Dunnage Airbag Size Guide: How to Measure and Fill Cargo Voids Correctly

Selecting a Dunnage Airbag involves more than choosing a product that appears to fit between two cargo units. Void dimensions, cargo weight, packaging strength, transportation mode, and contact surface all influence performance.

A correctly selected Dunnage Airbag helps control shifting, leaning, and product-to-product impact. An unsuitable size may fail to fill the space effectively or distribute pressure across a sufficient surface. This is why a practical Dunnage Airbag size guide is essential for professional load securement.

Why Dunnage Airbag Size Matters

Dunnage Airbags stabilize cargo by filling empty spaces and applying controlled pressure between load surfaces. A product that is too small may expand excessively without providing enough support. A product that is too large may sit incorrectly or create uneven pressure.

The objective is not simply to fill the largest possible area. The goal is to create stable contact across suitable cargo surfaces while keeping the Dunnage Airbag within its recommended working range.

How to Measure the Cargo Void

Measurements should be taken after the cargo has been placed in its final loading position.

Measure the Width

Measure the horizontal distance between the two surfaces where the Dunnage Airbag will be positioned. Check whether the void remains consistent from top to bottom, as pallets, boxes, drums, or industrial components may create irregular spaces.

Check the Height and Contact Area

The Dunnage Airbag should provide enough contact with stable cargo surfaces. A product that extends above the load may leave part of its surface unsupported, while one that is too short may not control movement effectively.

The contact area should also be free from exposed nails, sharp corners, damaged pallets, and weak packaging. Protective materials may be required when surfaces are rough or abrasive.

Consider Cargo Weight and Transportation Mode

A reliable Dunnage Airbag size guide must consider product strength as well as dimensions. Heavy cargo such as paper rolls, lumber, machinery parts, or coiled metal may require higher-performance Dunnage Airbags and additional solutions such as ID Strapping, blocking, or anti-slip materials.

Transportation mode also matters. Trucks expose cargo to braking and cornering forces, rail shipments create strong longitudinal movement and vibration, and ocean freight involves repeated multidirectional motion.

Dunnage Airbags are not suitable for air cargo transportation due to pressure changes at high altitudes.

Avoid Common Selection Mistakes

Common mistakes include estimating instead of measuring, choosing only by cargo height, placing the product against unstable surfaces, selecting the wrong strength level, and inflating before the cargo reaches its final position.

International Dunnage supports customers with load audits, loading diagram optimization, and product selection guidance. This technical approach helps determine the correct Dunnage Airbag dimensions, strength level, placement, and inflation method for each shipment.

Contact International Dunnage for a load-specific assessment and a professional Dunnage Airbag recommendation.

Company: International Dunnage
Website: https://www.internationaldunnage.com/
Address: 2217 Rowland Ave. Thunderbolt, GA 31404
Telephone: +1 912 355 88 84
E-mail: sales@internationaldunnage.net