Dunnage Air Bags

Whether cargo is shipped by rail, truck, air, or ship, a large percentage of damage happens in transit. Unless pallets and boxes are secured properly, the bouncing often results in damaged to the packages and merchandise because of the bouncing and jostling. It is essential to protect your cargo by stabilizing and protecting it using the right items that are installed correctly.

The use of dunnage air bags has proven to be a useful method of caring for cargo by bracing it. Dunnage airbags are constructed of several layers of “Kraft” paper and coextruded polyethylene film. The inside is a plastic air bladder and is fitted with one or two air valves. You have the choice of using paper dunnage, which is disposable, or rubber, which must be carefully deflated, folded, and stored in order to avoid damage.

It is essential to install the air bags properly to both reduce load damage and damage to the bags, especially during transit. It is recommended that you use the correct size to fit the height of the cargo so that the force is distributes along the height of the bag. Do not use two bags together. Fifty percent of the surface area should be in contact with the load. Place and inflate the bag in the middle of the cargo so that it pushes the cargo against the walls of the container, on top, or one side to stabilize the cargo. It is advisable to sandwich the dunnage bags between cardboard to avoid punctures, and then inflate until the loads are held tight against the walls or each other. The restraining force should be one-half of the weight of the cargo.

As a manufacturer or warehouse distribution center it is essential to reduce the exorbitant cost of damage caused to product in transit. Whether you use dunnage bag, wood, or cardboard specifically manufactured for the purpose, do not hope for the best make sure that your cargo is safe from destruction.