Why Rail Shipments Require AAR-Verified Dunnage Air Bags?

Rail shipments are tough on cargo, as long trips and rough tracks can shift cargo. Sudden stops make the risk of damage even higher. That is why railcar dunnage needs to be strong and reliable. It has to handle impact without failing. Dunnage air bags help keep goods in place—but not all air bags are the same. 

AAR-verified options meet strict safety standards set by the Association of American Railroads. They are tested and approved by industry standards. Teams across the sector trust them to perform. If you are shipping by rail, using verified dunnage is not just smart—it is necessary.

In this blog, we will look at why rail shipments need AAR-verified Dunnage air bags—and what makes them different from standard options. No fluff. Just the facts that matter.

The Hidden Risks in Rail Freight

Why Rail Freight Is Unforgiving Without Proper Dunnage

According to GoRail’s Public Benefits of Freight Railroads report, U.S. freight railroads move roughly 40% of long-distance freight in the U.S. 

But it is not a smooth ride. Cargo gets pushed sideways, forward, and back. These forces—called lateral and longitudinal loads—build up fast. If the railcar loading system or railroad loading is not solid, and the rail dunnage is not secure, things go wrong.

Here is what that looks like:

• Loads shift.
• Pallets tip.
• Packaging tears.
• Goods arrive broken—or do not arrive at all

And trains do not stop to fix mistakes. Once the railcar is sealed, it is gone. That is why cargo securement in freight rail is not just a checklist—it is a system. Every part matters. From blocking and bracing to Dunnage air bags, it all has to work together to handle the demands of railcar dynamics.

What Are Dunnage Air Bags & Why They Matter

Dunnage air bags are inflatable cushions used to fill gaps between cargo. They keep goods from shifting during transport. That is their job—simple and clear. They look simple, but they’re key to cargo protection and load securement.

In intermodal transport, freight moves across different modes. It travels by truck, train, and ship. Without support, cargo shifts or breaks.

These bags—also known as Dunnage Bags, shipping airbags, or cargo airbags—keep cargo from moving.

• They hold everything in place. 
• They reduce damage. 
• They make sure goods arrive the way they should.

To know more about the types of dunnage air bags, please read our detailed guide here.

Why AAR Verification Is Non-Negotiable

What Is AAR & What Does “Verified” Mean?

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) decides how cargo should be packed and secured in railcars. These rules are not optional—they are safety requirements. One of the key guidelines is AAR RP-4, which covers how these airbags must perform under pressure.

To be “AAR-verified,” a product must pass strict testing. That includes meeting the Open Top Loading Rules, which define how freight should be secured in open railcars. It also means complying with broader load securement standards used across the rail industry.

If a Dunnage bag is not AAR-verified, it may not hold up under real rail conditions. And that puts cargo—and compliance—at risk.

You can read more in the AAR Verification Overview.

How AAR-Verified Dunnage Air Bags Are Tested

To be used in rail freight, Dunnage air bags must pass strict tests. These tests follow the AAR RP-4 standard, which sets clear rules for safety and performance.

Here is what gets checked:

• Burst strength: Can the bag handle pressure without breaking?
• Inflation and deflation: Does it fill and release air properly?
• Temperature resistance: Can it handle hot or cold conditions?

These tests show what happens when a railcar is moving. Cargo shifts. Forces build. If the bag fails, the load is not secure.

That is why rail company dunnage teams use verified products. Whether it is airbags shipping across states or through intermodal transport, AAR verification means the bag can do its job.

Benefits of Using AAR-Approved Dunnage Bags

Protection, Compliance & Peace of Mind

AAR-approved bags are not just a checkbox—they are a safeguard. They are a reliable choice for railcar dunnage and shipping airbag applications.

Here is what they offer:

• Stops cargo from moving during railcar shifts and direction changes
• Follows safety rules to avoid fines and legal problems
• Reduces damage claims and lowers insurance costs
• Lightweight and easy to handle during loading and unloading

Verified bags perform better under pressure. They are built for the demands of freight rail—and they help protect your cargo and your budget.

Here is a simple table comparing AAR-verified bags with non-verified ones—based on how they perform and meet safety standards.

How to Implement AAR-Verified Dunnage in Your Rail Shipments

Step-by-Step Railcar Loading with Dunnage Bags

Here is how railcar loading systems use rail dunnage to do that:

1. Inspect voids: Look for empty spaces between pallets, rolls, or equipment. These gaps need to be filled.
2. Select the correct bag level: Choose the right size and strength of air bag based on the cargo and railcar type.
3. Inflate: Fill the bag so it fits tightly. Do not overfill—it should support the load, not press too hard.
4. Secure: Make sure the bag stays in place and does not shift during movement.
5. Verify: Check everything again. Confirm the setup meets safety standards before sealing the car.

This process helps prevent damage and reduce claims. It keeps cargo stable through every mile.

To know more about how Dunnage Bags Prevent Load Shifting and Cargo Damage in Transit, please visit our blog here.

Choosing the Right Dunnage Partner

What to Check Before You Commit

Not every supplier builds for rail. If you are shipping by train, you need someone who understands the risks—and meets the standards.

Here is a simple checklist:

• AAR certification: Their airbags should meet AAR RP-4 standards. No exceptions.
• Bag levels (1–5:) They should offer different strength levels based on your cargo and railcar type.
• Material specs: Look for strong, puncture-resistant materials that hold up in heat, cold, and pressure.

A good partner will not just sell you bags. They will help you load smarter and avoid costly mistakes.

To Sum Up 

Rail freight moves quickly and doesn’t allow for errors. Once the railcar is sealed, you can not fix anything. That is why securing cargo matters—it is what keeps it safe.

AAR-verified Dunnage air bags help prevent damage and meet safety standards. They keep shipments stable and moving as planned. If you handle loading, safety checks, or damage claims, picking the right dunnage matters. It protects your cargo, your costs, and your brand name.

About Dunnage Systems

Dunnage Systems Inc. builds air bags that work. We have been doing it for over 30 years. Our products meet AAR standards and are designed for real-world freight—whether it is moving by truck, train, or container. We offer different bag levels, eco-friendly options, and support that is actually useful. If you are looking for a supplier who understands rail freight, our services are worth a look.