Dunnage bags in practice: how to secure cargo effectively during transport?

20 lutego 2026 r.

Damage to goods during transport is the bane of every logistics professional. Sudden braking, sharp turns, or a ship’s heel can cause even the best palletized load to shift, leading to costly losses. The solution that has revolutionized transport safety is dunnage bags. Learn how to use them correctly to eliminate the risk of claims.

In a modern supply chain, it’s not only time that matters, but above all the intact condition of delivered products. Traditional methods such as timber structures or straps can be time-consuming and do not always guarantee full stabilization. Dunnage bags are a simple yet the most effective method for securing goods inside a trailer or container.

What are dunnage bags and how do they work?

Dunnage bags are pneumatic protective cushions used to fill empty spaces between pallets or cargo and the container walls. Their main task is to block cargo movement and absorb shocks during road, sea, or rail transport.

The working mechanism is extremely simple: the bag is placed in the gap between loads and then inflated with compressed air. The cushion adapts to the shape of the void, applying controlled pressure to the pallets, immobilizing them and creating a unified structure resistant to overloads.

Construction of professional Bublaki bags:

Inner layer: Made of multi-layer co-extruded PA+PE film with a special formula.
Outer layer: Durable packaging paper laminated on PE fabric, basis weight 70g/m2.
Valve: A special system for fast air inflation and deflation.

Why use dunnage bags?

Why are logistics leaders abandoning classic solutions in favor of air cushions? Here are the main reasons:

Maximum safety: They effectively absorb forces acting on cargo during sudden maneuvers, preventing the domino effect.
Ultra-fast loading: Inflating a bag takes just a few seconds, significantly reducing the time needed to prepare transport.
Cost reduction: Fewer damages mean fewer claims and returns. What’s more, many models are reusable.
Low weight and easy storage: Before inflation, bags take up minimal warehouse space compared to beams or wooden pallets.

How to choose the right dunnage bag?

Choosing the right bag is key to effective stabilization. Before purchasing, consider three parameters:

Gap width: The bag should be selected so that, once inflated, it fills the gap and contacts the load with the largest possible surface. As a rule, the gap width should not exceed 1/3 of the bag width (e.g., for a 30 cm gap, we need a bag at least 90 cm wide).
Cargo weight: For light goods, lower-strength bags are sufficient, while heavy machinery or raw materials require reinforced bags with higher pressure resistance.
Cargo height: The bag should not extend above the pallet or touch the floor to avoid abrasion.

Bublaki Quick Connect bags are available in a wide range of sizes, making it easy to match different loading configurations. In the Bublaki range you’ll find three strength levels: Level 0, Level 1 and Level 2—selected precisely for cargo mass, transport type (road, sea, rail) and the size of the gap. The higher the level, the greater the resistance to intensive operating conditions and extreme overloads.

Step-by-step instructions: Correct use of a dunnage bag

For the bag to do its job, follow proper installation rules:

Step 1: Positioning. Place the empty bag in the gap. Make sure it is at least 5-10 cm above the floor to prevent rubbing during the journey.
Step 2: Valve preparation. Unscrew the valve cap and make sure the system is ready to connect the inflator gun.
Step 3: Inflation. Use a dedicated inflation gun. Inflate until the bag is firm and the load is clearly immobilized. Note: Do not exceed the maximum working pressure stated on the bag’s label.
Step 4: Securing. After inflation, tighten the valve (if the model requires it) and check that the bag is not resting against sharp edges of the cargo or pallet.

Dunnage bag size chart – find the perfect protection for your transport

x	Width (cm)< /th>
Height	50	60	70	80	90	100	110	120	130	140	150	160	170	180	190	200	210	220	230	240
50	BDB-0505			BDB-0508		BDB-0510
60					BDB-0609			BDB-0612			BDB-0615
70
80						BDB-0810		BDB-0812				BDB-0816		BDB-0818
90								BDB-0912			BDB-0915			BDB-0918			BDB-0921
100								BDB-1012		BDB-1014		BDB-1016				BDB-1020
110
120								BDB-1212			BDB-1215			BDB-1218		BDB-1220				BDB-1224

FAQ: Most common questions about dunnage bags and cargo securing

1. How do I choose the size of a dunnage bag for the load?

Size selection depends on the size of the gap (void) and the height of the load. The bag should cover at least 60-80% of the pallet height. As for width, it must be larger than the gap itself—it is assumed that a safe gap should not exceed 1/3 of the width of the inflated bag (e.g., for a 30 cm gap choose a bag at least 90 cm wide).

2. Are dunnage bags reusable?

Yes, most Bublaki models are reusable products. They are equipped with durable valves that allow repeated inflation and deflation. The condition for reuse is no mechanical damage to the outer cover (cuts or abrasions).

3. What are dunnage bags made of, and are they puncture-resistant?

Bublaki bags have a two-layer construction. The inner “balloon” is made of airtight LDPE film, while the outer layer is durable woven polypropylene (PP). This structure provides high resistance to punctures, abrasion, and the effects of moisture and varying temperatures.

4. What is the maximum inflation pressure for bags in transport?

Safe working pressure depends on the bag’s class (level). In road transport, a pressure of about 0,2 bar (2.9 PSI) is typically used. Always check the value stated on the label of the specific model—too low pressure will not hold the load, and too high pressure may cause the bag to burst.

5. What do you use to inflate dunnage bags?

You need a compressor and a dedicated dunnage bag inflator gun. These guns have special tips matched to high-flow valves, allowing very fast inflation of the cushion and precise pressure control.

6. What are the most effective methods for blocking cargo in a sea container?

In sea transport, where large lateral overloads occur, the most effective method is combining dunnage bags with lashing straps. The bags fill empty spaces, eliminating so-called stowage slack that cannot be removed with straps alone. This solution is much faster and cheaper than using timber blocking structures.

7. How do you fill empty spaces in oversized transport?

For large, irregular gaps between the cargo and the vehicle walls, the best solution is dunnage bags with a width of 90 cm or 120 cm. They allow you to “close” space that would be uneconomical and ineffective—when it comes to stabilizing heavy items—to fill with foam or film.