Dunnage Bags, also known as airbags, were introduced some 40 years ago as a convenient, fast and cost effective alternative to secure and stabilize cargo in ISO sea-containers, closed railcars, trucks and (ocean going-) vessels. The use of dunnage bags can have a positive impact on road safety. According to the European Commission Transportation Department "it has been estimated that up to 25% of accidents involving trucks can be attributable to inadequate cargo securing".[1] Besides the possibility of causing severe accidents, improperly secured cargo can also lead to loss of cargo, loss of lives, loss of vehicles, ships, and airplanes and can be a hazard for the environment.
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Dunnage bags consist of closed chambers made from an elastic film and 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. 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 cargos. Dunnage bags can be used in all modes of transportation, whether on the road, railway, ocean or in the air. 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 easy to work with. They inflate rapidly with the use of an inflator using compressed air. Dunnage bags are very safe to use for both the shipping and receiving end of the transportation. Dunnage bags are waterproof. The cushions are easy to install and are inflated by compressed air often by means of an outlet in the truck’s compressed air system.[2]
Extremely 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 dunnage 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.[2]
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.[2]
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 for specific chemicals.
Woven Polypropylene bags are extremely durable and can be used in dry and wet conditions. These bags are best for extreme heavy loads.
The paper used on the outside of the bag is laminated on the inside with a woven polypropylene layer. This creates a much higher resistance against punctures, moisture etc.
Dunnage bags are susceptible to pointed and sharp articles, such as nails.[2]