Shipping Container Security 101: How to Secure Your Shipping Container
Do you know how to properly secure your container? Their basic design isn’t enough to guarantee complete safety from intrusion and whether.
Shipping containers are designed to protect your cargo from two major threats: weather and theft. All standard 40ft and 20ft shipping containers are made from COR-TEN steel, also known as weathered steel. This incredibly durable material is resistant to corrosion, which is one of the key features that make shipping containers so reliable.
Weather Resistance
COR-TEN steel’s resistance to corrosion means that shipping containers can withstand harsh weather conditions. Whether it’s rain, snow, or sea spray, these containers are built to keep your cargo safe and dry throughout its journey by truck, train, or ship.
Theft Protection
In addition to being weather-resistant, the sturdy construction of shipping containers also makes them highly secure, protecting your cargo from theft. The robust steel structure and secure locking mechanisms help ensure that your goods remain safe inside.
With their design and construction, shipping containers provide a dependable solution for transporting and storing your valuable cargo, no matter the conditions.
Shipping containers are built from durable metal, which provides excellent protection against thieves. However, these features alone aren’t enough to ensure complete safety from intrusions, whether from bad weather or burglars. If you want to secure your 40ft or 20ft shipping container, follow these tips for added protection.
How Can You Secure a Shipping Container from the Weather?
“Wind and watertight” means that a shipping container has unbroken rubber seals on the doors to prevent wind and water from getting inside. It also means there are no major holes or tears in the exterior walls, keeping rain, snow, and wind out. While shipping containers are built to be extremely durable, their “wind and watertight” capabilities can diminish without proper care. Here’s what you can do to increase your shipping container’s protection from the elements.
Choose Newer Containers
As containers age, they can become less durable and more susceptible to the elements. Holes may develop, rubber seals around the doors can break, and the interior flooring can wear down, making the container more vulnerable to wind and water intrusion. If you’re worried about long-term durability, especially in severe climates, consider getting new shipping containers over used ones.
Protect Against Groundwater
When a shipping container sits directly on the ground, its base becomes vulnerable to groundwater and pooling rainwater, which can seep in through open doors, broken seals, or holes. This can also accelerate corrosion, leading to rust patches and weakening the container’s structure.
To prevent this, use blocking. Raise your container off the ground on level cement blocks to keep water from pooling around the bottom. For permanent structures like container homes or storage units, placing the container on a cement foundation offers the best protection from groundwater and keeps the structure level.
Secure It to the Ground
In areas prone to hurricanes or severe weather, securing your shipping container to the ground is crucial. Ground plates with twist locks are an effective way to keep your container firmly attached to the foundation, even during severe storms. These twist locks are also useful for secure containers for moving purposes since the locks keep the container fastened to the delivery truck bed.
Make Repairs Quickly
If your shipping container develops rust patches, holes, or tears, repair them promptly. Delaying repairs can worsen the problems, affecting the container’s weather resistance. Remove rust, patch holes, and weld larger tears as soon as possible. Once repaired, coat these areas with water-resistant paint.
Additionally, replace any cracked or worn-out seals around the entrance doors to maintain a tight, weatherproof seal.
By taking these steps, you can ensure your shipping container remains wind and watertight, providing long-lasting protection for your cargo.
How Can You Secure a Shipping Container from Thieves?
Shipping containers are made of durable materials that are difficult to break into — after all, they are meant to be picked up by heavy machinery and stacked on top of each other without bending or bowing.
While breaking into a shipping container isn’t easy, it isn’t impossible, either. A thief could pick or break open a security lock on the shipping container’s doors or use a pair of bolt cutters to access the airlock. If the shipping container has been modified with additional doors and windows, they could also try to force their way through them.
So, what can you do to increase your shipping container’s security from thieves?
Lock Boxes
To keep your shipping container safe, always use a security lock on the entrance and any additional doors when it’s not in use. A strong padlock can deter thieves looking for a quick grab-and-go opportunity.
Enhance Security with Lock Boxes
For extra protection, use shipping container security lock boxes. These cover most of your padlock, preventing tampering like lock cutting, as only the keyhole is exposed.
Shipping Container Security Systems
Installing a security system adds another layer of protection. When a thief breaches the entrance, the alarm will sound, and depending on the type, it might even alert the authorities. Often, the alarm alone is enough to scare off intruders. Additionally, placing a sticker of the security system brand on the outside of your container can warn potential thieves that the container is protected, possibly deterring them from attempting a break-in.
Security Cameras
Security cameras provide real-time video surveillance of your shipping container’s exterior. Visible cameras can deter thieves, and if a break-in does occur, the footage can serve as evidence and help authorities catch the perpetrators, potentially recovering stolen items.
Motion Sensor Lights
Motion sensor lights are another excellent security addition. When triggered, the bright lights can startle burglars and increase visibility for any security cameras. Even if the lights don’t scare off the intruder, they enhance your chances of capturing clear footage of the attempt.
Protect Your Cargo
Don’t let your cargo fall victim to bad weather or theft. By investing in shipping container security devices and taking proactive measures, you can keep your cargo safe. The investment in increasing your shipping container’s security is well worth it.
Learn more about choosing the right container, here.