Dunnage refers to various materials used during transportation and warehousing to support, secure, separate, or protect cargo from shifting, collision, moisture, or damage. Common materials include wood, plastic, cardboard, foam, and air bags. It is used in sea, air, and land transport as well as container stuffing, and is essential for large, fragile, or precision goods. Notes: 1. It must comply with the importing country's phytosanitary requirements (e.g., wooden dunnage must be fumigated and bear the IPPC mark), otherwise it may be returned or destroyed; 2. Dunnage materials must not react chemically with or contaminate the cargo; 3. It should be reasonably designed to avoid excessive use increasing costs or affecting loading/unloading efficiency. Difference from 'Packaging': packaging is the container that directly contacts the product and is sold to the end user, while dunnage is auxiliary support material used during transport and is usually not sold to consumers with the goods. Compared with 'Padding', dunnage emphasizes structural support and securing.
📝 Examples
1. We used air bags and wooden blocks as dunnage inside the container to ensure the precision instruments would not shift during ocean shipment. (Note: Demonstrates the practical application of dunnage in preventing cargo movement.)
2. Please confirm that all wooden dunnage has been fumigated and bears the IPPC mark; otherwise customs clearance at the destination port will be hindered. (Note: Emphasizes that dunnage must comply with international phytosanitary regulations.)
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