TrailerLock has introduced a new universal key for its trailer and sea container door lock, which means that any driver can access any trailer using a common key. All operators need to do is secrete the key under the trailer or mail it in advance to their forwarding agent – or to be doubly sure, do both.

The lock is manufactured from solid steel, is simple to operate and resistant to bolt-croppers and crowbars.  Although named Fridgelock, the device is extendable and fits most types of surface mounted door furniture and is suitable for both temperature-controlled trailers and conventional sea containers.

A barrel lock, protected by a coated steel cap, needs just a half turn to open the two sections of the device, which is then adjusted for length and clamped over each of the vertical door rods.

In addition to protecting the vehicle load itself, the lock protects drivers and operators by reducing the possibility of Border Force penalties which, in the UK, can run into many tens of thousands of pounds. 

The lock is also ideal for domestic traffic, especially when vehicles are parked up overnight.

Currently, civil penalties for clandestine entrants to the UK amount to £4,000 per illegal entrant - £2,000 to be paid by the driver and £2,000 to be paid by the haulier.  If these penalties are not paid, the vehicle can be seized and held until payment is made.  If the penalty is not paid at all, the vehicle can be destroyed. 

Simon Clarke of Smith Bowyer Clarke, specialist road transport lawyers, explained, “We have around 10 new instructions per week where hauliers are seeking to appeal against the imposition of penalties for clandestine entrants running into the tens of thousands of pounds.  In some cases, having to pay these penalties would mean the company going out of business.”

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Photo: Fridgelock is suitable for refrigerated trailers and conventional sea containers.