Knowledge Center
Common Mistakes When Using Dunnage Air Bags
Incorrect bag placement
A common mistake is placing the bag against sharp edges, protruding nails, or damaged pallets, making it prone to puncture during inflation or transport. Sharp points should be inspected and shielded before installation.
Incorrect inflation pressure
Inflating beyond the recommended pressure can cause the bag to rupture, while under-inflating leaves it unable to keep cargo properly stable. The compressor's input pressure should never be mistaken for the bag's operating pressure.
Choosing the wrong size or level
Using a bag too small for the void reduces dunnaging effectiveness, while choosing a lower load level than actually needed can leave cargo insufficiently secured.
Skipping the pre-transport check
After inflation, the stability of the entire shipment should be rechecked before closing the container or truck doors, rather than assuming the air bags alone are enough to keep cargo secured.
Frequently Asked Questions
If a container already has load bars, is a dunnage air bag still needed?
Load bars and dunnage air bags serve different roles — load bars typically secure the container doorway area, while air bags fill voids between cargo units inside. Depending on the stow plan, both may be needed together.