Dunnage Meaning: Protecting Loads in Transit

Dunnage is the padding, blocking, or filler you add around items so they don’t shift, rub, or crack while being moved. It’s a simple way to keep products snug when there’s extra space in a box or on a truck.

When is dunnage used?

Use it any time your load has “wiggle room”: mixed-size cartons, fragile products, or gaps that could let things slide during turns and bumps. Good filler absorbs vibration, keeps corners from getting crushed, and helps stop items from knocking into each other.

It’s not a substitute for smart stacking or tie-downs. If something is heavy, tall, or top-heavy, you still need proper straps, bars, or other securement. Think of it as the extra protection that handles the small movements you can’t fully prevent.

Dunnage and Transportify

Transportify helps you book the right vehicle size for your move, so you’re not forced to use a space that’s way bigger than your load. Before pick-up, you can prep boxes with padding and separators, then load them neatly so they stay stable from start to finish. If you’re moving fragile or high-value products, add clear handling notes and consider extra hands for safer loading and unloading.

Related Terms

Palletization

Containerization

Bill of Lading

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Noel Abelardo
Deputy Country Director