Dunnage: What It Is and How to Secure a Load With 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.