When it comes to shipping goods, damage during transportation or handling is a common concern that can lead to unexpected losses, unhappy customers, and a hit to your reputation. That’s why it’s so important to secure your cargo properly to make sure everything arrives safe and sound.
One of the best ways to do this is by using dunnage. Dunnage refers to the material used to protect, secure and support goods while they’re transported from place to place. It can include materials like styrofoam, bubble wrap and steel racks.
In this article, we’ll explore what dunnage is, why it’s so useful, and the different types you can choose from to keep your shipments protected and your customers happy.
What is Dunnage?
Dunnage refers to materials used to protect and secure cargo during transportation. It helps prevent damage or shifting of goods inside containers, trucks, or ships. Dunnage can include items like wood, air pillows, foam, and even recycled materials.
Proper use of dunnage is crucial in minimizing the risk of damage to goods during transit, especially for fragile or delicate items.
Uses of Dunnage
Packages go through a long handling process during transit from being loaded onto containers to being shipped. Dunnage plays an important role in protecting against damage and ensuring easy handling.
Protection from damage, shock and moisture
Dunnage can act as a barrier that keeps goods dry and safe from humidity, condensation, or leaks during transit. Certain types of dunnage, like bubble wrap, are designed to create a physical shield around the goods, keeping moisture away.
By using these types of dunnage, you can prevent issues like mold, mildew, rust, or water damage, ensuring your cargo arrives in perfect condition, no matter the weather or storage conditions.
Moreover, dunnage protects goods against shock by absorbing and dissipating the impact that can occur during transportation or handling. When cargo is loaded onto trucks, ships, or containers, it can be subjected to impact caused by rough handling, sudden stops, or uneven terrain. Dunnage, such as foam wrap and air pillows, acts as a cushioning barrier between the goods and these shocks.
Furthermore by filling gaps, stabilizing loads, and creating a buffer zone, dunnage helps prevent items from shifting or colliding with each other during transit, reducing the risk of damage.
Easy handling
Dunnage promotes easy handling by organizing and stabilizing cargo, making it safer and more efficient to load, unload, and transport. It also makes it easier for handlers to manage cumbersome and odd-shaped items such as furniture.
Air circulation
Dunnage promotes air circulation by creating space and providing ventilation around cargo. By keeping a good circulation of air, the risk of issues like mold, mildew, or overheating is reduced. Additionally, dunnage helps ensure that items remain dry and at a consistent temperature, which is especially important for sensitive or perishable products.
Types of Dunnage
There are various types of dunnage available for different purposes. Here are 13 common types of dunnage materials used:
1. Bubble wrap
Bubble wrap is one of the most common and inexpensive dunnage materials. Often used when shipping fragile goods, the air-filled bubbles act as a shock absorber, safeguarding items from impacts and vibrations during transportation.
Lightweight and flexible, bubble wrap can easily conform to the shape of your products, filling gaps and preventing movement within the package. If the bubble wrap remains in good condition, it can be reused for other shipments.
2. Dunnage bags and air pillows
Dunnage bags and air pillows are reusable airbags that are used to fill empty spaces in shipping containers. They create a secure, cushioned barrier that absorbs shocks and impacts, and prevents packages from shifting around during transit.
3. Foam wrap
Made from soft, flexible foam, foam wrap can be wrapped around individual products or layered between them to absorb shocks, vibrations, and impacts during shipping. It also prevents scratches, dents, and other forms of damage, while keeping a snug fit around your goods. Lightweight and versatile, foam wrap is often preferred for delicate or fragile items.
4. Plastic foil or film
Plastic foil or film is a flexible, transparent material that’s used to wrap and secure items, keeping them together and shielding them from dust and moisture. This type of dunnage can be used for small and light packages.
5. Wood chips
Wood chips are ideal for filling gaps within shipping containers or pallets. By absorbing shocks and impacts, they help prevent movement and minimize the risk of damage to your items. They’re especially useful for shipping delicate or irregularly shaped products, offering an eco-friendly solution to keep your cargo secure and well-protected. Furthermore, they’re recyclable and reusable, making them a cost-saving option.
6. Cardboard
Cardboard is a versatile and cost-effective type of dunnage that provides reliable protection for goods during shipping. Its sturdy, yet lightweight structure can be used in various forms—such as inserts, partitions, or cushioning layers—to fill gaps and stabilize items within a package.
Cardboard effectively absorbs shocks and impacts, helping to prevent damage from movement and rough handling. Additionally, it’s easy to cut and shape, making it a flexible choice for customizing protection to fit different types of cargo. Eco-friendly and recyclable, cardboard is a practical solution for keeping your shipments secure and intact.
7. Kraft paper
Kraft papers are made of chemical pulp and are thick and strong. They are also known for their high tear resistance, making them a popular choice for dunnage. Kraft paper is usually stuffed into packages as gap fillers.
8. Corrugated sheet
Corrugated sheets, also known as corrugated paper/cardboard, are made of recycled paper. They are easily available and relatively inexpensive. Additionally, they have shock-absorbing properties and are able to withstand a wide range of weights.
9. Steel
Its hardy properties and ability to withstand heavy loads make it a good choice when transporting heavier packages and cargos. It helps to keep these items in place so that smaller goods are not damaged. However, this type of dunnage is expensive and is typically used for high-value items.
10. Solid plastic
Solid plastic is made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and is great for preventing scratches and chafes. As it can be expensive, it is often only used for high-value shipments.
11. Wood
Wood is typically used to secure cargos so they do not shift around excessively, damaging other cargos. It is easily available and relatively cheap compared to solid plastic and steel.
12. Custom dunnage
Custom dunnage materials such as moulded styrofoam are often used when transporting extremely fragile goods. They are tailored to fit the specific dimensions of the product. As they can be expensive, they are generally used for cargos of higher value.
13. Packing peanuts and styrofoam balls
Packing peanuts and styrofoam balls are known for their excellent cushioning and protective qualities. Both materials are ideal for securing delicate items during transit, as they effectively keep products in place and reduce the risk of breakage. Their lightweight nature also helps minimize shipping costs.
However, due to their negative environmental impact, they’re less commonly used as a type of dunnage.
Choose the Right Type of Dunnage for Your Shipping Needs
Selecting the right type of dunnage is essential in ensuring that your goods arrive safely and in excellent condition. But it’s not just about safeguarding your products; it’s about building trust with your customers.
When a customer receives their order in pristine condition, it reflects your commitment to quality and service. If you’re unsure which dunnage solution is best for your shipment, get in touch with us. Our experienced team is here to help you find the perfect dunnage to meet your needs.