Whether you’re shipping your products across town or across the globe, the number one priority for any company is for its products to arrive safely. Companies lose millions every year because of poor shipping strategies that lead to reorders, additional manufacturing costs, and damaged reputations.

Creating shipping solutions takes a team. At Sunrise Manufacturing, we want to be part of that team. Discover how to find the right dunnage for shipping products safely with this helpful guide.

Match Dunnage Solutions with Cargo

There are numerous types of dunnage for shipping to create a strategic solution that’s both safe and practical. Sunrise Manufacturing produces several different types of dunnage solutions that work best for certain product applications.

Here are a few different types of dunnage solutions and the cargo they work best with.

Void Fillers

There are two main types of void filler solutions. The first are void filler panels, which are designed to keep shipments secure and prevent load shifting during transportation via boxcars, ocean, and on the road. Preventing excess movement during transit results in less product damage and safer loading and unloading.

The second are collapsible void filler panels. Collapsible void filler panels are available in a variety of sizes, widths, and drops to prevent lateral load shift.

These two examples of dunnage are best used for cargo that is loose, irregularly shaped, or has a high chance of shifting during transit. Void fillers keep products securely in place as they fill empty space and prevent movement during transit.

Corrugated Packing

Corrugated packing comes in numerous styles and options, all built to your specifications when you partner with Sunrise Manufacturing. Some of our most popular products include our die cut boxes, one piece folders, roll-end trays, and corrugated trays.

These products can hold multiple types of different freight including: picture frames, artwork, books, canned and bottled products, bakery items, tech products, and cosmetics, to name a few.

Interior Packaging

This is a popular selection for glass products, including bottles, vases, and jars.

Dunnage Airbags

These inflatable bags are used for filling voids, securing and protecting goods, and absorbing potential impact. Dunnage air bags, made from either polywoven or kraft paper, are cost-effective, easy to install, and recyclable.

Airbags can be used to secure many of the same products that void fillers can, but the key difference is that airbags are much more customizable and adjustable, and can fit in the smallest of gaps.

Know Shipping Modality to Create the Best Dunnage Solution

While most dunnage for shipping can be used across different modalities, understanding which dunnage options work best for each form of transportation will enhance your strategy.

Rail

Shipping by rail is one of the best ways to send your freight long distances on time. Making sure you have the right dunnage solutions is critical, however. Options such as void fillers and corrugated materials are best suited for rail shipping as they provide a sturdy and secure solution.

Over the Road

Over 70% of all shipping in the United States is done via over-the-road. Whether it’s through semi-trucks or other means of transportation, if your freight is going to hit the road, you need it to be secured.

Creating dunnage solutions for over-the-road shipping requires some of the most efficient pieces of equipment around. Void fillers of all kinds — including air bags — are a reliable and cost-effective way to protect your products during transit.

Ocean

Ocean shipping is one of the most commonly used forms of transportation for vendors and businesses around the world. But, it’s also one of the most unpredictable ways to transport your products, given ocean conditions, weather, and potential delays.

That’s why dunnage solutions need to be as secure and strategic as possible. Once again, void fillers and corrugated materials such as pallets are an extremely effective way to create a safe shipping solution. You may also consider additional products, such as rubber friction matting. Sunrise’s ZRO-SHIFT® rubber friction matting braces securement systems and secures pallets during transit.

Combine Dunnage Products for Safer Shipping

The best way to improve safety and protection for your freight is by combining dunnage products for shipping. Creating a full dunnage solution means utilizing multiple different products that work together to offer maximum protection.

A prime example of combining dunnage for shipping would be to utilize corrugated packaging with a void filler product.

Contact Sunrise Manufacturing for All Your Dunnage for Shipping Needs

Sunrise Manufacturing knows how difficult it can be to find the right way to protect your cargo during shipping — and the headaches that come with it if it’s done improperly. Utilizing dunnage for shipping is a strategic approach to safely transporting your products.

How to Find the Right Dunnage for Shipping Products Safely