DUNNAGE BAGS FOR CARGO SECURING

Effective Load Stabilisation for Containers, Trucks & Rail Transport

What Are Dunnage Bags?

Dunnage bags are inflatable load stabilisation devices used to secure cargo inside containers, trucks, railcars, and other transport units. Positioned in the voids between cargo items, dunnage bags prevent movement by exerting controlled pressure against loads, helping to stabilise cargo during transport.

Across South Africa, dunnage bags are widely used by exporters, manufacturers, and logistics operators moving cargo through major port cities such as Durban, Richards Bay, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Ngqura, and Cape Town, as well as along inland transport routes connecting industrial centres in Gauteng.

At DunLash, dunnage bags form a critical part of our cargo securing and load protection solutions, particularly where cargo is exposed to long transport distances, vibration, and repeated handling.

In addition to our Dunnage bags products, we offer a full range of lashing systems and components to meet all your shipping needs:

• Lashing edge protectors
• Lashing accessories
• Lashing buckles
• Lashing tensioners
• Polyester Cargo Lashing
• Composite Polyester Strapping

Why Dunnage Bags Are Used in Cargo Transport

Cargo transported by road, rail, or sea is exposed to constant forces that can cause loads to shift, tip, or collapse. Even small gaps between cargo items can lead to significant movement during transit.

Dunnage bags are used to:

• Prevent lateral and longitudinal cargo movement
• Stabilise loads inside containers and trucks
• Reduce impact between cargo items
• Protect container walls from damage
• Improve overall load security

By filling void spaces, dunnage bags help ensure cargo remains in its intended position throughout the journey.

Applications of Dunnage Bags

Dunnage bags are suitable for a wide range of cargo types and transport scenarios.

1. Containerised Cargo

Inside shipping containers, dunnage bags are used to stabilise:

• Palletised goods
• Cartons and boxed cargo
• Drums and barrels
• Mixed container loads

They are especially important for containers moving through South African ports where cargo may experience multiple lifts, stacking, and vessel movements.

2. Break-Bulk and Project Cargo

For break-bulk cargo and irregular loads, dunnage bags help:

• Prevent shifting during loading and discharge
• Reduce damage caused by load movement
• Support safe transport of oversized or heavy items

They are commonly used alongside lashing systems for added stability.

3. Road and Rail Transport

On long-distance road and rail routes, particularly those connecting Gauteng with coastal ports, dunnage bags help absorb vibration and prevent cargo from moving during braking, cornering, and uneven road conditions.

Types of Dunnage Bags Supplied

Dunnage bags are available in different materials and sizes to suit various cargo securing requirements.

Woven Dunnage Bags

• High strength and durability
• Suitable for heavy cargo
• Reusable in certain applications

Paper Dunnage Bags

• Lightweight and cost-effective
• Suitable for one-way shipments
• Ideal for containerised cargo

DunLash assists customers in selecting the appropriate dunnage bag type based on cargo weight, transport conditions, and journey length.

Benefits of Using Dunnage Bags

Using dunnage bags as part of a cargo securing system offers several benefits:

• Reduced cargo movement and damage
• Improved load stability
• Faster loading and unloading
• Protection of cargo surfaces
• Enhanced safety during transport

These benefits make dunnage bags an essential component of modern cargo securing solutions.

Use Across South African Ports and Logistics Networks

Dunnage bags are commonly used for cargo moving through:

• Durban Harbour
• Richards Bay
• Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
• Ngqura
• Cape Town

They are also widely used on inland transport routes connecting manufacturing and distribution hubs across Gauteng and surrounding provinces.

Integration With Other Cargo Securing Products

Dunnage bags are most effective when used as part of a complete load securing solution, often combined with:

• Polyester cargo lashing systems
• Composite polyester strapping
• Anti-slip mats
• Edge protectors

This integrated approach helps ensure cargo is both restrained and cushioned against movement.

Why Choose DunLash for Dunnage Bags

DunLash supplies dunnage bags to customers throughout South Africa, supporting a wide range of industries and transport applications.

We provide:

• Practical guidance on dunnage selection
• Solutions tailored to cargo type and route
• Support for container, road, and rail transport

Our focus is on helping customers achieve reliable cargo stabilisation under real-world transport conditions.

Tailored dunnage bag solutions

Various types of dunnage bags can be used to stabilize cargo depending on the type of load and transport.

In general, there are two types of dunnage bags:

• Paper dunnage bags
• Polywoven dunnage bags

Polywoven dunnage bags have a higher resistance to moisture. Paper dunnage bags have a higher puncture resistance. Both types maintain their strength during an entire trip.

Dunnage bags provide numerous benefits to cargo securing, which include quicker and easier securing in containers, railcars and ships as well as ease of use.

Ease of cargo securing

Fast inflation

The Digital Fast Inflator needs only 14 seconds to fully inflate a 90x120cm woven dunnage with air, which saves time when securing a container.

Five levels of Dunnage Bags

Dunnage bags are available in five performance levels which have been established by the AAR (Association of American Railroads):

• Level one and two are used to secure light and medium cargo in containers.
• Levels three, four and five are used to secure particularly heavy cargo like paper coils

We can provide all five levels of dunnage bags and our cargo securing experts can advise you on the correct level of dunnage bag for your type of cargo.

Dunnage Bags in Real-World Transport Conditions FAQs

Why are dunnage bags important for containerised cargo?

Dunnage bags fill empty spaces between cargo items inside containers, preventing movement during transport. This reduces the risk of load shifting, cargo damage, and impact against container walls.

What types of cargo benefit most from dunnage bags?

Dunnage bags are commonly used for palletised goods, cartons, drums, mixed container loads, and break-bulk cargo where void spaces are present.

Can dunnage bags be used with lashing systems?

Yes. Dunnage bags are often used alongside lashing systems to provide both restraint and cushioning, improving overall load stability.

Are dunnage bags suitable for long-distance transport?

Dunnage bags are well suited for long-distance road, rail, and sea transport, where cargo is exposed to vibration, braking, and handling over extended periods.

How do I choose the right dunnage bag?

The correct dunnage bag depends on cargo weight, void size, transport mode, and journey duration. DunLash assists customers in selecting suitable bag types and sizes.

Where are dunnage bags commonly used in South Africa?

Dunnage bags are widely used across South Africa, including major port cities such as Durban, Richards Bay, Gqeberha, Ngqura, and Cape Town, as well as inland logistics routes.

Do dunnage bags help reduce cargo damage claims?

Yes. By stabilising cargo and preventing movement, dunnage bags help reduce damage, delays, and insurance claims associated with shifting loads.

Effective Cargo Stabilisation With Dunnage Bags

Dunnage bags provide a simple yet highly effective solution for stabilising cargo during transport. By preventing movement and absorbing impact, they play a vital role in protecting goods across containers, trucks, and rail transport.

DunLash supplies dunnage bags designed to support safe and efficient cargo movement across South Africa’s logistics and export networks.

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