Dunnage: What It Is and How to Secure a Load With It
Dunnage is the material used to brace, separate and protect cargo in transit - airbags, timber, mats and corner boards. What counts as dunnage and how to use it.
Dunnage is the cheap, often disposable material you put around, under and between cargo to stop it shifting, rubbing or crushing in transit. It is not the product's own packaging and not the load-securing straps - it is the filler and bracing that turns a loosely loaded trailer into a stable one.
Common types of dunnage
| Type | What it does |
|---|---|
| Inflatable airbags | Fill the gaps between pallets so nothing slides |
| Timber bearers / blocks | Raise, level and brace heavy or uneven items |
| Foam and corner boards | Protect edges and surfaces from rubbing |
| Anti-slip mats | Stop pallets sliding on the trailer floor |
| Cardboard / honeycomb sheets | Separate layers and spread point loads |
Why dunnage matters
Under CMR rules the carrier is liable for damage in transit, but a load that was badly stowed by the shipper shifts the argument fast. Good dunnage prevents the in-transit damage that causes claims, and it keeps the axle loads where you planned them. Spend a few euros on airbags and mats and you avoid both rejected deliveries and disputes.
FAQ
Is dunnage the same as packaging?
No. Packaging protects the individual product; dunnage stabilises the whole load inside the vehicle or container. A boxed machine still needs dunnage around it so the box does not move.
Who pays for dunnage?
Usually the party who loads the goods. On EXW or FCA terms that is often the shipper; the cost is small and almost always cheaper than a damage claim.
Is dunnage reusable?
Some is - airbags and timber bearers can be reused several times; foam, corner boards and honeycomb are usually single-use. Many shippers standardise on reusable airbags to cut both cost and waste.
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