Dunnage is a term that is commonly used in the shipping industry and by industrial packaging technicians — but what exactly does it mean? Depending on who you talk to, an entire shipping container could be referred to as dunnage. More often, though, the term is used to describe internal packaging components like metal or plastic bracing, planks, blocks or boards that are used to secure and support packages during handling and shipping.
Let’s take a closer look at the various types of dunnage, their uses and their benefits.
What Is Dunnage?
Dunnage is used to secure and load cargo for transport. It can be made from a variety of products and materials including corrugated plastic, foam, aluminum, wood, steel and corrugated paper. There are three primary types of dunnage: kit packs, custom dunnage and multi-material varieties. Dunnage air bags are also commonly used.
Kit packs, also known as component packs, are used to hold all parts of a specific product or application. They tend to improve efficiency by reducing the number of containers needed to hold individual parts. Custom dunnage solutions are developed to meet a customer’s specific needs, and multi-material dunnage is constructed using various types of shipping materials, including cardboard and Styrofoam.
At Air Sea Containers, we offer dunnage air bags that are durable, affordable and well suited to a variety of applications.
Benefits of Dunnage
Dunnage is used to prevent damage to goods while they are being loaded, transported and unloaded. It keeps items from moving around while in transit, regardless of whether they are sent by rail, road or sea. Dunnage air bags offer exceptional value and are more affordable than custom products. They can withstand a maximum of three pounds per square inch of pressure and come equipped with a built-in inflation system. They’re also completely recyclable, making them an environmentally friendly alternative to other options and void fillers.
In general, dunnage also protects goods and packaging from contamination and moisture. By protecting cargo from damage, dunnage helps improve customer relationships and allows for easier loading of fragile cargo. Many types of dunnage, including dunnage bags, are reusable and recyclable, making them sustainable and environmentally friendly. Dunnage braces a cargo load, secures items in place, absorbs vibration and eliminates any voids in shipping containers and vehicles.
Uses for Dunnage
Dunnage is used in several different ways. On cargo ships, floor dunnage is used to protect moisture-sensitive shipments from the sweat that forms on ship floors. It works by holding the cargo above the deck, allowing the moisture to flow underneath it without causing any damage. Double layers or crisscrossed dunnage is used to protect especially delicate cargo.
Dunnage is also commonly used in shipping containers. These containers are designed to be moisture resistant, so they do not have drainage holes to release water. This means any sweat that forms inside the containers has no way of draining, so it is important to use floor and side dunnage to protect the cargo. Top dunnage is also used to contain the condensation that forms in the tops of shipping containers. For this purpose, paper and other absorbent materials are usually adhered to container ceilings. Plastic tarps may also be suspended below the container’s ceiling to catch evaporated moisture and prevent it from dripping onto the cargo below.
A Packaging Essential
Dunnage is a small but vital aspect of packaging. It comes in many different forms and can be used to protect virtually all types of cargo during loading, transportation and unloading. It can be made from several different materials and serves various purposes in the logistics industry. From filling voids and preventing shipments from moving around while in transit to protecting sensitive cargo from moisture and securing loads in place, dunnage is extremely useful when shipping cargo by sea, rail and roadway.
At Air Sea Containers, we understand how important dunnage bags to ensure a product’s safety during transport. We are also able to produce bags in custom sizes using either kraft paper or woven polypropylene. These bags are extremely affordable and offer exceptional value for anyone who is involved in the logistics industry. To learn more about our dunnage options, browse our website or contact us today to request additional information.
