Storage and Used Shipping Container Security

Shipping containers are very secure, it's the nature of their design.  Let's think about it, at the very core a shipping container is a steel box with only 1 entrance and exit point that's equipped with heavy locking steel doors, and an exterior body made of CORTEN steel. 

With all this in mind, it’s very important to remember that the cargo container does spend most of it’s shipping life stacked on a ship, in a depot, or sitting on a chassis or flatbed truck; in all of these places it’s under the eye of a shipping line employee, truck driver, or security guard.

The Weakest Part of a Storage Container  – Easily Corrected

The weakest point on a used shipping container isn't even really part of the container itself, it's the lock.  Container locks are purchased by the end user and can have any level of strength.  Cheaper pad locks tend to be weak, while expensive locks can be more secure, but also much more expensive.  No matter the type of lock, on most used shipping containers it’s exposed, as is the one in this picture.

There are several ways to protect your lock, and thus protect everything that’s inside of your shipping/storage container.  However the two most recommended involved a lock box, either welded on or bolted onto the container.

1. Weld on lock box – a weld on lock box provides a “house” for your lock to live in.  This means that anyone trying to break into the unit and would normally just cut the lock shank, now has to try and get access to the lock shank, which isn’t easy when it’s in a small enclosed area.  The downside of weld on lock box is that you’ll need welding equipment.
2. Bolt on container lock box – a bolt on lock box provides all of the benefits of a weld on lock box, but instead of welding it into place you only need to bolt it to your container.  Once bolted on, it behaves the same as a welded on unit and your lock is nearly impossibly to cut (don’t lose the key!).

A weld on lock box costs around $100 installed, and a bolt on lock box starts at around $50, without installation.  Weld on units are available at your local depot or container reseller, and bolt on lock boxes can be purchased on ContainerLockBox.com.

Installing a bolt on lock box can be done in around 15 minutes if you’ve got the tools and have an idea of how to use a drill and wrench or socket set.  If your lock box isn't painted, you may also want to have a rattle can of paint to finish off the color. ContainerLockBox.com has posted several videos on how to install a lock box, and you can download instructional material that you can print and take with you while you work.

If you have any questions about how to install a lock box on a shipping container please contact the folks at ContainerLockBox.com, or ContainerAuction.com.  They’ve been helping to secure used shipping containers for years and will gladly provide you with the assistance that you need to make sure your possessions are safe and secure.

Chicago Shipping Containers - new, one trip, used, CHEAP!

East to west, Chicago is a major hub in North American transportation and logistics.  No matter if the containers arrive by train, truck, or boat coming in off Lake Michigan; they're either shifted to a different carrier or the contents are repacked and reloaded.  The volume of through traffic is amazing, and the number of containers that remain in Chicago means that you can find a great deal at the auction!

Chicago Shipping Containers for Sale

Chicago has a lot of shipping containers for sale, and if you know where to look and the questions to ask you can find them at a great price.  Many of the worlds major shipping lines, container lessors, and trucking companies have depots located in and around Chicago.  They tend to sell their containers in bulk purchases to container retailers throughout the area.  Then container retailers then move them to their location, clean them up and paint them, and sell them as a retail transaction to the end user.  This system is very effecient, although sometimes the container retailers aren't in your area, or don't have the specific container that you need.

Chicago Container Auctions

Occasionally, new and used shipping containers are put up for auction in Chicago.  Sometimes the containers are loaded with cargo or unclaimed freight, but many times they are empty.  These auctions are either held at the depot location, or online at at a website like ContainerAuction.com.  If you go to a live container auction you'll need to show up with cash, or if you purchase one on ContainerAuction.com you'll need to be ready to make a wire transfer or other quick payment to make sure that the transaction doesn't expire.

Cheap Containers in Chicago

One thing the wholesalers, shipping lines, and retail container outlets have in common is selling on ContainerAuction.com.  Container Auction is a marketplace for new and used containers, and they sell single units, bulk purchases, sale listings and auctions.  Some listings include delivery within a set radius, and others are priced dirt cheap provided that you can arrange your own transportation.  If you're shopping for a cargo, shipping or storage container in Chicago, check out the Auction first!

Shipping Containers Converted to an Office

Shipping Containers Converted to a Portable Office

Great work from one of our colleagues up in Toronto.  He's been taking new and used 20' shipping containers and converting them into portable jobsite offices for construction companies and for use on oil fields.  Everything is made in North America, except for the container itself, and the windows and doors are custom designed specifically for shipping containers.  For more info on shipping containers and retrofitting them into offices, visit ContainerAuction.com.

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*** These things, as simple as they sound, are excellent! ***

What's the Best Way to Secure a Shipping Container?

Many people buy a used shipping container without knowing how the container is equipped, however most people don't know to ask how they're equipped as a shipping container isn't something that you purchase on a regular basis and there are a limited number of places where you can research what you need to ask (unlike purchasing an automobile or television set), and what shipping container parts may be available. On that note, one of the most overlooked features is a container lock box. It's a common security part that makes the pad lock hard to access to anyone without a key.

Standard Equipment on a Used Shipping Container

Almost all used cargo containers come with very basic equipment, and it's all set up with intermodal shipping in mind. Standard equipment on a used shipping container means low locking gear, which means that the handles operate near the ground; and no lock box, as lock boxes are not needed and will only slow down the process as the container moves from location to location.

Standard Equipment on a New Shipping Container

New, or one trip shipping containers, are designed with the end user in mind. They're equipped with high locking gear, so when it's on the ground you don't have to bend over to open it; and they're also equipped with lock boxes. If you're using the container for storage or a similar purpose it's an inexpensive option that can be added at the factory, and it is a great selling feature.

Continue reading about Container Lock Boxes.

Where to Buy Cheap Shipping Containers in Ohio?

Spring is just around the corner, and it’s almost time to start thinking about all of those summer DIY projects that you’ve been putting off until the snow thaws in the Ohio Valley. If building a new shed, or doing anything that requires additional long term storage, is on your summer project list, it’s a great idea to consider buying a new or used shipping container to re-purpose as a storage unit. If you’re in Ohio, you can find cheap shipping containers for sale in Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Columbus. There are auctions for shipping containers that take place all summer in these areas, and if you’re in a hurry you can normally buy a shipping container directly from the shipping lines at cheap, wholesale prices.

How to Find Shipping Container Auctions in Ohio?

Unpaid Storage Auctions: Unclaimed storage containers and unpaid storage units are typically advertised in local newspapers and at the storage facilities themselves. These auctions are similar to the ones that you see on television and listings can go cheap and the items inside can be priceless, or worthless.

Shipping Container Auctions: Shipping container auctions, auctions for empty shipping containers, take place regularly online at ContainerAuction.com. In these auctions you can purchase cheap, new or used shipping containers, direct from shipping lines, container leasing companies, and logistics companies. These shipping containers are 20’ and 40’ long and either a standard 8’6” tall or a high cube is 9’6” tall. Depending on the condition, they can be used for just about anything. While only shipping containers that are in new, to cargo worthy condition can be used for shipping, almost all shipping containers can be used for storage, farm storage, an onsite office facility, or just about any other modification project.

How to Buy a Shipping Container in Ohio

Buying a cheap, used shipping container in Ohio is a lot easier than it seems, and many people are surprised at how simple the process is. A quick search on ContainerAuction.com will show you where the closest containers are to you. Finding one close is helpful because it will insure that the delivery cost will be cheap. On ContainerAuction.com you can contact the seller if you need to arrange a time to inspect the container, and from there you can purchase the container directly through ContainerAuction.com. Once the container is paid for, it’s delivered directly to you location and unloaded.

	Search here for shipping containers for sale in Columbus, Dublin, Lancaster, Grove City, or other places in the Metro Columbus area.
	Search here for shipping containers for sale in Cincinnati, Fairfield, West Chester, Springfield, or other places in the Metro Cincinnati area.
	Search here for shipping containers for sale in Cleveland, Lakewood, Parma, Elyria, or other places in the Metro Cleveland area.

Storage and shipping container auctions from Ohio, the United States, and around the world can be found on ContainerAuction.com.  If you have a container and need to protect the lock we recommend a bolt on container lock box, available from ContainerLockBox.com.

Need to buy a shipping container for your retreat?

Check out this video by Dan from The Daily Prep, Where to Buy Shipping Containers for Your Retreat.  Dan explains some of his ideas on a shipping container retreat and how to go about finding a shipping container that will work for your project.