Dunnage bags, bulk bags and important considerations

Dunnage bags also known as airbags, inflatable bags, or air cushions, are a type of packaging material used to secure and stabilize cargo in transportation. They are designed to fill the voids or empty spaces between goods in shipping containers, trucks, or railcars. The primary purpose of dunnage bags is to prevent the movement of cargo during transit, reducing the risk of damage caused by shifting or impact.

Bulk bags, also known as Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBCs) or tote bags, are large, flexible containers commonly used for the transportation and storage of bulk materials. These bags are designed to handle a wide variety of dry, flowable products and are particularly useful in industries where goods are transported and stored in large quantities.

Dunnage Bags:

Features:

1. Material:
   • Dunnage bags are typically made from layers of plastic (polyethylene) or a combination of plastic and kraft paper.
   • Some are reinforced with additional materials for extra strength.
2. Valve:
   • They have an inflation valve for easy and quick inflation/deflation.
   • The valve is often designed to prevent air leakage once inflated.
3. Sizes:
   • Available in various sizes to accommodate different void spaces in shipping containers.
   • Dunnage bags can be square, rectangular, or cylindrical in shape.
4. Load Securement:
   • Designed to fill the voids between cargo to prevent movement during transportation.
   • Offers stability and protection to prevent damage to goods.
5. Reusable:
   • Many dunnage bags are reusable, providing cost-effectiveness over time.

Considerations for Selection:

1. Size and Type:
   • Choose the appropriate size and type of dunnage bag based on the void space in your shipping container.
2. Load Weight:
   • Consider the weight of the cargo to ensure the dunnage bag can withstand the load.
3. Material Strength:
   • Evaluate the material strength to match the specific needs of your cargo.
4. Inflation/Deflation:
   • Look for a dunnage bag with a reliable valve system for efficient inflation and deflation.
5. Reusable vs. Disposable:
   • Decide whether you need reusable bags for long-term use or disposable ones for one-time shipments.

Bulk Bags (FIBC – Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers):

Features:

1. Material:
   • Made from woven polypropylene, a durable and strong material.
   • Can be coated or uncoated, depending on the required level of protection.
2. Design:
   • Typically designed in a cubic or rectangular shape with lifting loops for easy handling.
3. Capacity:
   • Available in various capacities, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand pounds.
4. Filling and Discharge Options:
   • Have different options for filling (top, bottom, or both) and discharge (spout, chute, or bottom).
5. Reusability:
   • Many bulk bags are reusable and can withstand multiple uses.

Considerations for Selection:

1. Weight Capacity:
   • Ensure the bulk bag has the capacity to handle the weight of the material being transported.
2. Filling and Discharge Requirements:
   • Choose the appropriate filling and discharge options based on the handling equipment and processes.
3. Coating:
   • Consider whether a coated or uncoated bag is needed based on the material being transported and the required level of protection.
4. Construction:
   • Evaluate the stitching and construction quality for durability.
5. Storage Space:
   • Consider the space available for storage when the bags are not in use, as bulk bags can be folded and stored efficiently.

Both dunnage bags and bulk bags play crucial roles in securing and transporting goods, and their selection should be based on the specific requirements of the cargo and transportation method.