Cargo damage during transportation costs money. It decreases the speed of deliveries and creates waste that irritates customers. Generally, it happens because things move around during shipping. A bumpy road and a sharp turn can move the load and break what is inside. That is when dunnage bags come in.
These bags are inflatable cushions placed between boxes and pallets to fill empty spaces and keep cargo safe from any movement. Whether you are shipping by truck, train, or sea, shipping dunnage keeps everything in place.
Cargo airbags are simple and affordable to use. They do not need any fancy equipment. Just inflate, pace, and secure. And they work.
This blog walks through how dunnage bags stop cargo from shifting and reduce damage to deliver the shipment safely. If you are transporting anything fragile or heavy, this matters.
What Are Dunnage Bags?
Dunnage bags are inflatable cushions which is used to keep cargo from moving during the transportation process. They are placed in the empty spaces between boxes or pallets. Once inflated, they keep cargo from moving and help prevent damage.
Also read our blog on, Which Industries Use Dunnage Bags for Cargo Safety?
What Is the Purpose of a Dunnage Bag?
The purpose is very simple: To stop cargo from any movement during shipping.
When goods move around, they can break or tip over. A shipping airbag helps prevent that. It adds pressure between items so they stay where they should. No matter which mode you choose for shipping, inflatable dunnage bags ensure your cargo remains as it is.
Types of Dunnage Bags
There are a few kinds of industrial dunnage bags depending on what you are shipping.
- Paper Dunnage Bags: It is made from kraft paper and a plastic inner lining. These are good for lighter loads and are generally used in consumer goods or food transportation.
- Polywoven Dunnage Bags: It is made from woven polypropylene (Plastic). These are strong and reusable. These are good for heavy cargo like machinery or bulk goods.
Each type of shipping air bag is built to perform a particular job. When you select the right one, it protects your goods and avoids damage.
Please read our detailed guide on The Ultimate Guide to Dunnage Bags: Types, Uses, and Benefits.
Dunnage in Trucking and Container Shipping
What is dunnage in trucking?
In trucking, dunnage refers to materials used to keep cargo stable inside trailers and prevent items from sliding or tipping. This includes
- Wood blocks
- Foam pads
- Shipping airbags
Drivers use them in flatbeds and dry vans, where sudden stops or sharp turns can move the load. Dunnage avoids damage and keeps the truck balanced.
Container dunnage
In container shipping, dunnage performs the same job, but the environmental conditions are different. Containers travel long distances and face
- Constant movement
- Stacking pressure
- Temperature changes
That is why airbag shipping is common here. Inflatable dunnage bags go between pallets or boxes to hold the load and absorb shock.
Purpose and Benefits of Using Dunnage
What is the purpose of using dunnage when securing cargo?
Dunnage keeps cargo stable by
- Filling the gaps
- Adding pressure
- Stopping items from sliding/tipping
Whether it is wood blocks or cargo air bags, the goal is the same: to keep things as they are during the entire shipping process.
What is dunnage primarily used to protect cargo from?
Dunnage protects cargo from damage caused by
- Movement
- Shock
- Moisture
It acts like a buffer. Without it, goods can
- Shift
- Bump into each other
- Get crushed
Why is it important to use dunnage when moving loads?
There are high chances that loads that move can break and cause accidents or delays during transportation. Using shipping dunnage makes transport secure and more reliable. It helps to follow safety rules and decrease the chance of returns or claims.
Benefits of Using Dunnage
- Cargo moves during transit. Dunnage stops that.
- Goods get damaged from bumps. Dunnage cushions them.
- Loads can tip or slide. Dunnage holds them in place.
- Some dunnage materials block water or dirt from reaching the cargo.
- Fewer damaged items mean fewer complaints and lower costs.
How Dunnage Bags Work
Inflatable dunnage bags are simple tools, but it is important to use them the right way for better results. Here is how they work:
Inflation Process
You inflate the bag using a pump or air compressor.
- Attach the nozzle to the valve.
- Fill the bag until it is firm.
- Do not overinflate, it can burst.
- Do not underinflate, it will not hold the load.
Most industrial dunnage bags have pressure limits. Check the label. Light-duty bags usually go up to 2 PSI. Heavy-duty ones can handle more.
Placement Techniques
Where you place the bag matters.
- Put it between cargo, not under or on top.
- Center it in the gap so it touches both sides.
- Place it at mid-height, not too low or high.
Good placement helps the bag do its job. Bad placement can lead to damage.
Pressure Ratings
Each bag type has a limit.
Most bags can handle between 2 and 10 PSI. The exact limit depends on the strength of the bag and what is in the bag. Paper and poly bags follow the same general range. What matters more is the bag’s grade and how it is meant to be used – not just the material.
Match the bag to the cargo weight and transport type. Do not guess.
Preventing Cargo Loss and Damage
What will you do to prevent cargo loss or damage?
Use the right tools. Secure the load.
- Use proper packaging
- Fill empty spaces
- Brace cargo with tools like shipping airbags
These inflatable dunnage bags keep goods in place and absorb shock during the entire shipping process. They are simple to use and make a big difference.
ROI and Cost Savings
Using shipping airbags saves money.
- Less damage means fewer replacements.
- Fewer claims can lower insurance costs.
- Reusable bags cut down on waste.
- Stable loads are faster to handle, which saves time.
Most companies see fewer returns and fewer delays. That adds up.
Choosing the Right Dunnage Bag
Not all bags are the same. Picking the right one is not complicated. You just need to match the bag to the job.
What to Look At
Cargo Type
| Transport Mode
|
Bag Material
| Size and Fit
|
Tips for Sourcing Quality Products
- Check pressure ratings
- Look for certified suppliers
- Match the bag to the weight
- Ask if the bag is reusable
- Test a few before buying in bulk
Container dunnage works best when it is chosen with care. The right bag keeps cargo safe and saves money in the long run.
That’s a Wrap
Dunnage bags do one thing well: they keep cargo from moving.
That means
- Fewer broken items
- Fewer delays
- Fewer complaints
If you are using paper bags for light loads or industrial dunnage bags for heavy shipments, the goal is the same: protect what you are shipping.
Want to see how it works for your business?
Explore Dunnage Systems Inc. or request a product demo. It is a simple step that can save time and money.
FAQs:
1. What are dunnage bags used for in shipping?
A. Dunnage bags are used to secure cargo during shipping by filling voids between items, preventing shifting, and minimizing damage during transit in trucks, containers or rail transports.
2. Can dunnage bags prevent cargo damage during long-distance transport?
A. Yes, dunnage bags help prevent cargo damage during long-distance transport by stabilizing loads, absorbing shocks, and reducing movement caused by vibrations or sudden stops.
3. Do I need special gear to inflate dunnage bags?
A. Inflating dunnage bags typically requires an air compressor like Airbag Inflators, but no complex or specialized equipment is needed for most standard applications.
