A locking system and a method for locking a container having an actuator for actuating a locking bolt, a container locking controller for controlling the actuator, a container communications device associated with the container locking controller for receiving a locking code, and a container code acquisition device for acquiring a locking code, wherein the container locking controller performs a comparison of received and acquired locking codes and in the event of a correct, matching locking code actuates the actuator, and wherein a central controller generates the locking code and transmits it to the container communications device through a dial-up communications network and a communications code is provided and delivered to the container locking controller by way of the container code acquisition device in such a manner that the container communications device can be activated thereby.