What Is Wood Dunnage and When Does a Shipment Need It?

A pallet supports a load from below, but it cannot solve every movement problem inside a truck, container, crate or warehouse. Heavy machinery may need to be raised so forks can enter. Round products may need blocking. Empty space may need to be filled so cargo cannot slide.

Wood used for these supporting, spacing, blocking and bracing jobs is commonly called dunnage. It may look like ordinary lumber, but the dimensions and condition should be selected for the actual load.

Dunnage Supports and Protects Cargo

Federal cargo securement rules describe dunnage as loose material used to support and protect cargo. In practice, wood dunnage can separate products, keep freight away from walls or floors, spread pressure, create clearance and help hold a load in its planned position.

A manufacturer may place cut boards beneath a machine so lifting equipment can reach it. A fabricator may use blocks to support long metal components. A crate builder may add internal pieces that stop equipment from shifting toward the sides.

Dunnage works with the rest of the securement plan. It does not replace the correct pallet, crate, tiedowns, bracing or professional load planning.

Use the Right Size for the Space

A random piece of scrap wood is not automatically suitable dunnage. The board or block should fit the planned contact area without creating a narrow pressure point or an unstable stack.

Measure the required length, width and thickness before ordering. Explain whether the material will sit beneath the product, separate two items, form a chock or provide space for straps and forklift tines.

Custom cut lumber helps a loading team repeat the same arrangement across several shipments.

Condition Matters Under Heavy Loads

Wood with rot, severe splits, crushed fibres, contamination or other damage may not provide dependable support. Nails, loose fasteners and sharp edges can also damage packaging or injure workers.

The direction of the grain, the contact area and the way the load is applied all affect performance.

Do not build tall, loose towers of small pieces. When several layers are necessary, they need to remain stable and be incorporated into the complete loading plan.

Dunnage Must Not Become Loose Cargo

The cargo and the materials used to secure it must remain controlled during transport. A wood block that can slide, bounce or fall from the vehicle creates another hazard.

The carrier or load planner should determine how dunnage, tiedowns, shoring, blocking and the vehicle structure work together. Check that the wood cannot work free as the cargo settles or the trailer moves.

Reusable dunnage should be inspected again after unloading. A piece that performed well once may have been crushed, split or contaminated during the trip.

Export Dunnage May Need Treatment and Marking

Solid wood dunnage used in international trade may fall under ISPM 15 requirements. The destination country may require the wood to be properly treated and marked as compliant wood packaging material.

Using a heat treated pallet does not automatically make untreated loose dunnage acceptable. Pallets, crates, blocking and other solid wood packaging should all be reviewed before an export shipment leaves.

Confirm the destination requirements and order compliant material early. An unmarked block discovered at the dock can delay an otherwise ready load.

Give the Lumber Supplier Clear Specifications

Provide the dimensions, quantity, wood requirements, treatment needs and intended application. Mention strap notches, repeated lengths or special cuts before production begins.

Photographs or drawings are useful when the wood must fit around feet, frames, pipes or irregular equipment. A repeatable cut list also makes future orders faster.

Order Cut Stock and Dunnage From AAA Pallet

AAA Pallet & Lumber Company supplies custom cut lumber and dunnage for packaging, crating, construction and manufacturing throughout the Phoenix area. Available options include common structural sizes, special cuts, blocks and strap notch boards. Call 602 278 1450 with your measurements, quantity, treatment requirements and shipping application for a free quote.