Category: Blog

Square Dunnage Bags

Posted on by teamA-GG

Are you currently using multiple dunnage products to fill large voids in your cargo load plan? If so, you may be able to replace these products with just one square dunnage bag! Our CYCLONE Square Air Bags™ contain all the great benefits of our regular CYCLONE Square Air Bags™ , but they inflate into a cube instead of the typical cylindrical shape of dunnage bags. The cube shape of the bag allows it to cover more surface area on the product in large voids, compared to standard bags.

Standard dunnage bags are great when trying to fill regular sized cargo voids, but when they are inflated in large voids, only a small portion of the center of the bag makes contact with the surrounding product. This is indicated in red in the diagram below. In order to make more surface contact, many customers use corrugated dunnage or honeycomb dunnage to shrink their voids in combination with a dunnage bag. Although, corrugated and honeycomb dunnage makes the void smaller for the cylindrical dunnage bag, using two different kinds of dunnage to fill a void can be costly and can take up more warehouse space. Unless honeycomb or corrugated dunnage is used to shield the product against abrasive materials, it can become unnecessary when you switch to square bags. Our sales representatives can help you determine if a square dunnage bag is a better fit for your load plan. Just like the rest of our line of CYCLONE Air Bags™, our CYCLONE Square Air Bags™ have quick inflation technology, safe deflation systems, can be AAR approved, and have the same high quality you’ve come to know and appreciate.

Complete Packaging Systems offers a variety of CYCLONE Air Bags™ in order to fit our customer’s different cargo securement needs. We carry small square bags for voids up to 17 inches and large square bags for voids up to 24 inches, both available in several different sizes. For more information about our square bags and to find out if they apply to your load plan, please contact our load consultation services at 1-866-858-8800.

 

 

Edited by: Stephanie Irvine

Breaking the Strata Line

Posted on by teamA-GG

When loading roll paper into a boxcar, many people keep the stacks of rolls at an even height, such that the top of the rolls create a flat surface when placed side by side. The flat line created by the top of the rolls is known as the strata line. While this technique can be a secure method in certain load plans, it is advisable to break the strata line whenever possible. When the rolls are placed at even heights, they have the potential to shift during transit which could lead to unwanted freight claims, product damage, and safety hazards.

Honeycomb risers are a form of corrugated dunnage which is used to elevate a roll or stack of rolls in a cargo container. They are corrugated fiberboards made of fiber sheets which have been produced and/or laminated to a thickness that provides adequate stiffness and strength. To break the strata line, risers can be used underneath roll paper to place the rolls at staggered heights. By using honeycomb pads under the rolls, the load will become more secure and less likely to shift as adjacent rolls will act as a bulkhead. Complete Packaging Systems offers our customers a variety of sizes of strip and square risers to properly fit your cargo securement needs.

Depending on your usage, risers need to meet certain regulations like the ones sent out by the Association of American Railroads (AAR). In their publication Closed Car Loading Guide – Loading Roll Paper in Rail Cars; risers need to be within certain dimensions, placed in a particular way, and have appropriate crush strengths. Our knowledgeable sales team will be able to help you determine which honeycomb riser pad is appropriate for your load of roll paper. Using risers to break the strata line in your load of roll paper can lead to significant improvements to the securement of your cargo.

For more information on the use of risers and how to break the strata line when loading roll paper, please contact our load consultation services or refer to AAR’s Closed Car Loading Guide – Loading Roll Paper in Rail Cars.

 

Edited by: Stephanie Irvine

Railcar Doorway Securement

Posted on by teamA-GG

At the beginning of the year, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) Damage Prevention & Freight Claim Committee made changes to Rule 7 in their Doorway Protection, Circular No. 42-K. Rule 7 of AAR’s Circular No. 42-K previously stated that when the cargo within a container has the potential to move towards the doorway or make contact with the sliding or plug type doors of a container, the doorway must be secured with equipment that has sufficient strength to withhold the weight of the cargo. Rule 7 now presents the same statement, but also expresses that lumber wedging is no longer an acceptable method of securing the doorways of cargo containers.

If you previously used lumber wedging as a mode of securing doorways and are now in need of an alternative method, you can use synthetic strapping. Non-metallic strapping may be the preferred method as it’s a safer and more cost effective solution to steel strapping. Approved and recommended by the AAR, our Tex-Steel Cord Strapping™ is an excellent way to replace steel strapping and lumber wedging used for doorway protection in railcars.

The AAR Approved markings on our strapping are visible and can be easily referenced when needed. When using Complete Packaging Systems Tex-Steel Cord Strapping™ to replace other doorway securement practices, be sure to use the appropriate application methods and buckles. It is also important that our customers use the proper conversion when replacing steel with synthetic strap. When threading the buckles, our customers can refer to our online resource videos for step by step instructions. Furthermore, to tighten the strap, confirm that the correct tensioner is used with the appropriate strapping.

We have a variety of different widths, lengths, and break strengths of strapping for other cargo securement purposes and applications. To find out more about the variety of strapping we offer, visit our websites Tex-Steel Cord Strapping™ page.

Complete Packaging Systems always recommends our customers follow and try to exceed the standards set out by the AAR when securing their cargo containers. For more information about the use of Tex-Steel Cord Strapping™ in doorways, please contact our load consultation services by calling toll-free at 1-866-858-8800. To review the details about Rule 7 in Doorway Protection, Circular No. 42-K, please visit AAR’s website.

 

Edited by: Stephanie Irvine

Preventing Load Damage: Nail Problems?

Posted on by teamA-GG

In this industry we constantly hear stories about loading malfunction and how even the smallest issues can become much larger if they are not dealt with correctly. Here at Complete Packaging Systems, we have the solutions you need to get your loads to their destinations safely and securely.

A recent issue our customers have come across is troublesome nails left in the floor of containers from previous loads causing damage to new product. Customers shipping super sacks have been placing their products directly on container floors where protruding nails have then snagged on the fabric of these super sacks. During a long transit, even the smallest of movements can cause some pretty significant tears in the fabric over time.

We have a simple solution to this problem. Our Load Secure™ rubber friction mats can minimize product movement ensuring a more secure transit. Our mats will prevent movement and provide a gripped barrier between the container floor and your load, preventing further damage caused by nails rubbing against your cargo. Our mats are safe, cost-effective, reusable, and an efficient replacement for wood blocking & bracing. Eliminating the need for wood blocking & bracing will prevent the potential of future nail damage for everyone!

Our mats are available in a variety of configurations and grades with the ability to work under both wet and dry conditions. To better determine which product is right for you please contact our team for load consultation service. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have and provide you with the products you really need.

To learn more about Complete Packaging Systems and how we can help your business,

Call Toll Free: 1-866-858-8800

 

Edited by: Stephanie Irvine

 

2016 AAR Conference

Posted on by teamA-GG

This year has been full of changes and growth both within our own company and throughout the industry. We are excited to share some of the highlights from this year’s AAR Meeting regarding some of the newest changes and advancement in our industry today.

In this industry, load securement and customer safety are our greatest concerns. It is important to always stay up to date with the latest technology and product standards to ensure all safety requirements are met. Each year the industry comes together to discuss these important advancements within our industry so we all are able to serve our customers with their safety in mind.

This years AAR Conference touched on a wide variety of subjects regarding why rail transit safety is so important, updated best practices for product use, and which products are best for which situations. Our very own Darren Burden was able to shed some light on how to properly use our Dunnage bags in closed car settings. Some others discussed which risers and void fillers work best and the safety improvements of loading paper into boxcars. Our industry has created strategic research initiatives to consistently improve our everyday damage prevention procedures.

However, there are many more layers to the AAR Conference that touch on many other subjects regarding customer safety. A portion of the discussions, for example,  focused on automotive improvements, some of which reside in Mexico and also how the railway advancements can positively affect customer security. We have learned there is always more we can do as an industry to grow and advance in damage prevention.

Complete Packaging Systems understands the importance of damage prevention when it comes to what matters most, our customers. This is why we take pride in our involvement with the AAR Conference every year so we can better learn how to help our customers in the future and to teach others how they can do the same.

 

To learn more about Complete Packaging Systems and how we can help you and your business,

Call Toll Free: 1-866-858-8800

 

Drafted & Edited by: Makenna Wolowich

 

 

Dunnage Bag Inflation & Deflation

Posted on by teamA-GG

Inflation

Complete Packaging Systems incorporates the latest technology and features in our AAR approved dunnage bags and we want all of our customers to be able to use our products safely and with ease. We guarantee that our products will help you secure your loads easily and effectively, because dunnage bag installation is always quick and painless.

With our unique digital inflation technology, you can start improving your processes now. Our inflators are:

  • 66% faster than traditional air dunnage inflators
  • Lightweight and durable
  • Ergonomic
  • Less expensive than conventional systems

Our new training video can show you how to quickly and easily use our new inflators to inflate your own dunnage bags. Just connect the inflation hose and use the gauge to monitor the pressure of the bag until full.

Deflation

Users often rely on plunging a knife into the bag to deflate it. Due to the high pressure of the bags within the void, this action can result in a dangerous backfire of pressure and could harm the customer.

We have a safer solution:

By using our deflation caps attached to the valve, operators can easily deflate the bag in one simple motion. It’s as easy as placing the cap on the valve and turning clockwise to release the air pressure. Take a look at our training video below to see it in action!

By using the deflation cap, there is no potential for injury and the bag stays completely intact. This is especially important for bags used strictly in over-the-road applications as they can be reused. Bags used in railcar or intermodal applications cannot be reused.

To learn more about Complete Packaging and how we can help you and your business,

Call Toll Free: 1-866-858-8800

 

Drafted & Edited by: Makenna Wolowich

 

 

We’ve Moved!

Posted on by teamA-GG

20160704_150139_PanoFor the last 9 years we have made 1375 Hopkins Street our home, but now it is time to move on… to just down the street! Complete Packaging System has said goodbye to our previous location and has recently moved into a brand new building where we hope to continue to produce brand new ideas!

During the railway rush in 1876, a contractor had our new home, formally known asRingwood Manor, built in the town we now call Whitby, Ontario. Unfortunately, after an economic decline in that arena, the bank foreclosed the property before the turn of the century. Since then, the building has seen a great many owners and curators but after a house fire this majestic manor was left alone for a time. After numerous renovations this beautiful structure was completely revitalized and new residents moved in. As the most recent tenants we couldn’t be happier to be a part of it’s rich history.

The move took place on June, 20th 2016. Now, as we settle in to our new home, we ask that you update the current address with our new one. Our phone numbers and other information will all continue to be the same, it is only our address that you will need to update.

Below you will find our old and new addresses for your convenience.

New House

Old Address:

1375 Hopkins Street

Whitby, ON L1N 2C2

 

New Address:

1601 Hopkins Street

Whitby, ON L1N 9N1

 

If you would like to learn more about our new location or have any questions, please call us toll free at 866-858-8800.

 

 

Introducing The Hanger Bag!

Posted on by teamA-GG

As a market leader in cargo securement, Complete Packaging Systems continuously exceeds customer expectations with regards to technical support, product quality and delivery performance. CPS is committed to providing our customers with the latest innovations in cargo securement.

The latest innovation has now arrived at Complete Packaging Systems. The Hanger Bag will save your company time and manpower in your next shipment.

There are 3 main benefits to using this new innovation:

• The Hanger: Allows for a safe, efficient, one-person dunnage bag installation after the load is fully placed making this product simple and easy to use. No ladders or tethering equipment are required, making this the safest load securement procedure on the market.

• The Valve Placement: On the edge of the bag, rather than in the traditional position on the front of the bag, to more easily engage and disengage the inflation tool. In addition, the valve is placed at a ‘working-heightÂ’ on the bag, rather than at the top of the bag making it more ergonomic and comfortable.

• The Fast and Accurate Inflation: The inflation device uses a venturi-type system that pulls in outside ambient air and fills bags at a rate that is 66% faster than conventional inflation systems. The digital backlit gauge on the tool is accurate to within 0.1 PSI, ensuring that the bag is properly pressurized for your load.

This advancement in cargo securement technology has turned, what was traditionally a 2-person installation into a one-person job, making it easier than ever before. This innovative bag now saves frustration and time while reducing the potential for injury and accidents. Take a look at our Hanger Bag Video to see the product in action!

Are you ready to make the change?

 

To learn more about Complete Packaging Systems and how we can help you and your business,

Call Toll Free: 1-866-858-8800

Drafted & Edited by: Makenna Wolowich

 

 

Learn More: Rubber Friction Mats

Posted on by teamA-GG

In the world of cargo securement, safety begins from the ground up. Complete Packaging Systems makes sure that our clients know the importance of rubber friction mats when securing their next shipments. Load Secure™ rubber friction mats have a high friction surface that will minimize the likelihood of load shifts during long hall cargo trafficking.

 

What makes our friction mats different is the versatility of the product. Not only are all mats 100% recyclable and reusable, they can be used in both wet and dry conditions without a problem. These mats are easy to apply and remove again and again. Another benefit of choosing Load Secure™ rubber friction mats is the variety of configurations and grades they come in. We are sure to meet any of your specific application needs such as cut sheet, roll stock, perforated, metals grade and so on.

By choosing our friction mats, you’re choosing a company dedicated to your cargo securement. Our mats will secure multiple supplies including paper rolls, metal coils, steel drums, food and beverages and so much more. There is no more need for wood blocking and bracing, save your self from the holes in the floors and switch to Load Secure™ rubber friction mats. Complete Packaging Systems is your best choice in cargo securement, and we are always here to help.

To learn more about Complete Packaging Systems and how we can help you and your business,

Call Toll Free: 1-866-858-8800

Drafted & Edited by: Makenna Wolowich

 

Learn More: Tex-Steel Cord Strapping

Posted on by teamA-GG

Here at Complete Packaging Systems we understand that damage to your goods costs time and money, and no one can afford to have their supply chain disrupted. When your products are properly secured, they will not move around in transit and get damaged. Products like dunnage bags and rubber friction mats are products that keep the loads stable with less potential for banging into one another and causing accidents.

Along with the other essential cargo securement products, Tex-Steel™ synthetic cord strapping and lashing is recommended for anyone on their next cargo shipment. Tex-Steel™ is a high-strength, safe, and cost-effective alternative to steel strap that is more secure, lighter, and easier to handle. By keeping cargo tightly secured together, the harder for the product to move around.Gator straps close
Be assured that we can supply you with all the products you need to secure your cargo properly. Tex-Steel™ synthetic cord strapping and lashing is always at the top of our list and we will make sure you are using it properly with multiple lengths and strengths to choose from. All of our strapping is AAR approved, 100% recyclable and easy to dispose of. Complete Packaging Systems is your best choice in cargo securement, and we are always here to help.

To learn more about Complete Packaging and how we can help you and your business,

Call Toll Free: 1-866-858-8800

 

Drafted & Edited by: Makenna Wolowich