Shipping container security is to secure containers from external weather conditions, accidents, or theft by various techniques and measures. Shipping containers are very strong; their locking mechanisms and regular maintenance protect them from accidents and any unauthorized entry. Security of these pillars of global trade is essential; some extra steps will add to their durability and weather resistance, therefore, keeping your shipment safe. 

In this blog, we will delve into the various types of security measures that we can adopt along with continuous monitoring and how we can protect them from sudden climatic changes. 

Types of shipping container security measures

Shipping container security is a serious issue, requiring accurate measures and practices. We can’t afford any mistake while ensuring the security of tons of goods and hundreds of people. So, the following are the types of security measures: 

1. Physical security: The best and easiest way of securing shipping containers is by physical security. It includes using high-quality door locks and sealing them properly to protect them from theft or harsh weather conditions. Use stiff container padlocks so no thief can easily tamper or break your locks. Before proceeding with the journey, ensure the sealing of all the containers and confirm that all the locks are working properly. 
2. Technological security: Another way of shipping container security is technological security, which improves security measures. The ship must have security alarms to prevent unauthorized entry into the ship. GPS tracking devices add to safety, allowing you to know the ship’s location every minute of its journey. The ship is under proper surveillance, with cameras all over the ship so that no one can open the container or steal something; this will also let you know about any damage that is not visible to you but the camera can capture that. The advancement of container tracking technologies helps to secure the working. 

Best Practices for Securing Shipping Containers

There are many practices for shipping container security; here, let’s explore some of the best practices that can help you secure your containers: 

1. Choosing the right location for your container: One of the important ways of securing shipping containers is keeping them in your sight so that every moment of the container is visible. Place your containers in sight of the cameras to ensure that you can watch them, also keep them in enclosed places.
2. Regular inspections and maintenance: Regular container inspections are critical to ensure security. Some maintenance tips for shipping containers include regular monitoring to identify suspected damages, like rusting. Also, check locks, security devices, and seals periodically to ensure security. This reduces the chances of unauthorized entry, product damage, and tampering. 
3. Properly securing high-value items within the container: It is very important to secure the products in environmentally sustainable containers, as it is your responsibility to deliver the assignment to the assignee. Balance and organize the goods so weather conditions or turbulence cannot harm them. This becomes more important when the item is high-value, like glass, expensive ornaments, or any electric appliance; these products need more care. 
4. Train the workforce: Labor is integral to every industry, including shipping. Workers must load and unload goods properly in the freight containers. You need to educate the trainers about which goods they are carrying and how to properly manage them. The compensation cost is very high if there is any mistake while loading or unloading a chemical, a glass product, or an electric appliance. So, train and inform them about shipping manners and compliances for maintaining shipping container security.
5. Select the correct shipping route: The right route can prove a good decision for secure shipping. You must choose the route that is less prone to accidents by overviewing the past experiences of that route. Check if there are any theft experiences or any frequent high waves. Generally, select a route that has a good history or with fewer climatic variations. 

Importance of continuous monitoring

Regular monitoring is very important for the journey to be peaceful and safe. There are many advantages to real-time tracking in shipping.  Let’s explore some specific facts related to monitoring: 

• Continuous monitoring is important because of the regulatory compliance by legal authorities for both the environment and container security. So you have to adhere to the compliance to avoid any fine or legal action against you. 
• Monitoring also helps to maintain the assignee’s faith in your functioning; it builds up a positive repo that ensures a good market value. 
• Regular monitoring also increases the productivity of the journey as the work is synchronized properly. It helps to manage the good’s movement and make the customer happy. 

 Checklist for Shipping Container Security

The shipping industry has to be accountable to organizations such as ISO and CSC, as well as the ISPS (International Ship and Port Facility Security Code) of the maritime industry. They prepare a checklist to keep up with the safety protocols. The key components included in the checklist before proceeding the journey are: 

• Check the container doors, bolts, hinges, and locks. They must be working properly and free of rust.
• Check the container floor to see if there is any rating or damage that needs repairing or if there is any hidden way under it. 
• Check the container’s front, right, left, and bottom to ensure there is no damage or rust. 
• Also, check the ship’s undercarriage to see if every machine and button works properly. 

Safety from climatic changes

You must have heard about wind and watertight containers. These containers do not let heavy winds or water enter them, which is an essential feature. 

• Using newer containers rather than used containers for transport can ensure your container’s safety from different climatic conditions. Old containers have already lost their durability and resistivity, so select new containers over used containers.
• Be aware of groundwater, as water increases the chance of rusting. You can prevent rusting by blocking, therefore raising the containers by putting some blocks under them to raise them above the ground level. 
• You can also ensure safety using ground plates with twisted locks to secure the base in severe storms. 

Shipping container security is not very complex or expensive, yet necessary for shipping industries. You need a proper strategy and tools to ensure the safety of these containers. Therefore, investing in safety is never in vain; it mitigates the fear of damages, accidents, or theft. 

LOTUS Containers manufactures one of the finest shipping containers that will not rust, corrode, or damage easily. You can buy any type of container.