The design of shipping containers offers protection against two significant risks – weather and theft. These containers, available in standard sizes of 40ft and 20ft, are constructed using COR-TEN steel (also known as weathered steel), a strong material that can resist corrosion. Using this material is a critical factor that enables these containers to brave the harsh elements of rain, snow, and sea spray during transportation by truck, train, or ship.
The design of shipping containers also protects owners against thieves since they’re created out of this durable metal. However, this alone does not guarantee complete protection from intrusion, be it from harsh weather or malicious intruders. If you want to ensure the safety of your 20ft shipping container or 40ft shipping container, follow these guidelines.
How Can You Secure a Shipping Container from the Weather?
To protect from wind and water, shipping containers are equipped with unbroken rubber seals on their doors, effectively preventing infiltration. Additionally, no significant tears or holes are present on the exterior walls of the containers, which serve to keep out wind, rain, and snow. However, the containers’ “wind and watertight” capabilities may decline with neglect. Therefore, how can you protect your shipping container from outside elements?
Choose Newer Containers
Shipping containers have intact rubber seals on their doors that shield them from wind and water, successfully preventing intrusion. The containers’ outside walls, which block wind, rain, and snow, are also free of noticeable rips or holes. The “wind and watertight” qualities of the containers could deteriorate over time, though. So how do you shield the elements from your shipping container?
Protect Against Groundwater
If your shipping container is placed directly on the ground, it can be vulnerable to groundwater and pooling rainwater. This can cause water to enter the container through an open door, a broken seal, or a hole in the wall. Additionally, water can speed up the corrosion process, leading to rust patches and other surface vulnerabilities. The more rust patches a container has, the less secure it is from the weather.
To protect your shipping container, the best option is to block it. Blocking involves lifting the container off the ground using level cement blocks, which helps prevent water from pooling around the bottom. This method is perfect for shipping containers that will eventually be transported. However, for permanent structures like shipping container homes and storage units, it is recommended to place the container on a cement foundation to protect the base.
Secure It to the Ground
If you live in a region susceptible to hurricanes or other severe weather, ensure your shipping container is tied to the ground to protect it from strong winds.
Using ground plates with twist locks is one of the most popular ways to secure your container; these will keep it firmly fastened to the foundation even during violent storms. Since twist locks keep the container connected to the delivery truck bed, they are also helpful in securing containers for shifting purposes.
Make Repairs Quickly :
It would help if you acted promptly to repair any rust spots, holes, or tears that may appear on your shipping container. The longer you ignore these issues, the worse they’ll develop and finally compromise the weatherproofing of your cargo container.
So, as soon as possible, remove the rust, fix the holes, and weld the more giant tears. It would help if you painted over these areas with water-resistant paint after they have been repaired.
Replace the entrance door seals when they become worn or brittle.
How Can You Secure a Shipping Container from Thieves?
Since they are designed to be hauled up by large machines and placed on top of one another without bending or bowing, shipping containers are composed of sturdy materials that are challenging to break into.
While it’s difficult, breaking into a shipping container is not impossible. The shipping container’s doors have security locks that may be picked or broken, and a criminal might also get entrance to the airlock by using a set of bolt cutters. They might also try to break through any customized windows or doors added to the cargo container.
What can you do to improve the security of your cargo container against thieves?
Lock Boxes :
When your shipping container isn’t being used, you should always secure the entrance (as well as any other doors) with a security lock. For burglars who want to seize stuff and run, a powerful padlock can be a sufficient barrier.
Use shipping container security lock boxes for added protection. The majority of your padlock is covered by them, which deters tampering such as lock cutting because it only leaves room for a key to be inserted into the lock.
Shipping Container Security Systems
Install a security system in your cargo container to increase security even further. The security system of the shipping container will sound an alarm when a burglar enters and, depending on the type of alarm, may even notify authorities of the break-in. The sound of the notice will often be sufficient for most criminals to depart the area immediately.
On the outside of your shipping container, you can also affix a sticker stating the name of the security system. This will warn potential thieves that an alarm will go off if they try to break in. They might think twice about breaking in altogether after hearing this specific warning.
Security Cameras :
Security cameras are Other security devices you should add to your shipping container. Security cameras can provide real-time video surveillance of the exterior of your shipping container. Like a security system logo, visible security cameras on your shipping container can deter thieves.
Suppose thieves still decide to break into the container. In that case, video footage can provide evidence of the crime and even help the proper authorities catch the perpetrators — and potentially retrieve the items taken.
Motion Sensor Lights :
The exterior of your cargo container would benefit significantly from adding motion sensor lights as a security measure. Once turned on, the bright lights not only deter burglars but may also aid in improving visibility if you also have security cameras. In this manner, you will have a better chance of seeing the burglar even if the bright lights are ineffective in deterring them from breaking into your container.
Don’t let bad weather or criminals harm your cargo or steal it. You may protect your load by taking several security measures and using shipping container security equipment. It is worth the expense to increase the security of your shipping containers.