Tips & Advices

• As a rule of thumb, for bags used in a center void, or a lengthwise void, the airbag should contact 2/3 of the surface of load. (Size should not be less then 2/3’s of the height of the adjacent stacks.)
• If used on sides or horizantalwise voids, dunnage bags should be approximately the same size as the face of the load. Dunnage bags should not exceed the dimensions of the load and should not touch the floor.
• While calculating the total void, you should take the total of left void, middle void and right void.
• Don't forget: Choosing the right level and dimension of the dunnage bag depends on a variety of factors such as the type, weight and size of the commodity, the transportation mode, void size and loading practice.
• Please contact one of our customer representatives so that we can offer use the best combination that would serve you in the most cost-effective way.
• When loading single layer units, use one bag positioned horizontally. For units loaded two layers high, use two bags positioned vertically or horizontally adjacent to each other. Normally a single 48-(120 cm) by 96-in.(240 cm) bag is compatible with side-by-side unit loads measuring 48 in. (120 cm) long by 40 in. (100 cm) wide to 54 in. (137 cm) high, for example.
• The most common usage of horizontal airbags is in boxcar loads of roll paper.  They can be used to secure 45 inch (115 cm) diameter rolls in the doorway area, with unitizing straps and rubber mats between the layers to help stabilize the stacks of rolls.
• When carrying roll papers, use one airbag per layer, except when the rolls are shorter than 36 inches (90 cm).  Void size after inflation will be from 4 inch to 12 inch (10 cm to 30 cm). Horizontally applied airbags for roll paper must be equal in length to two times the roll diameter plus 6 inches (15 cm).  Or alternately, only one airbag should be installed vertically in each void.
• Never use 2 bags that are different sizes in the same lengthwise space.   If the load shifts and the airbag space gets smaller, the airbag on the top will increase in pressure faster than the lower bag and will be more prone to failure.
• Use dunnage bags to fill lengthwise voids of 4 to 18 inch (10 to 45 cm) after inflation for bales and bags. Use a minimum of two sheets of 275-lb (125 kg) double-wall fiberboard buffer material between each side of airbag and lading.

• Always use an approved inflator with pressure gauge.  Review and follow the instructions for the right use of the inflator.
• Stand to one side, not directly in front of the airbag.
• Use eye protection when filling
• Do not exceed the maximum pressures.
• While inflating and deflating, make sure to have steady footing.
• Use regulator and filter in airline.
• Inflation pressures will range from 4 to 8 psi depending on the nature of the lading.
• Check the pressure 30 minutes after inflation and re-inflate to the desired pressure if needed. (Because polywoven airbags stretch and can lose apparent pressure just by stretching.)
• Once inflated, the space filled by the airbag cannot exceed 12 inches (30 cm).
• When inflating multiple airbags in the same space, it’s best to move from bag to bag to keep the air pressure uniform in each.
• When placing dunnage bags between loads, make sure there are no sharp objects, sharp edges of pinch-points, such as where the two layers of rolls meet.
• Protect against puncture by the use of adequate buffering materials between bags and product.
• Install bags so that their bottoms will be a minimum of 1 inch ( 2.5 cm) above the floor after inflation.  If needed, apply protective material, like cardboard, between the bag and floor.
• The bag should make contact with at least 50% of the top-most layer to maintain its’ position.
• When loading single layer units, use one bag positioned horizontally.  We generally recommend 2 bag applications, but in some cases where loads have small profiles, like brick, it may be necessary to use a single airbag.
• Use hold-down methods when necessary to prevent bag displacement from the void area.  A common hold down method is to fold a sheet of corrugated cardboard and install in over the dunnage bag on either side before inflating.  Once inflated, the cardboard sheet will be held in place by the dunnage bag.
• Do not use bags in tandem (back-to-back) in the same lengthwise row or void.
• The roll stacks should be of similar height on each side of the dunnage bags.
• NEVER use airbags to fill lengthwise space in an intermodal load:  NOT between the front end wall and the 1st stack; NOT between stacks; and especially, NOT between the last stack and the doors or the trailer or container.
• Do not stab an airbag to deflate; just use the spring dial on the valve.

• Using buffered materials to protect the dunnage bag from sharp objects on both sides of the bag, guarantees a safer travel and protection for the cargo. Corrugated void fillers, honeycomb shields and contour pads can be used for this purpose and also help to stabilize the dunnage bag between the rolls.
• Use buffer material equal or slightly larger in size than face of lading.
• Have lading adjacent to bag(s) nearly equal in height on each side of bag.
• It is very important to make sure the dunnage bags squarely centered on the buffering materails/contour pads to prevent displacement.
• Using dunnage bags does not eliminate the need for doorway protection. Do not forget to secure the doorway for potential accidents.

It is a recommended practice to check the condition/air pressure of the dunnage bag 30 minutes after inflation to ensure that it’s not leaking.

When using dunnage bags to control lengthwise movement of palletized cased goods in intermodal service, a minimum of 2 to 3 feet ( 60 cm to 90 cm) of space is needed between the last pallet and the trailer/container doors. Dunnage bags apply pressure to the palletized freight, pushing it against the sidewalls, and limit movement as a result of this increased friction between the trailer sidewalls and the pallets.

Although space wise, that might seem to be appropriate, it is recommended to use at least two bags whenever possible as there might be so many different forces that can be generated during transit.

• Reusable dunnage bags intended for use only in filling crosswise (lateral) voids must be prominently marked by the manufacturer to indicate proper application. Never use bags marked for this application to fill lengthwise voids.
• Dunnage bags should be stored in a dry, clean, non-dusty warehouse environment, ideally in the original boxes they were shipped from the manufacturer.