Dunnage bag

Dunnage bags, also known as airbags, and inflatable bags, are used to secure and stabilize cargo.

Stabilizing capabilities in container
Application in container
Application in container

Introduced around 1970, dunnage bags provide convenient and cost-effective cargo stabilization in ISO sea containers, closed railcars, trucks, and oceangoing vessels. As improperly secured cargo is a safety hazard, dunnage bags improve road safety. According to the European Commission's Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport, "up to 25% of accidents involving trucks can be attributable to inadequate cargo securing".[1]

Usage

Dunnage airbags consist of closed chambers made from an elastic film filled with air. When at rest, only the static load generated by the weight of the package contents bears upon the cushioning. When dynamic loads occur, these are absorbed by compression of the cushion.[2]

The quantity of inflation air may be varied in accordance with the particular properties and requirements of the package contents. Dunnage bags are commercially available in various sizes and designs, ranging from spheres, standard cushions to corner and edge cushioning and tubular cushioning. Dunnage bags can be used to stabilize, secure, and protect cargo during all sorts of transportation. Dunnage bags are placed in the void between the cargo. Dunnage bags can be used in all modes of transportation. Besides being usable in all modes of transportation, almost every type of cargo can be secured with the use of dunnage bags, including break bulk and palletized cargo, coils, barrels, cases, and crates.

Dunnage bags are very safe to use for both the shipping and receiving end of transportation, and are waterproof. They inflate rapidly with compressed air, and are easy to install; compressed air is often available through an outlet in the truck's compressed air system.[3]

Important in the use of dunnage bags is that the size of the bag is determined by the void. If this does not match, the bags will not do their work properly with potential large damage to cargo and people. For air cushions it is important to avoid damage as a result of wear and tear. Air cushions should never be used as fillers against doors or any non-rigid surfaces or partitions.[3]

Environmental impact

Some bags can be reused, and are ultimately recyclable. To reuse the dunnage bag it needs to be undamaged and equipped with a screw-on quick fill valve. For single use, the bag is equipped with a quick-fill one-way safety valve. Inflatable air cushions are available both as disposable items and as recyclable products.[3]

Types

Paper dunnage bags (kraft)

Paper dunnage bags are made out of two components, an inner component that consists of a polyethylene inner bag, the outer component is a paper bag. The outer bag is made of the highest quality, light weight kraft paper of high tensile strength. Paper dunnage bags come in different strengths and varieties and can be made in any special size. The inner component provides optimum pressure and the outer component provides optimum strength. For use in the chemical industry paper dunnage bags can be polycoated. A polycoat will make the dunnage bag resistant to specific chemicals.

Woven polypropylene bags

Woven Polypropylene bags are extremely durable and can be used in dry and wet conditions. These bags are best for extreme heavy loads. Poly woven airbags have greater elasticity than Kraft paper dunnage airbags for more surface contact with the pallets. Poly woven airbags woven material provides greater tear strength, and superior moisture resistance than most other dunnage bag materials. Poly woven airbags typically have greater reuse opportunities, due to the durability of the woven material, and are recyclable.

Polypropylene paper laminated bags

The paper used on the outside of the bag is laminated on the inside with a woven polypropylene layer, which allows higher resistance to punctures and moisture.

Disadvantages

Dunnage bags are susceptible to pointed and sharp articles such as nails.[3]

See also

References
  1. "European Commission Transport". Road Safety: Best Practice Guidelines on Cargo Securing and Abnormal Transport. April 9, 2009. Archived from the original on October 9, 2009. Retrieved November 16, 2009.
  2. US 4591519 A, Liebel, "Cargo air bag", published 1986
  3. "Transport Information Service". A page discussing cushioning/shock-absorbing elements. 2002–2009. Retrieved November 16, 2009.
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