How to use the Utility Pole Mount on a Shipping Container
Mounting equipment like Starlink dishes, CCTV cameras, or floodlights onto a shipping container can be awkward, especially if you’re trying to avoid permanent modifications.
Our utility pole kit offers a strong, versatile solution for securely attaching almost anything to your container, without drilling, welding, or damaging the structure.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how it works, what’s included, and where it’s already being used successfully.
What is a pole mount or a utility pole for shipping containers?
A utility pole (or pole mount) allows you to attach equipment such as lighting, surveillance cameras, antennas, or signage to the outside of a shipping container or containerised building.
Our Shipping Container Utility Pole Kit is the most robust and adaptable system available on the market for this purpose. Using a Domino Clamp to fix securely to the container’s corner casting, the pole provides a solid mounting point for one or more pieces of equipment, with no need for drilling, welding, or permanent fixtures.
How to install the Shipping Container Utility Pole
The shipping container utility pole is quick and easy to install:
- Insert the Domino Clamp to the top corner casting, following our detailed installation instructions if you're unfamiliar with the technique.
- Screw the 48mm vertical tube clamp to the Domino Clamp, using the M12 screws and washers provided.
- Insert the utility pole into the tube clamp, and do up the grub screws on the tube clamps with an 8mm hex key.
- Attach your chosen accessories, thread through any cables and adjust the height and orientation if required.
Why choose our Pole Mount for Shipping Containers?
- No damage to the container - The Domino Clamp attaches the utility pole securely to the container’s corner casting. Does not damage the container and can be repositioned at any time
- Supports multiple attachments - Can be used in conjunction with multiple accessories simultaneously and holds up to 50kg
- Clean cable management - Cables can be fed through the pole and pole clamp for a clean and protected setup
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Weather-resistant - All components are fully protected for long-term outdoor use
Stacking compatible - Can be used on stacked containers, even with a twistlock in place
What can you attach to the utility pole?
The utility pole works with a growing range of brackets and adapters, so you can mount almost anything you need to your container. You can install one item or multiple attachments on the same pole, the system is fully modular, and easy to change or expand later.
Some of the most common setups include:
CCTV Bracket – For mounting surveillance cameras securely
Floodlight Bracket– Ideal for lighting entrances, yards or remote areas
Sign Bracket – Attach flags, signs or event branding
Starlink Adapter – Mount Starlink Gen 2 or 3 dishes
Unistrut Pipe Clamp Assembly E (48–50 mm OD) – For holding various tubular equipment
48 mm Perpendicular Tube Clamp – Mount a second pole or attach accessories at right angles
Real Applications & Use Cases for our pole mounts
Mounting a Starlink on a shipping container
If you're mounting Starlink on a shipping container and also need to add lighting or CCTV, the utility pole kit offers a compact, all-in-one solution. We recently used this setup at an off-grid Airbnb in Wales, where both the dish and a floodlight were installed on a single pole.
If you're only installing Starlink, we also offer dedicated adapter kits for mounting at roof height or higher up on a pole. A taller mount is recommended if trees, buildings, or other obstructions could block the line of sight to the sky.
Find out how to mount a Starlink kit to a shipping container here or watch our YouTube Video
Mounting CCTV & lighting on one pole
Pairing a camera with floodlighting on the same utility pole is a practical, efficient way to enhance visibility and security. The floodlight brightens the area, while the elevated camera gets a good wide-angle view. This combination is ideal for places like construction sites, storage yards, or remote setups.
If you do not need to mount multiple items, but you wish to attach one or two cameras, you can also check out our shipping container CCTV pole kits.
A floodlight and CCTV attached to a shipping container in two separate locations.Events & branding
Pole mounts aren’t just for technical setups like CCTV or Starlink — they’re just as useful for events. You can attach flags, signs or lighting to turn a container into a bar, ticket booth, or pop-up stand. It’s an easy way to add visibility and functionality without having to drill into the container.
If you want to learn more about attaching branding to your container structures check out our recent case study - Building a mobile shipping container pop-up featuring Pepsi Max and The Event Structure.
A sign attached to a shipping container.
FAQs
Q. How do the shipping container utility pole and accessories attach to the shipping container?
A. The utility pole is designed to be paired up with a Domino Clamp to attach almost anything to your shipping container.
The Domino Clamp attaches easily and safely to any ISO shipping container corner casting.
Q. What’s the maximum weight I can attach to the utility pole?
A. You can attach a combined weight of 50kg to the utility mount.
Q. Can I mount other equipment later?
A. Yes, the modular nature of the pole and bracket system means you can add or change attachments anytime.
Final thoughts
The utility pole kit proves you don’t have to damage a container to mount serious equipment.
By using the Domino Clamp, the pole attaches securely to the corner casting - no drilling, no welding, just a strong, removable setup that holds up to 50 kg. It's the most robust container pole system available. With built-in cable management and a choice of brackets, you can mount Starlink, CCTV, lights, signage, or all of them at once, and swap things out as needed.
Want to build your own setup? Take a look at our utility pole accessories to mix and match what you need for lighting, communications, security, or branding.
Still have questions? Drop us a comment or send an email, we’re happy to help.
