Dunnage and void fill for trailers, containers and cartons
Dunnage keeps loads from shifting in a trailer or container, and void fill keeps products from moving inside a carton. We supply both, from inflatable dunnage bags to kraft paper and air pillows, delivered on one invoice.
Delivered pricing. Quotes back within two business days.
What is dunnage?
Dunnage is any material used to brace, block or cushion cargo so it does not move in transit. In a trailer or container that can mean inflatable dunnage bags, lumber blocking and bracing, or load bars. Inside a carton, the same job is called void fill.
Dunnage does not replace good palletizing and load planning. It works with them, filling the gaps that are left so loads arrive the way they left.
Dunnage bags show up wherever loads can shift: between pallet rows in a trailer, in ocean containers to stop pallets from swaying, and in railcars. Some heavy freight is blocked and braced with lumber instead.
Dunnage bags: paper or woven
Inflatable dunnage bags go into a gap between loads, then fill with air through a valve until they press against the load on both sides and hold it in place.
| Type | Fits |
|---|---|
| Kraft paper bags | Single use, lighter palletized loads, recyclable after use |
| Woven polypropylene bags | Reusable, higher pressures, heavier and rougher loads |
Measure the gap before you order. Bags are chosen by gap width and load size, and makers list the pressure and load limits for each bag.
Using dunnage bags safely
- Inflate through the right valve with a gauge, to the pressure the maker lists
- Pad sharp edges, bolts and strap buckles that could puncture the bag
- Brace only against trailer walls or opposing loads
- Check reusable bags for seam and valve wear before each use
Void fill for cartons
| Void fill | Strengths | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| Kraft paper | Good surface protection, widely recyclable, little dust | Adds more weight than air pillows |
| Air pillows | Light and fast, helps keep dimensional weight down | Usually inflated on site with a machine |
| Packing peanuts (loose fill) | Low cost per cubic foot, fills odd shapes | Messy and slower to pack by hand, and foam peanuts are hard to recycle |
Starch-based peanuts dissolve in water and can be composted where facilities accept them.
Packing peanuts in bulk
Packing peanuts come in large bags sold by the cubic foot. A hopper or overhead dispenser speeds up packing and keeps the floor cleaner. Tell us the bag size you buy now and how many bags you go through a month, and we will quote it delivered.
Lumber dunnage and blocking
For heavy freight, wood dunnage and blocking still does the job: lumber and cut blocks under and between loads. We can quote wood dunnage alongside your pallets, cut to the sizes you use.
What to send for a quote
- What you ship and how it is loaded: trailer, container or carton
- Gap sizes for dunnage bags, or carton sizes for void fill
- What you use now and how much a month
- The delivery address and your dock hours
Common questions
What is the difference between dunnage and void fill?
Dunnage braces loads inside a trailer or container. Void fill fills the empty space inside a carton. Both stop the movement that causes damage.
Are dunnage bags reusable?
Woven polypropylene bags are built to be reused. Kraft paper bags are generally single use and recyclable.
Which void fill costs the least?
Loose fill is low cost per cubic foot, but paper or air pillows can cost less per box once packing time and shipping weight are counted.
Do you sell air pillow machines?
No. We supply the fill material. Tell us the machine you run and we will quote material that fits it.
Get a delivered price
Pricing comes back within two business days, with freight in the price.
Buying several things? Send one invoice for a free cost review.