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Best Locks For Shipping Containers

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Best Overall
Equipment Lock Heavy Duty Cargo Door Lock - Powder Coated Steel Shipping Container Lock - Maximum Security Semi Trailer Door Lock - Semi Truck Accessories and Trailer Security (Keyed Differently)
Best By Features
FJM SPSA80-KD D-Style High Security Padlock, Home Improvement Anti Theft Trailer Lock, Bike Lock, & Door Lock. Also for Outdoor Storage Shed, Includes Master Lock Set, Keyed Different, 3 1/8"
Best By Security
KAWAHA 71/80KD-5K Stainless Steel D-Shaped Heavy Duty Padlock with Key for Garage Door, Containers, Shed and Warehouse (3-1/8 inch, Keyed Different - 5 Keys)
Title
Equipment lock HDCDL Steel Lock
FJM Security Products Triple Plated Lock
KURTZY Heavy Duty Pad Lock
Item Weight
12 pounds
‎1.21 pounds
1.06 pounds
Item shape
Square
D Shape
Rectangular
Special Feature
Adjustable-width
Harsh weather resistant
Made with anti rust SUS304 stainless Steel
Best Overall
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Equipment Lock Heavy Duty Cargo Door Lock - Powder Coated Steel Shipping Container Lock - Maximum Security Semi Trailer Door Lock - Semi Truck Accessories and Trailer Security (Keyed Differently)
Title
Equipment lock HDCDL Steel Lock
Item Weight
12 pounds
Item shape
Square
Special Feature
Adjustable-width
Best By Features
Image
FJM SPSA80-KD D-Style High Security Padlock, Home Improvement Anti Theft Trailer Lock, Bike Lock, & Door Lock. Also for Outdoor Storage Shed, Includes Master Lock Set, Keyed Different, 3 1/8"
Title
FJM Security Products Triple Plated Lock
Item Weight
‎1.21 pounds
Item shape
D Shape
Special Feature
Harsh weather resistant
Best By Security
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KAWAHA 71/80KD-5K Stainless Steel D-Shaped Heavy Duty Padlock with Key for Garage Door, Containers, Shed and Warehouse (3-1/8 inch, Keyed Different - 5 Keys)
Title
KURTZY Heavy Duty Pad Lock
Item Weight
1.06 pounds
Item shape
Rectangular
Special Feature
Made with anti rust SUS304 stainless Steel

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?

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.

Shipping Container Locks

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.

Equipment Lock HDCDL

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.

FJM Security Products SPSA80

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.

KAWAHA 7180KD5K Stainless

 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.

Kurtzy Heavy Duty 1kg Padlocks

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.

Kurtzy Heavy Duty 1kg Padlock

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.

EUN Trademark Heavy Duty Padlock

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.

KAWAHA 7160KD-5K Stainless

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?

You can lock the containers by several methods. The main thing is about security. The most safest way is to use the shipping container locks, which are often very hard to cut. It protects your containers to reach the destination safely.

How to secure the cargo in a shipping container ?

There are multiple ways to secure your cargo in the container. Four security tips are listed below :
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.