Abstract: An electric lock for remote access control to a container wherein a U-shaped latch is mounted on a door in alignment with a slot in a housing mounted in the container. Upon closure, the latch enters the housing to engage a slotted keeper therein and causes rotation of the keeper. Rotation of the keeper causes a release lever to engage a stepped protrusion on the keeper and secures the keeper and latch. Activation of a solenoid or drive motor coupled to the release lever permits withdrawal of the latch from the housing. The axes of rotation of the keeper and release lever are located to greatly reduce the impact of pre-release forces to the door.