Freight Glossary
Dunnage – Meaning & Examples
Packing material used to protect cargo and fill empty spaces in transport.
- Related terms
- packing material, void fill, cargo protection
Dunnage is any material used to protect cargo during transport. This includes wood, air bags, foam, paper, and plastic materials placed around, under, or between cargo. Dunnage serves multiple purposes: filling void spaces to prevent cargo shift, protecting against impact and vibration, separating incompatible items, and keeping cargo off the floor. Proper dunnage is essential for damage prevention, especially in container shipping where cargo experiences significant movement.
Dunnage examples
- Air bags are placed between pallets to prevent shifting during ocean transit.
How Dunnage is used in freight operations
Dunnage appears in quotations, bookings, shipping documents, and tracking updates. Confirm how it applies to your shipment with your carrier, forwarder, or customs representative, because practice can differ by country and contract.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Dunnage?
Packing material used to protect cargo and fill empty spaces in transport.
What is an example of Dunnage?
Air bags are placed between pallets to prevent shifting during ocean transit.