Moving heavy goods in containers from one place to another, whether between cities or countries, is very sensitive. Moving containers face a high threat of getting robbed as safety measures are less.
The lock systems used to protect the shipping container goods were very rusty and easy to break. The company faced many theft issues regarding the containers.
The locks to protect the container from any break Inn must be as good as the products in them. Giving a container full of precious effects you have spent millions on shouldn’t be protected by cheap and low-quality locks.
These containers should have the best locks to protect the items during transit.
- What is a shipping container lock?
- How does a container lock works?
- top 7 shipping container locks
- 1. Equipment lock HDCDL heavy duty cargo lock – Best Overall
- 2. FJM security products triple chrome plated – Best Shape
- 3. KAWAHA stainless steel D shaped Padlock – Best Security
- 4. KURTZY heavy duty pad lock – Best Performance
- 5. Kurtzy heavy duty padlock with 5 keys – Best Budget
- 6. EUN trademark heavy Padlock for containers – Best Features
- 7. KAWAHA 71/60KD-5K stainless steel Padlock – Best Material
- Buyers guide for best shipping container locks
- Shipping Container Locks FAQs
- Wrapping it Up
What is a shipping container lock?
When you are moving worthy items via shipping, you have to be extra careful that your products are not stolen or tampered with en route to the destination. The containers come with seals but those are not very strong and can easily be cut through, so you need to give your shipping items extra security. These locks provide that extra security to the shipping container so that no one can open the container without authority.
Following are the different types of shipping locks :
• Seal protector
The standard seal is effortless to break. So, to protect that seal, you must put a seal protector lock. The seal protector lock is fit over the seal as it is made of steel in a square shape. It definitely gives the seal strong safety from anyone breaking it in.
• Separate container Padlock
To protect your containers from stealers, you can put a separate padlock and pass it through the opening in the seal. You should use the best Padlock that can resist saw, drill, grinding, and cutting of the lock.
• Mechanical container lock
You can opt for good Mechanical locks that will keep your product safe. They are put around the container bars and can withstand force.
• Electronic container locks
Electronic locks are there not only to protect your containers. They also make sure that they can be opened by one specific person.
With geofencing, you can also set the particular location where the shipping container can be opened for security and customs check.
How does a container lock works?
The working of the lock depends on what type of lock you are using to secure your container. Crossbar locks go through your rods and make them secure. At the same time, the Padlock will work with the lockbox combination.
The lockbox contains the Padlock, which needs to be pushed through the loop. You can remove the key from the Padlock, and this way, it is adequately secured.
Finding the right locks is daunting as you need to know all about the manufacturer. Here is a list that will tell you in detail about the best shipping container locks. Then you can choose whichever meets your needs.
top 7 shipping container locks
1. Equipment lock HDCDL heavy duty cargo lock – Best Overall
If you want your shipping container to reach its destination completely secure, the equipment lock company’s lock is the hard one to beat. They are made to last long. Your belongings will definitely reach their destination safely.
These locks are pretty easy to use. They secure both doors by locking the two innermost vertical locking bars together. These locks prevent the landing gear from being raised by securing the landing gear hand crank.
| Brand | The Equipment Lock Company |
| Colour | Red |
| Material | Alloy steel |
| Lock type | Key Lock, Combination Lock |
| Dimensions | 10×6×5 |
A range of semi-trailers can use these locks. This lock fits best on doors with vertical locking bars 9-3/4” to 16″ apart. The best part is that you have the extension in case your heavy-duty cargo door is of the odd size that is 17 to 23 inches apart.
You will get a high-security barrel lock system and a combination lock with 4-digit codes. You can set the code of your choice that only your trusted people will know.
The coating on the lock is bright red so that it can be seen from afar and is corrosion resistant. It means the safety will be used for a long time. It’s a Tubular pin tumbler lock that gives the maximum resistance against lock picking.
Although it is a very easy to use lock, the cylinder needs to be more secure and hangs should be loose. In addition, the seller should give an option of getting more keys for security purposes. Apart from this, this is a heavy duty container lock.
Reasons to Buy
- Durable
- Great quality
- Additional extension for odd size container
- 4 digit lock code
- Corrosion resistance powder coat
Weakness
- Quite expensive
- Heavy to carry
2. FJM security products triple chrome plated – Best Shape
An FJM security product is the name of confidence and trust. They provide the longest-lasting and most secure shipping locks. A heel-to-toe locking system with a freely rotating Hardened steel shackle. It gives the lock the strength of 80mm to resist any cutting and sawing attempt. This is the ultimate solid lock that will keep your items safe.
To perfectly secure containers, gates, and storage units this lock has a durable chrome exterior and its unique D shape gives the lock an edge to be easily applied horizontally or vertically on any shipping container.
| Brand | FJM Security Products |
| Colour | Chrome |
| Material | Alloy steel, Stainless Steel, Brass |
| Dimensions | 0.8×3.13×2.19 inches |
This lock can withstand harsh weather, so you don’t have to worry if you are sending your container overseas because this lock can stay stable in outdoors and marine environments. It will not wear out quickly as all internal mechanisms are made of brass and stainless steel which makes it last you a long.
This lock comes with a SPSA60 FJM padlock shackle system with 4 unique European-style keys. These keys stay inside the Padlock unless it is completely locked. Its keyed lock mechanism provides more security. All 4 keys are alike, meaning all the locks can be opened with one key, so it’s easy not to carry around many keys. You can opt for different vital options as well.
Apart from these properties, the model needs a security hole diameter of the case to be enlarged slightly. The keys are not superb, and need to be polished. The cylinder is too large for the holes to go into for the trailer hitch. The cylinder needs to be small for security purposes.
Reasons to Buy
- Great price point
- Extremely durable and solid build
- 2 different size options
- Lightweight
- Doesn’t consume much space
- Weather resistant
Weakness
- Great for average size
3. KAWAHA stainless steel D shaped Padlock – Best Security
KAWAHA builds great shipping locks that will provide your container safety. Lock design and durability are unmatchedEven with 4 tons of pulling force, this side anti-pry double ball lock provides your container with extreme security.
Heel-toe locking with freely rotating Hardened steel shackles allows this Padlock to make your container safe. You need not worry about cutting or sawing attempts, as they will be useless against such a strong lock.
| Brand | KAWAHA |
| Colour | Chrome |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Dimensions | 5.24×4.72×1.5 inches |
As these locks are meant to be used for outside locking on the shipping container they are made to resist extreme weather with a weatherproof, anti-pry disc cylinder. They are made perfectly for the marine environment.
This lock’s unique D shape and weightlessness make it perfect for securing container, storage, shutters, etc., but you need to be careful of bolt size.
You can only remove the key once it is properly locked. This Padlock has 5 keys, each different from the other, to provide a top layer of security. The lock mechanism ensures shipping container security.
The lock doesn’t provide strength, you can easily unlock it with some effort. The sheath covering the lock doesn’t work up to the mark.
Reasons to Buy
- Affordable
- Long lasting
- 5 key Padlock
- Light weight
- Maximum Security
- Affordable
Weakness
- Bolt size must be matched carefully.
4. KURTZY heavy duty pad lock – Best Performance
A KURTZY lock provides you with both security and durability among all the other lock manufacturers. They one-up the security game by providing 2 heavy-duty locks made of Hardened steel to give it strength and chrome coating for longevity.
This lock is anti-drill and anti-saw as these locks are built of Alloy steel with both rotating and closed shackles. You won’t be able to find any weak spots on this lock.
| Brand | KURTZY |
| Colour | Chrome |
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Dimensions | 7.24×6.77×2.83 inches |
| Weight | 1 KG |
You get 2 packs of 5 keys each, as you always should have a spare key in safe reach. You can share your key with your Co-worker who you trust to go and put products into the container and lock and unlock as needed. This lock can also secure your garage, gates, and storage units.
You get a 100% cash-back guarantee if you don’t like the lock, which means the company has 100% trust in the lock that it will do the job.
Reasons to Buy
- Long-lasting
- Unbreakable
- 2 pack of 5 keys each
- 100% money-back guarantee
- Industrial-scale containers can be secured easily.
Weakness
- Little expensive than other locks.
5. Kurtzy heavy duty padlock with 5 keys – Best Budget
Look no further if you want your industrial shipping container of 20ft to 40ft secured. Kurtzy heavy-duty padlocks are the ones that do a great job of securing and protecting your shipping lock weighing 1 kg. So, you can easily carry them around and use them to secure your gates, garages, and stores.
You don’t need to worry about your motorbike security as these padlocks can also be used to secure them. Hardened steel and chrome coating makes this one of the best to keep them safe from bad guys. The shackle measures 12mm in diameter, and when it is locked, the gap is 1.49×0.66 inches which is perfect for most latches.
| Brand | KURTZY |
| Colour | Chrome |
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Dimensions | 7.24×6.77×2.83 Inches |
| Weight | 1 KG |
Having spare keys always comes in handy. They give you 5 keys with a lock so that you don’t have to panic in case you lose one. You must have another in safekeeping. You can share the key with a trusted worker who can unlock the container, put in the products, and lock it back again.
You get a 100% cashback guarantee if your lock isn’t according to your expectations, but this is highly unlikely.
Apart from these properties, the lock doesn’t fit the standard shipping container door. The locking mechanism is not smooth and is difficult to manipulate. It is also not weather proof.
Reasons to Buy
- Affordable
- High quality
- Durability
- Spare key
- Cut and saw proof
- Chrome coating for anti-rust qualities
- 100% money-back guarantee
Weakness
- May not fit your odd size containers.
6. EUN trademark heavy Padlock for containers – Best Features
You can put on your container bars and have the peace of mind that they will reach their buyer safely and sound without any issues of theft or burglary.
Hardened solid steel gives this lock the strength to resist any attempt to saw or cut the lock. The shackle diameter is 13mm, ideal for most containers, storage, shutters, garage door, etc. Its 30mm body is extremely solid with no weak points that thieves can manipulate.
| Brand | KURTZY |
| Colour | Chrome |
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Dimensions | 5x2x5 |
| Weight | 2.2 Pounds |
It’s a great shipping container lock that can resist harsh weather. Its chrome coating can help this lock to resist corrosion and make it long-lasting.
This lock comes with 5 keysets. If one gets lost, you can be calm as you will have more keys in some safe place. You can share keys with your trusted Co-workers, who can unload the products by opening the lock when they reach their destination. The Key will only be removed when it is completely locked.
Unfortunately, the locks are not long-lasting. The locks might expire or become loose after a year. The material is not of high-quality, though it is a good option for security purposes.
Reasons to Buy
- Affordable
- Comes with 5 keys
- Durable
- Long lasting
Weakness
- Might not work with all the containers
7. KAWAHA 71/60KD-5K stainless steel Padlock – Best Material
KAWAHA locks are one of the best options if you want your shipping container to reach its destination without getting robbed. Anti-rust stainless steel is used to overlock the body, shackles, and cylinders. So that they can be highly weather-resistant and waterproof. Strong acid can’t melt this strong lock.
You can pull it with 4 tons of force, but its anti-pry double ball lock from both sides prevents breaking the lock even with such extreme force. Heel-toe locking with freely rotating Hardened steel shackles prevents any security breaches.
| Brand | KAWAHA |
| Colour | Chrome |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Dimensions | 5.47×4.72×1.46 Inches |
| Weight | 0.95 Pounds |
These are mainly meant to be put outside, so they have to be great at weather resistance and waterproofing.
The shape of the lock is essential in deciding whether its use is easy for the metal bars or will create any hindrance. This D-shaped lock gives it an edge and can go around most shipping container bars, storage areas, or garage locks.
All you need to be cautious about is if your lock marches your bolt requirements. The key can only be removed when it’s appropriately locked, so it adds a layer of security. This Padlock comes with 5 keys.
We tested this product, and noticed that the saw and blades of this lock are of cheap quality. Hence, the lock is easy to cut through the shank.
Reasons to Buy
- High quality and durability
- Long-lasting
- Weather-resistant and waterproof
- Affordable
- Security
Weakness
- Bolt size must be carefully checked
Buyers guide for best shipping container locks
Giving proper security to these containers is very important, so they reach their buyer safely without any issues. To buy an excellent shipping container lock following attributes must be present in them.
• Durability and reliability
You must choose a lock that is of a material that can resist pulling force. Steel locks are proven to be the best. Steel must be hardened properly in order to get the best results. This Steel will be able to withstand the cutting and sawing by thieves.
Stainless Steel padlocks also provide security. Coating stainless steel over the Hardened steel makes the lock invincible. It will not melt with the strongest acid.
You should consider buying locks that offer safety like anti-drill plates made of Hardened steel that will create a hindrance in reaching the lock.
• Weather resistance
The locks should be weather resistant and survive in the marine environment. Otherwise, corrosion will destroy the whole lock, losing its strength and not working long-term. Weatherproof means it will protect the shipping container from bad people.
• Unbreakable shackles
The best locks are the ones with the strongest shackles. Because one weak point will be responsible for the whole lock’s demise. Buy the lock that has steel balls between the shackle and the body of the Padlock. That way, opening the coil won’t be quickly impossible.
• Size does matter
More significant locks tend to provide better protection as they will be more challenging to break Inn. Smaller locks are mostly open when they apply extra force on the weak points of the locks.
• Lock type
Key padlocks are always more reliable than combination Locks. Combination Locks are easy to break apart by force
Shipping Container Locks FAQs
What is the best way to lock a shipping container?
How to secure the cargo in a shipping container ?
1-Use heavy duty locks for security purpose
2-Use the best alarm system that is safe. It would notify you when the criminal is trying to break the container
3-Like an alarm system, install the video cameras within your containers.
4-Place your container in a fenced area, it would avoid the chances of theft.
Wrapping it Up
We have given you a detailed analysis of top-notch locks available in the market. The equipment lock company’s heavy-duty lock is one of its kind and the best. But you have to know which one fits your requirements best.