What is Dunnage, Its Types, and Usage in Shipping

Dunnage is a term that might not be familiar to everyone, but it plays a crucial role in the shipping industry. When transporting goods, especially over long distances by ship, road, or rail, ensuring that these goods arrive safely at their destination is a top priority. Dunnage helps make this possible by providing a simple yet effective solution for protecting items during transit. This blog will explain what dunnage is, the different types available, and how it is used in shipping, all in very very easy language.

What is Dunnage?

Dunnage refers to the inexpensive materials used to secure and protect goods during transportation. When goods are being shipped, they need to be packed in a way that prevents them from moving around and getting damaged. Dunnage helps to fill in the gaps between items, keeping them steady and safe. The materials used for dunnage can vary widely, including plastic, foam, wood, corrugated paper, and even air pillows.

Types of Dunnage

Dunnage comes in different forms, each suited to specific needs depending on the type of goods being transported. Here are some common types:

1. Solid Plastic Dunnage:

   • Solid plastic dunnage is often used in industrial shipping where high-value items need maximum protection. Although it is more expensive than other types, it provides excellent durability and protection.
   • Solid plastic dunnage is often used in industrial shipping where high-value items need maximum protection. Although it is more expensive than other types, it provides excellent durability and protection.

2. Bubble Wrap Dunnage:

   • Bubble wrap is probably the most well-known type of dunnage. It’s used to protect fragile items like glassware. The small air-filled bubbles cushion the items, reducing the risk of damage.
   • Bubble wrap is probably the most well-known type of dunnage. It’s used to protect fragile items like glassware. The small air-filled bubbles cushion the items, reducing the risk of damage.

3. Wood Dunnage:

   • Wood is a traditional dunnage material, especially used for heavy and strong goods. It is placed between items to keep them in place and provide a barrier against damage.
   • Wood is a traditional dunnage material, especially used for heavy and strong goods. It is placed between items to keep them in place and provide a barrier against damage.

4. Air Pillows Dunnage:

   • Air pillows are small, inflatable bags that are placed around items to prevent movement during transit. They are lightweight but offer strong protection.
   • Air pillows are small, inflatable bags that are placed around items to prevent movement during transit. They are lightweight but offer strong protection.

5. Kraft Paper Dunnage:

   • Kraft paper is a thick, durable paper that can be crinkled and used to fill gaps between items. It is an economical and reusable option, making it popular in commercial shipping.
   • Kraft paper is a thick, durable paper that can be crinkled and used to fill gaps between items. It is an economical and reusable option, making it popular in commercial shipping.

6. Foam Dunnage:

   • Foam is another material used to protect delicate items, especially electronics. It absorbs shocks and provides a soft barrier around fragile goods.
   • Foam is another material used to protect delicate items, especially electronics. It absorbs shocks and provides a soft barrier around fragile goods.

7. Steel Dunnage:

   • Steel is the most expensive dunnage material. It is used to protect heavy items or to provide additional support to lighter materials.
   • Steel is the most expensive dunnage material. It is used to protect heavy items or to provide additional support to lighter materials.

8. Corrugated Paper Dunnage:

   • Corrugated paper is used to protect goods from moisture. It is a sustainable option that is strong enough to support a variety of weights.
   • Corrugated paper is used to protect goods from moisture. It is a sustainable option that is strong enough to support a variety of weights.

9. Custom Dunnage Solutions:

   • Sometimes, businesses require dunnage that is specifically designed for their products. Custom dunnage can be made from a combination of materials to meet these unique needs.
   • Sometimes, businesses require dunnage that is specifically designed for their products. Custom dunnage can be made from a combination of materials to meet these unique needs.

Also Read: Guide to Shipping Internationally From India to Other Countries

Why is Dunnage Important?

Dunnage might seem like a small part of the shipping process, but it is extremely important. Here’s why:

1. Protects Cargo: Dunnage helps to prevent goods from shifting during transport. If items move around, they can get damaged, leading to loss and additional costs.
2. Moisture Protection: Some goods, like electronics, are sensitive to moisture. Dunnage can help keep these items dry by providing a barrier against water.
3. Shock Absorption: During transit, goods might be subjected to shocks and vibrations. Dunnage helps to absorb these impacts, reducing the risk of damage to delicate items.

How is Dunnage Used?

Dunnage is used in various ways depending on the type of goods being shipped and the mode of transportation. Here are some common scenarios:

1. Preventing Cargo Movement:

   • Dunnage is placed between items to prevent them from moving during transit. This is particularly important for items that are sensitive or fragile.
   • Dunnage is placed between items to prevent them from moving during transit. This is particularly important for items that are sensitive or fragile.

2. Securing Containers:

   • Dunnage is used to secure containers and prevent items from falling out. This is crucial when transporting goods by ship, as the movement of the vessel can cause items to shift.
   • Dunnage is used to secure containers and prevent items from falling out. This is crucial when transporting goods by ship, as the movement of the vessel can cause items to shift.

3. Blocking Broken Stowage:

   • In cases where there are void spaces that cannot be filled with cargo, dunnage is used to block these spaces and prevent movement.
   • In cases where there are void spaces that cannot be filled with cargo, dunnage is used to block these spaces and prevent movement.

4. Providing Air Passages:

   • Dunnage can be used to create spaces for air circulation, which is important for refrigerated goods that need to stay cool during transit.
   • Dunnage can be used to create spaces for air circulation, which is important for refrigerated goods that need to stay cool during transit.

5. Weight Distribution:

   • Dunnage helps to distribute the weight of the cargo evenly, preventing damage to the goods and the transportation vehicle.
   • Dunnage helps to distribute the weight of the cargo evenly, preventing damage to the goods and the transportation vehicle.

Benefits of Using Dunnage

Dunnage offers several benefits, making it an essential part of the shipping process:

1. Protecting Your Goods:

   • The main purpose of dunnage is to protect goods from damage. By absorbing shocks, keeping items dry, and preventing movement, dunnage helps to ensure that goods arrive safely at their destination.
   • The main purpose of dunnage is to protect goods from damage. By absorbing shocks, keeping items dry, and preventing movement, dunnage helps to ensure that goods arrive safely at their destination.

2. Protecting Your Revenue:

   • Damaged goods can lead to lost revenue, as customers may demand refunds or replacements. Proper use of dunnage helps to prevent these losses by keeping goods safe during transit.
   • Damaged goods can lead to lost revenue, as customers may demand refunds or replacements. Proper use of dunnage helps to prevent these losses by keeping goods safe during transit.

3. Reducing Labor Costs:

   • By using dunnage correctly, the packaging process can be more efficient. This reduces the time and effort required to pack goods, leading to lower labor costs.
   • By using dunnage correctly, the packaging process can be more efficient. This reduces the time and effort required to pack goods, leading to lower labor costs.

How Dunnage Bags Work

Dunnage bags are inflatable bags placed between cargo to prevent movement. When inflated, these bags push the cargo against the walls of the container, holding it in place. The size of the dunnage bag used depends on the size of the void space between the cargo. Choosing the right size is important because an incorrect size can lead to movement and damage.

Calculating Dunnage

Calculating the amount of dunnage needed depends on the type of goods being shipped and the mode of transportation. For example, if you are shipping steel coils, you would need to calculate the amount of dunnage based on the weight and size of the coils. The goal is to ensure that the dunnage can support the weight of the goods and prevent movement.

Dunnage vs. Cribbing vs. Bracing

It’s important to understand the difference between dunnage, cribbing, and bracing, as all three are used in the shipping industry:

1. Dunnage:

   • Dunnage is used to protect goods from moisture, contamination, and movement during transit.
   • Dunnage is used to protect goods from moisture, contamination, and movement during transit.

2. Cribbing:

   • Cribbing involves stacking blocks to create a sturdy structure that can support heavy loads. It is used to increase the bearing height and area.
   • Cribbing involves stacking blocks to create a sturdy structure that can support heavy loads. It is used to increase the bearing height and area.

3. Bracing:

   • Bracing is used to prevent vertical movement of goods. It holds the cargo in place, reducing the risk of damage.
   • Bracing is used to prevent vertical movement of goods. It holds the cargo in place, reducing the risk of damage.

FAQs on Dunnage

1. Why is dunnage needed for refrigerated cargo?

   • Dunnage protects the cargo from moisture that can accumulate on the sides of refrigerated containers.
   • Dunnage protects the cargo from moisture that can accumulate on the sides of refrigerated containers.

2. How is dunnage used on different deck cargo?

   • Dunnage can be used in various ways depending on the type of cargo. For example, floor dunnage protects goods from moisture, while top dunnage prevents condensation from damaging the cargo.
   • Dunnage can be used in various ways depending on the type of cargo. For example, floor dunnage protects goods from moisture, while top dunnage prevents condensation from damaging the cargo.

3. What kind of wood is used for dunnage?

   • Common woods used for dunnage include pine, hemlock, and spruce.
   • Common woods used for dunnage include pine, hemlock, and spruce.

4. Why use cargo dunnage for loading goods?

   • Dunnage makes the loading process easier and protects goods from moisture and contamination.
   • Dunnage makes the loading process easier and protects goods from moisture and contamination.

Conclusion

Dunnage is a vital component of the shipping process. It may seem like a simple material, but it plays a crucial role in protecting goods from damage during transit. By understanding the different types of dunnage and how they are used, businesses can ensure that their goods arrive safely at their destination, protecting both their products and their revenue. Whether you’re shipping fragile electronics or heavy machinery, using the right dunnage can make all the difference.Also Read: LCL Shipments in Logistics and Shipping : Meaning, Costs and More