Shipping items worldwide is a complex process where the product touches multiple checkpoints. Shippers use “dunnage”, a common term for bubble wraps, crinkle papers, plastics, and boards to secure the package throughout the journey. Why is it done? To protect the box from getting damaged so it reaches the end customer safely.
This is a universal practice and the more fragile an item, the better packaging it needs. That is why, we’ll explore the intricacies of shipping and understand the different types of dunnage used on ships.
What is Dunnage?: A Comprehensive Overview
The term refers to the durable padding material that protects goods during shipping. The material can be anything from bubble wrap and plastics to kraft papers providing cushioning to products.
Sealed boxes and bags accompany dunnage to secure a product. However, you should never place a small item in a large box or a fragile item in a loose packet and end the process.
Next, let’s critically analyse the importance of dunnage in shipping.
Dunnage in Shipping: Why The Need?
Let’s be real, during transit, the packages go through tough environmental conditions in warehouse, storage, and production facilities. They are packed and shipped in trucks and other vehicles to cover large distances. Dunnage absorbs shock and is a useful tactic to protect product quality. Here’s how it helps.
1) Shock Absorption
Many sensitive and perishable items can drop, get squished, or collide leading to shock and vibration. Bubble wraps and boxes act as shock absorbers, reducing the impact of damage.
2) Moisture Protection
Whether it is international or regional transport, the product being shipped is exposed to moisture. With the right packaging and protective steps, you can ensure the goods remain moisture-free. Dunnage helps you protect sensitive items like electrical goods and other food items.
3) Damage Control
Imagine your packages slide across the truck, train, or ship, causing internal damage. Proper sealing will eliminate such unwanted incidents preserving the product quality.
Now, that you understand the importance of dunnage, let’s explore the different types used in the shipping process.
Dunnage – Deconstructing The 9 Types
The demand for shipping material to protect your goods and cargo during transportation is increasing. The positive changes in the shipping industry indicate a rising alignment for dunnage. Here are the 9 major types listed below.
1) Air Bags
Modern-day shippers use inflatable bags to secure cargo during transmission. Made from polyethene or polypropylene, they withstand extreme pressure. The airbags are placed in the gaps between the items in shipping containers, inflating to provide a tight fit that restricts movement.
It acts like a sponge adjusting to various shapes for stabilising loads and reducing the impact of collision and shifting during transit.
2) Bubble Wraps
The most commonly used dunnage material, bubble wraps are plastic films filled with air bubbles to provide cushioning and protection for fragile items. Each bubble is a shock repeller protecting goods from impact and vibration.
Delicate items like glassware, ceramics, and electronics are tightly packed with bubble wrap because the flexibility allows them to wrap around objects of different shapes and sizes. Despite the lightweight structure, it is effective against scratches, breaks, and dents during shipping or handling.
3) Corrugated Paper
Cardboard is an efficient dunnage system, made of a fluted middle layer stuffed between two flat linerboards. It protects goods like furniture, appliances, and other large items. The structure offers enhanced strength and soft cushioning absorbing impact and maintaining structural integrity.
Moreover, it can easily be cut and shaped into different products making corrugated paper a recyclable and cost-effective option.
That’s just 20% of the total iceberg. Continue reading.
4) Air Pillows
Ever heard of air pillows? They fill the gaps inside packages to keep items from sliding. They are gap fillers to fill the missing spaces in the packages.
5) Foam
Foams are sheets, rolls, or custom-made moulded shapes to fit specific items. Materials like polyurethane, polystyrene, and polyethene are used for their cushioning properties. It absorbs shock and vibrations preventing damage from rough loading and unloading.
Foam is a versatile dunnage material protecting a wide range of products like automotive parts, medical devices, and electronic items.
6) Steel and Metal Bars
Steels and metal bars are effective dunnage materials for securing heavier items like industrial machinery and equipment. They provide exceptional strength and rigidity ensuring items are secured during transit. Such metal covers are used in construction and heavy manufacturing industries to provide sufficient stability.
7) Wooden Crates and Pallets
These are sturdy wooden structures securing extra large and oddly shaped items during transportation. The pallets provide a stable base while the crates offer additional protection by enclosing items completely.
Wooden crates are customised to fit specific requirements, ensuring protection and stability for valuable items.
8) Plastics
Made from durable materials, high-density polythene is long-lasting and reusable. It is commonly used in the automotive and manufacturing industries to protect parts during shipping. The material is designed in different forms like trays, dividers, and bins to fit specific items.
Moreover, plastics are resistant to chemicals, and moisture and fit perfectly in harsher weather conditions.
9) Custom Made Dunnage
These are tailor-made solutions in the packaging station to fit specific products for enhanced protection and durability. They can be foam, wood or a combination of various materials to protect items of different sizes, shapes, and delicate features.
Now, that you know the importance of providing protection from damage, let’s move to the next section of the blog.
FAQs: Dunnage: The 9 Types and Why it’s Important?
What is the origin of the term “dunnage”?
The term is taken from nautical terminology that refers to loose materials used by sailors to prevent shifting and stabilise cargo during shipping.
Are there eco-friendly options available in the market?
Yes, many eco-friendly alternatives have emerged in the industry. For example, biodegradable materials like mushroom-based foam and recyclable paper offer robust protection and are environmentally sustainable.
Kraft paper is another great sustainable solution enhancing protection at low cost and minimal environmental damage.
Can packing materials be reused?
Absolutely, packaging items like plastics, cardboard, metal bars and other materials can be reused multiple times as they don’t have a limited shelf life. This helps reduce waste and cost in the long run.
What are international standards for wooden pallets?
Plates and crates comply with various internal and international standards like the ISPM 15 standard, requiring temperature control or fumigation to prevent the spread of diseases and pests in international shipping procedures.
Why are lightweight packages important for air freight?
Softer materials like bubble wraps, air pillows, and bags are crucial for air freight to decrease extra cost and weight while providing stability to the cargo.
Conclusion
Dunnage calculation is critical to preserve the quality of items during transportation. To ensure the product reaches the customer safely, it is important to fill the item with extra material for soft cushioning and balance. That is why, quality control in shipping management is an important need. For further logistics assistance, get in touch with Qodenext and take your supply operations to newer heights.
