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You may already know how devastating it can be to your business bottom line if your products receive shipping-related damages. Such incidents can result in profit loss, refunds, returns, replacements, and lost customers. While you may have the best e-commerce return policy, you still have to make sure that your products arrive at their destinations safely.

So, what can you do to reduce these shipping-related damages? One of the best ways to ensure safer product delivery is to level up the use of dunnage. Dunnage refers to the use of shipping and packaging materials to keep your goods cushioned well throughout the shipping process. For this purpose, you can use a variety of materials, including bubble wrap, Kraft paper, and other packaging components.

In this article, we will discuss dunnage and its role in keeping your shipments safe from damages.

What is dunnage?

Dunnage is of the utmost importance when it comes to protecting your goods from damage during shipping. It refers to any padding material that you can use to cushion and secure your goods during transportation. For this purpose, you can use most of the cushioning supplies.

Dunnage requirements are different for different products. You will need to look at the product's fragility, weight, and risk of damage. For instance, you will need to use extra cushioning from bubble wrap or foam if you are shipping glass or other delicate electronics. Conversely, you will not need to use any protective supplies if you are shipping pillows.

You will undoubtedly need to use the right-sized boxes or containers if you want dunnage to work as it should. Make sure that you are packaging your products nicely in appropriate boxes. Fill all empty spaces inside the box to provide ideal cushioning to your products.

Why is dunnage useful?

While your package is on its way, a lot can happen to it during the process. Factors that can cause damage to your products during transit include unpredictable weather, wrong handling, and shocks and bumps. In other words, there is no shortage of tough conditions your product may get exposed to.

Here are the reasons why dunnage can be useful for a product during shipping.

• The first benefit comes in the form of protection from physical damage. When you fill empty spaces inside a product packaging, the product gets cushioned against shocks and impact. This cushioning comes in handy when the product is on its way.
• Dunnage can also protect a product from weather changes, dust, and moisture. The materials used for dunnage in this regard may include plastic films to cover the product from each side.
• Shipper usually put cushioning materials between boxes placed in the truck. This form of dunnage prevents boxes from colliding with each other and with the walls of the truck.
• Dunnage between two boxes allows for airflow, which keeps refrigerated products cool.

Using dunnage to cushion your packages is an ideal way to ensure product safety in the best possible way. You may want to discuss dunnage options with your packaging vendor.