipping container door, allowing them to slide across the door and lock from the inside. Inner bolt locks are a great way to provide an additional level of security.

Crossbar locks

Typically made from tubular steel, crossbar locks are extendable clamps that can be attached to the container door to offer more security. They’re typically fixed to the locking rods but can sometimes be fixed to the handles. Crossbar locks are easy to install and very resistant to lockpicks and bolt cutters. 

Consider how your container is positioned

If you’re able to, it’s important to consider where your shipping container is located so you can move it to the most secure location. Container positioning for security is more important for people using containers in one place, for example as business bases, living spaces, or storage. 

Some of the factors to consider when placing your container include:

• Is the area well-lit?
• Can the container be seen from main roads?
• Is the location surrounded by a perimeter fence?
• Is the container on private land?
• Are there security cameras that can see the container?

Use an alarm system

As well as securing your container with locks and keeping it in a secure location, you could also consider installing an alarm system. This could be used to notify you if someone is trying to access your container so you can take action before the break-in occurs. Alarms also act as a great deterrent for thieves, particularly if it is visible or makes a noise when someone tries to break in. 

Many alarm systems also include motion detectors that could be placed on the door of the container or nearby so thieves won’t get the chance to get into the container before you are notified or the alarm goes off. If your container is located in a remote place, you could use a GSM alarm. These are designed specifically for shipping containers and allow for remote monitoring.

Install video surveillance

Video surveillance acts as a great deterrent for thieves, but should criminals succeed in accessing your container, it can also be helpful in a criminal investigation or catching the perpetrator. You could install video cameras easily and quickly, with so many options available depending on your preference and budget. A convenient method is to attach a CCTV pole to your container with the camera at the top. You’ll also need to ensure the area is well-lit or you have night vision on the camera to obtain clear images.

Put up a fence

Some simple security measures can also be effective. Putting a fence around your shipping container can act as a deterrent for thieves while also making it more difficult to access your container. However, it’s important to check with local laws to ensure security fencing is permitted on the property where your container is housed.

Make sure your container is well-maintained

While you could install each of the above security measures, your shipping container could still be breached if you do not look after it. You should ensure your container is free from rust or corrosion that could cause cracks, openings, or damage. Without repairing or preventing these areas of damage, you could be unknowingly creating easy entry points for thieves.

How to secure a shipping container from the weather

It’s one thing to protect your container from other people, but things get slightly more complex when you’re defending against an unstoppable force. Securing your shipping container from the weather includes everything from rain and wind to extreme temperatures and harsh conditions such as storms or hurricanes. 

The key to securing your container from the weather is to ensure it is wind and watertight. This means making sure your container doors especially have unbroken rubber seals that prevent wind and water from getting inside. However, there are also other measures you can take to secure your shipping container against harsh weather conditions.

Choose newer containers

If you’ve not yet bought a shipping container, it could be worth choosing a newer container to ensure it’s better protected from the weather. As containers age, they become less durable and more susceptible to the elements. 

For example, if you purchase a used shipping container that spent many years back and forth at sea, it’s more likely to have rust or corrosion from salty sea air which could make it less robust. However, a new container will not have had that experience and will be coated in more protective materials to offer greater protection and durability.

Elevate your container

Like any structure resting directly on the ground, groundwater, moisture, and pooling rainwater can damage a shipping container. With steel containers, this can lead to rust patches and corrosion, damaging the integrity of your container. 

If your container is going to be in a permanent location, you should consider placing it on a foundation to protect the base from weather damage. Doing this will also help keep the structure level, which is particularly important if you’re going to be using it as a living or working space.

Inspect and repair your container regularly

Container maintenance is essential for weather protection. You should regularly check your shipping container for signs of damage including rust, corrosion, holes or cracks so they can be fixed before harsh weather conditions have the opportunity to cause more damage. The longer you leave problems like these, the worse they can become, which will ultimately affect your container’s weather security. 

It’s also a good idea to perform routine maintenance to prevent damage from occuring. This could include cleaning, repainting, and resealing with protective materials to prolong the container’s lifespan and maintain weather resistance. 

Install proper insulation and ventilation systems

It doesn’t matter whether you’re using your shipping container for storage or as a living space, installing proper insulation and ventilation systems is imperative for weather protection. By installing insulation on the interior walls and ceiling, and ensuring adequate ventilation, you can help to regulate temperature and prevent condensation buildup. This is especially important in locations with extreme temperature changes.

What other steps can you take to secure your shipping container?

Depending on how you’re using your shipping container, there could be further steps taken to ensure greater security of your container. If your container is a living space, it’s important to use quality windows that will protect your container from both unauthorised access and weather damage. 

You could add motion sensor lighting inside your container as a deterrent to thieves, but also to promote health and safety when you’re inside the container. Additional lock boxes could also be used to make it more difficult for thieves to gain access, especially if you add them in positions that are difficult to manipulate with power tools. 

Of course, additional locking mechanisms add another layer to your security position. You could add different types of locking mechanisms to the doors so that criminals may not be fully prepared with tools to breach each different type. Another solution is hinge protection. These systems allow the doors to drop and jam or be held in place should someone come armed to cut the hinges off to gain access.

Maintain a consistent record book

If your shipping container is regularly in transit, it’s also a good idea to maintain consistent records, but this is also good practice for stationary containers too. All operations surrounding your container should be recorded should you need them in the future. 

For example, any time an item leaves or enters your shipping container, make a note of it. This can help you keep track if anything should go missing. Likewise, if you are moving your shipping container to a new location, you need to note down where and when you are moving it, and why.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for tips for securing your existing container, or you’re getting ahead of the curve before you choose a new one, understanding shipping container security is essential. With plenty of options available, it’s never been easier to maintain effective security and protection against both unwanted guests and weather conditions. 

We offer a whole bunch of shipping container parts, accessories, and security options, but if you’re not sure exactly what would work best for you, our friendly team is on hand to guide you. Contact us today for more information.

FAQs

If I modify my shipping container with added security, will it decrease its resale value?

Depending on the security measures you put in place and who you end up eventually selling it to, your shipping container could either decrease or increase in value. For example, if you keep your shipping container largely the same in structure but add external security measures that can be removed after use, it’s unlikely the value will depreciate too much. 

However, if you modify your container with more permanent changes, it could depreciate greatly. On the other hand, if you’ve used your container as a living space and have secured it appropriately, it could be worth more money if you sell it to someone who also wants to use it for the same purpose. 

Why can’t shipping containers be opened from the inside?

Maritime shipping containers cannot typically be opened from the inside since they were designed to securely store everything inside from the outside. However, with multiple uses for shipping containers today, many are now designed with doors that have locking mechanisms that enable them to be opened from the inside. This ensures the safe exit of people within the container, while also facilitating proper ventilation where appropriate.

Are shipping containers vermin-proof?

Generally speaking, shipping containers are insect, rodent and vermin proof. This is because they are designed to be sealed tightly and should have no small entry holes. However, it is possible for animals to get into your container if you don’t keep up with regular maintenance and allow holes to develop over time due to rust or damage.

Are used shipping containers safe?

Most used shipping containers are safe and will have been assessed before sale – when buying from reputable sellers. However, it’s still responsible practice to thoroughly inspect your container regularly to ensure it remains safe and secure. 

Are shipping containers good for storage?

Shipping containers make excellent storage solutions, no matter what you’re storing in them. Whether you’re using one as a living space, long-term storage or transit, you’ll find that containers are a durable and cost-effective way to store your items.