The Role of Dunnage in Product Protection and Shipping Efficiency

Role of Dunnage

The padding or loose materials used in a shipping container to support and protect goods during handling and shipment are referred to as “dunnage” in the shipping business. It is used to fill the gaps between objects so they stay in place. Examples of this material include kraft paper, crinkle paper, air cushions, custom blocks, and packing peanuts.

Dunnage, a crucial part of the transportation process, is built of a variety of low-cost materials such plastic, wood, foam, or corrugated paper. It functions best when used in conjunction with a suitable poly bag or the appropriate-sized box. To prevent damage, make sure your product is wrapped in a box that is the right size in addition to employing it.

Role of Dunnage

Cargo is subjected to a variety of difficult circumstances when it is transported from the warehouse facilities to the ship or vehicles throughout the fulfilling process. Packages are subjected to erratic weather conditions, various storage facilities, and even potential accidents with moving vehicles. 

Therefore, until the goods arrive at their destination, shippers must employ materials to cushion and protect the things from shocks and any movements. 

FunctionDescriptionExamples
Shock AbsorptionDunnage prevents vibrations and cushion items during transport. This prevents damage from movement and collisions.Cardboard inserts for delicate items.Wrapped plastic for protection.
Moisture ProtectionProtects items from changing environmental conditions and moisture, especially during rainy or snowy transport.Bubble wrap shields against moisture.
HandlingDunnage aids in handling heavy items by distributing weight evenly. This makes transportation easier and more manageable.Wooden dunnage for weight distribution.

Benefits of Dunnage

  • It is mostly used to shield your goods from potential harm as they travel from manufacturing to warehouses to final clients. 
  • Products are loaded into trucks or trains, stacked, sorted, etc. throughout these transits, increasing the likelihood of damage. 
  • By cushioning the shocks, preserving the products’ dryness, and guaranteeing their location throughout transportation, It reduces these damages. Your items are protected while travelling with proper dunnage.
  • Your reputation in the market is typically impacted by damaged items. You must issue a refund or replace any defective items if they are destroyed during delivery. 
  • The goods will be protected by appropriate It, which will increase sales. This will be the case due to the package being delivered undamaged. 
  • It is a wise investment in packing since it is typically inexpensive and constructed of reusable materials.
  • Giving the packaging crew explicit instructions on how to use It will go a long way towards enhancing labour productivity, which will result in the production of more packages each day. This will eventually lead to a higher return on investment, which will lower personnel expenses.

Dunnage sizes and permissible load per dunnage unit:

Thickness (inch)Width (inch)Length (inch)Permissible Load (Metric Tons)
28604.8
26603.6
24602.4
33604.05
44609.6

Source

Types of Dunnage

Dunnage bags are air-filled bags that may be used to hold, stabilise, and safeguard cargo while it is being transported. In the spaces between the cargo objects, It’s bags are inserted. It bags can be used for various types of transportation, including air, sea, and land travel. It’s bags can be used as a cushion as well as to fasten and protect pieces. The automobile, aerospace, electronics, and other industries utilise it more frequently.

Pallets on lorries were first braced using rubber sacks. They developed into kraft paper bags with an inside made of plastic. Due of their low cost, many businesses now employ polythene or vinyl-based bags instead of metal strapping. It’s crucial to match the bag’s size to the empty space.

Several US railway freight operators started rostering boxcars with load-securing devices in the 1950s to stop shifting while in route. These autos typically have the designation “Damage Free” or just “DF” on the label. The interior equipment assisted in removing the requirement for it supplied by the client. Amazon started air-filling dunnage bags on-site during packaging in the twenty-first century in an effort to reduce its environmental effect, shipping weight, and cost of materials.

  1. Solid plastic: Given that it is one of the priciest it materials, this high-strength polythene is used to shield precious products from harm during shipment. 
  1. Bubble Wrap: Glass and other items that may shatter are wrapped and protected with this material. As long as the material’s bubbles remain undamaged and unbroken, it may be utilised several times, making its use quite widespread.
  1. Wood: Wooden plans are materials used to build barriers between heavy, sturdy objects in order to stop them from sliding or shifting.
  2. Air Pillows: This technique is used to fill empty spaces in shipping goods, stop them from sliding about, and prevent damage from happening during shipping operations.
  3. Kraft Ppaer: It is a useful material for wrapping and preventing damage to items. It is also widely used, reasonably priced, eco-friendly, and recyclable.
  4. Foam: one of the materials that is most frequently used to package delicate items like electronics, medical equipment, and priceless objects.
  5. Steel: Steel is perfect for holding hefty items, and this metal is utilised to protect precious packages. This protects the lighter weight packages from harm.
  6. Corrugated Paper: It is made up of two stiff layers around a corrugated cardboard layer to protect the packages during handling and transportation.As a result, it is a well-liked dunnage material that aids in moisture protection and is a sustainable and eco-friendly packaging choice.
  7. Custom Dunnage Solution: A bespoke it is created when none of the aforementioned materials fit a package because of its unusual or multi-piece construction. where a combination of materials is employed to ensure the product’s safety.

Conclusion

The padding or loose materials used in a shipping container to support and protect goods during handling and shipment are referred to as “dunnage” in the shipping business. It is built of a variety of low-cost materials such plastic, wood, foam, or corrugated paper. Packages are subjected to erratic weather conditions, various storage facilities, and even potential accidents with moving vehicles. By cushioning the shocks, preserving the products’ dryness, and guaranteeing their location throughout transportation, it reduces these damages. Your items are protected while travelling with proper dunnage. It is a wise investment in packing since it is typically inexpensive and constructed of reusable materials.

FAQs

What is dunnage in shipping?

It is padding or loose materials used to support and protect goods during handling and shipment.

Why is dunnage used in shipping?

 It is used to prevent damage to items during transportation and to cushion them from shocks and movements.

What materials are used for dunnage?

Materials for It include plastic, wood, foam, corrugated paper, bubble wrap, and more.

How does dunnage provide shock absorption?

It prevents vibrations and cushions items to prevent damage from movement and collisions.

Why is moisture protection important in shipping?

Moisture protection is crucial to safeguard items from environmental conditions and prevent damage due to exposure to moisture.

How does dunnage aid in handling heavy items?

It helps distribute weight evenly, making the transportation of heavy items easier.

What are the benefits of using dunnage in shipping?

It protects items from damage during transit, enhances product quality, is cost-effective, and improves labor productivity.

What types of materials are used for solid plastic dunnage?

High-strength polythene is used to protect precious products during shipment.

What items are typically protected with bubble wrap dunnage?

Bubble wrap is used to protect fragile items such as glass and other breakables.

Why is corrugated paper dunnage a popular choice?

Corrugated paper dunnage is eco-friendly, sustainable, and aids in moisture protection for packages during handling and transportation.

Shraddha Thuwal
Author

Shraddha Thuwal

Shraddha Thuwal worked as a content writer at WareIQ. She actively contributes to the creation of blog posts centered on eCommerce operations, fulfillment, and shipping, in addition to providing insights on various strategies and techniques tailored for eCommerce sellers. With an impressive track record, Shraddha boasts over two years of content writing experience, spanning a spectrum of industries including logistics, supply chain, and media.

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