{"id":267,"date":"2019-11-15T16:46:04","date_gmt":"2019-11-15T16:46:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/blog\/what-is-dunnage\/"},"modified":"2026-03-17T13:52:42","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T13:52:42","slug":"what-is-dunnage","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/blog\/what-is-dunnage\/","title":{"rendered":"Dunnage: Definition, The 9 Types, and Why It\u2019s Important"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Table of Contents<\/p>

** Minutes<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n

What is dunnage?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why shippers use dunnage<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 9 types of dunnage<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let ShipBob pack and ship for you!<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

While dunnage isn\u2019t a typical vocabulary word of the average consumer, it\u2019s a commonplace term for shippers. Used to describe packaging components like bubble wrap, kraft paper, crinkle paper, plastic bracing, fillers, planks, blocks, and boards, dunnage helps secure and support packages throughout the <\/span>shipping and handling<\/span><\/a> process. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve ever picked and packed<\/a> an order, you probably used dunnage to help protect the products in some way. The more fragile an item, the more dunnage it needs. For example, if you shipped a glass vase, you probably used bubble wrap to fill in the gaps in the box so the case wouldn\u2019t shift around. Alternatively, if you shipped a pillow, you don\u2019t need any dunnage given the low risk of damage while in transit.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is dunnage?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dunnage is the durable padding material used to protect goods during shipping. Dunnage can be anything from bubble wrap and packing peanuts, to industrial solid plastics that provide cushioning so items stay put.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, dunnage will do its job best when accompanied by the appropriate box or poly bag<\/a>. Shippers shouldn\u2019t place a small item in a large box and fill it with dunnage, nor should they put a fragile item in a bubble mailer and call it a day.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why shippers use dunnage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During transit, your packages may go through tough environmental conditions while in sorting facilities, trucks, ships and other vehicles. Dunnage is useful because it prevents items from moving and helps to absorb shock. Here are the three main benefits of using dunnage:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Damage protection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dunnage protects packages when they are sliding across a truck, ship, or train. Proper dunnage can be incredibly cheap, but it protects valuable, fragile, and loose items. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Moisture protection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Depending on where products are being shipped, moisture can harm the products. With the right dunnage, you can protect valuable equipment like electronics from moisture when shipping. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Shock absorption<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Products being shipped can slide around, drop, get squished, or be subject to collision, which can lead to shock and vibration. Dunnage is always put in place to act as a shock absorber to prevent damage. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 9 types of dunnage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are many types of dunnage materials available. Depending on the type of products you sell, you can use a lightweight material like bubble wrap to protect smaller items, while using steel to protect expensive and heavy items<\/a>. Here are common dunnage materials used for shipping packages:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Solid plastics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This kind of dunnage is used mostly in industrial, high-value shipping. Solid plastics are more expensive than other dunnage types but are worth the cost for high-value products that need protection.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Bubble wrap<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bubble wrap is one of the most common ways of shipping glass and other fragile products<\/a>. It can be reused again and again as long as the bubbles don\u2019t pop.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Wood<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Wood can be used to create barriers between items, usually used for strong and heavy goods. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Air pillows<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Air pillows can be deployed inside packages in order to keep items from sliding. These are often used as a gap filler to fill in missing space.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Kraft paper<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Kraft paper is recycled paper usually crinkled and stuffed in a package. It\u2019s one of the most common dunnage types because it\u2019s:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n