A container's standard locking bars keep the doors closed tight – but they are not theft protection: a bolt cutter cuts through them in seconds. Anyone who wants to secure the contents retrofits a container lock , usually a Lock Box with a hardened shackle padlock of protection class VdS or SKG**; the box fully shields the lock cylinder against tool attacks. This page shows the common lock types, which one suits which door, and whether it is welded or bolted on.
Container locks in our range
Overview of lock types
| System | Level of protection | Use | Effort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lock Box + shackle padlock | high | Standard theft protection for storage and equipment containers | weld or bolt on |
| Container lock bolt | medium–high | additional lock over the locking bars | attach/ |
| Padlock with holder | medium | basic security | low |
| electronic / GPS lock | high + tracking | changing locations, valuable goods, fleet operations | configuration, battery |
The Lock Box – the standard
A Lock Box is a welded steel box that completely encloses a shackle padlock hung inside it. From the outside there is no point of attack for bolt cutters or crowbars. The Lock Box is placed on the right door so that it blocks the door opening sequence – the left door can only be opened after the right one.
Which shackle padlock goes inside?
The Lock Box takes a hardened shackle padlock with a short shackle – discus (round) or monoblock shape. A short shackle means hardly any surface for bolt cutters to attack, even if they are applied from underneath the box. Look for a fully hardened shackle (not just chrome-plated), a protection class of SKG**/VdS or higher, and a disc or double-bit cylinder instead of a simple pin cylinder.
Retrofitting – welding or bolting?
- Welding on – the permanent solution for a container you own: durable, no leverage point for prying, and the lock stays in place.
- Bolting on – for rented containers or where welding is not permitted: fitted from the inside with security bolts (one-way or shear-head) and can be removed later.
On request, we install the lock before delivery – so the container is secured on your site from the moment it arrives.
Electronic and GPS locks
For containers with changing locations, high-value contents or in fleet use, electronic locks are available: opening by numeric code, app or RFID card, plus an event log (who opened it and when) and optional GPS tracking with geofence alarm. Drawback: you need a power source or must charge the battery regularly, and battery life drops in freezing temperatures. For a permanently placed storage container, the mechanical Lock Box is usually the more robust and lower-maintenance choice.
Which lock for which container?
Standard end door (20/40 ft): one Lock Box is enough. Double Door container (doors at both ends): two boxes, one per side. Open Side container: multiple locking points – here, bolt locks over the individual rods make sense. Refrigerated containers often have thinner door leaves and special doors – please check with us briefly before installation. More on the container types: Double Door container.
Additional security
A lock alone does not make a site secure. The following also help:
- Locking rod bolt – additionally blocks the rods from turning, on top of the Lock Box
- Seal – no protection, but an immediately visible tamper indicator
- Choosing a location – in plain view, with the doors facing a wall or a second container
- Motion light or camera – deters thieves before they even try
More on this: container accessories.
Frequently asked questions
Do the locking bars protect against theft?
No. They keep the doors sealed, but a bolt cutter will cut through them in seconds. For theft protection, the container needs a retrofitted lock.
What is a lock box?
A welded steel box that completely encloses a shackle padlock. From the outside there is no point of attack for bolt cutters or crowbars. It sits on the right-hand door and so blocks the door opening sequence.
Weld or bolt on?
Welding it on is the permanent solution for a container you own. Bolting it on with security screws suits rented containers or cases where welding is not permitted.
Enquire now
Tell us the container type and location – we will recommend the right lock and, on request, fit it at delivery. Request a quote · Buy a container
Further reading: Lock box in the glossary · Buying shipping containers safely · Rent material containers · Rent storage containers · Buy a container
Zuletzt aktualisiert: 7. November 2026 · Redaktion: Coin Container Team, Hamburg