Category: Dunnage Air Bags

New Distributor Packs!

Posted on by teamA-GG

We wanted to post this short blog to let you know about a new product we have! Complete Packaging Systems is pleased to announce that we now sell dunnage bag kits called Distributor Packs! Distributor packs are made up of 60 – 30” x 30” Over-the-Road CYCLONE dunnage bags with two bonus inflators included. These convenient, small box quantities are perfect for distributors with low dunnage bag usage and include the tools needed to inflate the bags.

Regular, full-sized pallets of dunnage bags contain large pallet quantities, which are great for shippers using dunnage bags on a regular basis however, these large pallet quantities can be overwhelming for companies only requiring dunnage bags for uncommon shipments. The Distributor Pack contains the perfect small quantity of dunnage bags for infrequent users, or one-time shipments as the pack has two inflators for customers that may not already have inflation tools on hand. The Distributor Pack is also small enough that it can easily be shipped via ground carrier to different locations when in a pinch, ensuring you can always have the cargo securement products you need when loading your product.

Dunnage bag inflators usually connect to compressed air lines, but if your facility does not have a compressor, we have a still have solution for you! Discuss our portable, battery powered inflator options with one of our sales representatives for added portability, and to eliminate the need for compressors and run lines.

To find out more about our Distributor Packs, or to discuss other options that meet your shipping requirements, speak with one of our knowledgeable technical sales and service representatives today by calling 1-866-858-8800.

 

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Paper Vs. Polypropylene Dunnage Bags

New Valve Technology

Square Dunnage Bags

Paper Vs. Polypropylene Dunnage Bags

Posted on by teamA-GG

In this blog we will discuss the benefits of choosing polypropylene dunnage bags over paper dunnage bags when used in cargo securement. Complete Packaging Systems recommends our CYCLONE polypropylene dunnage bags over paper dunnage bags because of the cost, space, recyclability, valve technology and durability benefits of polypropylene bags when compared to paper dunnage bags.

Cost and Space Savings

Polypropylene dunnage bags are typically cheaper and take up less space than paper bags. Just one pallet of polypropylene bags is equal to approximately 2-3 pallets of paper bags. Having more bags per skid will take up less of the valuable space on your warehouse floor. More polypropylene bags per pallet also means the freight costs per bag will be lower than when shipping paper dunnage bags because you won’t need as many pallet spots in a carrier truck for polypropylene bags as you would for the same amount of paper dunnage bags.

Recycling Polypropylene bags Vs Recycling Paper Bags

Polypropylene bags are easier to recycle than paper dunnage bags. When recycling paper bags, the plastic bladder inside the bag needs to be removed and recycled using a plastic recycling method, while the outer layer of the bags will need to be recycled using a paper recycling method. When recycling polypropylene bags, the inner bladder and outer woven layer of the bag can be recycled in the same way.

Inflation and Valve technology comparison

Paper bags tend to have old style valve technology that can lead to slow fill times and air leaks. There is also typically no deflation mechanism built into the valves on paper bags. CYCLONE polypropylene dunnage bags contain the latest valve technology with a spring-loaded valve to ensure the valve closes tightly and no air leaks out of the bags. The valve on CYCLONE bags also contains a deflation cap, providing a safe and easy method of deflating the dunnage bags at their destination.

Overall Durability

The outer kraft layer of paper bags is more fragile than polypropylene dunnage bags, making them more prone to rips and tears. Polypropylene bags contain a durable outer layer consisting of woven polypropylene material that is less susceptible to any rips and nicks that the bag may be exposed to during transit. Polypropylene dunnage bags are also great for use in loads that may be exposed to water, whereas the outer layer of the paper bags would not hold up well in damp conditions (ex. humid conditions in ocean containers).

Overall, polypropylene dunnage bags are a superior choice to paper dunnage bags as they are more cost-effective, more space-efficient, contain advanced valve technology and are more durable to the environment around them. For more information about our CYCLONE dunnage bags, speak with one of our knowledgeable technical sales and service representatives today by calling toll free at 866-858-8800.

 

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PSI Levels for Dunnage Bags

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Square Dunnage Bags

PSI Levels for Dunnage Bags

Posted on by teamA-GG

Dunnage bags are a versatile and easy way to fill voids in load plans, but there are user recommendations for dunnage bags the operator should follow. In this blog, we will describe the importance of filling your dunnage bags to the recommended PSI level in order to use the dunnage bag safely and obtain the optimal performance of the bag. This blog will also explain the consequences of not following the PSI level recommendations and provide some easy tips to help you get the proper PSI level when filling your dunnage bags.

What is the PSI Level of dunnage bags and where can it be found?

The dunnage bag PSI level is the measurement of air pressure within the bag measured in Pounds per Square Inch. When you fill the dunnage bag with air, the air pressure will build inside the dunnage bag, reading as the PSI. In Europe, they use the pressure measurement of kPa (kilopascals) to measure the pressure within dunnage bags. One kilopascal is equal to 0.145038 PSI. Each type of dunnage bag will have a different recommended PSI or “fill” level. The recommended PSI level should be printed on the bag itself. On our CYCLONE dunnage bags, the PSI level is printed on the front of each bag in a text box filled with user recommendations. To the right is an image depicting the user recommendations on our CYCLONE dunnage bags with the recommendations outlined in red for reference.

Consequences of not following the dunnage bag recommendations:

Filling your dunnage bag to the recommended PSI level allows for the optimal function of the bag during transit. Under filling a dunnage bag can lead to unwanted product movement as the bag will not tightly fill up the void, leaving room/spaces for your product to move into during transit. If you overfill a dunnage bag this can cause the bag to pop and/or split especially if there is a large amount of pressure applied to the bag. If the bag pops during transit then the void the bag was filling will open, allowing room for your product to move and possibly become damaged during transit. If a dunnage bag pops while an operator is handling the bag, this can cause harm to the operator. Although dunnage bags are easy to use, everything has a breaking point when used incorrectly. Following the guidelines for filling dunnage bags will lead to the best outcome of the dunnage during transit.

Tips for obtaining the proper PSI level in dunnage bags:

  • The dunnage bag should be filled using an approved inflator for your dunnage bag and the bag’s specific valve design.
  • Your dunnage bags should be cared for and stored according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
  • Use a digital or manual air gauge to check the PSI fill to ensure you have reached the optimal PSI reading.
  • The AAR recommends rechecking the air pressure in all dunnage bags 30 minutes after the initial inflation.
  • Use clean and dry air to fill the dunnage bags.

 

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Dunnage Bag Performance Levels

Dunnage Bag Performance Levels

Posted on by teamA-GG

Are you using the proper dunnage bags in your load plan? When using dunnage bags to secure your product during transit, certain dunnage bags should be used depending on your load plan, the product being shipped, how the product is being shipped, and the weight of shipment. There are six types of dunnage bags; Over-the-Road (OTR) bags and bags leveled 1 through 5. All dunnage bags come in a variety of sizes to fit your load plan. Over-the-road dunnage bags are intended for use in truckload shipments only. Whereas, Level 1 dunnage bags to Level 5 bags are intended for rail and intermodal shipments. The performance level of each bag can be seen in the chart below from the AAR’s publication Closed Car Loading Guide – Minimum Loading Standards for Freight in General Purpose Boxcars:

The chart shown above should be used by loaders as a reference for the minimum requirements each type of dunnage bag meets. In some cases, higher precautions should be taken, exceeding the minimum requirements. For example, Complete Packaging Systems suggests using Level 5 bags in horizontal applications with cylindrical voids, instead of Level 4 bags, regardless of the shipment weight. Complete Packaging Systems suggests using Level 5 bags in cylindrical voids with horizontal applications because the bags will have pockets they can expand into. The higher pressure building in these pockets can cause the Level 4 bag to decrease in strength by 50%, compared to when positioned in flat wall voids. The contour of the bags that causes these pressure pockets can be seen in the diagram below. In addition to the minimum guidelines in the chart above, each dunnage bag has different PSI requirements and the user should follow the manufacture guidelines printed on the dunnage bags. In section 6.7.18 of their publication Closed Car Loading Guide – Minimum Loading Standards for Freight in General Purpose Boxcars, the AAR also recommends leaving the railcar open after loading the shipment and checking the dunnage bag PSI after 30 minutes for leakage. Finally, the size of the dunnage bag you are using should cover at least two thirds of the adjacent product around the bag. In conclusion, there are many factors that can affect which bag is the right fit for your load plan, so let us help; to find out more about the use of dunnage bags in cargo securement and how they should be applied in your load plan, contact us toll free at 866-858-8800. 

 

 

New Valve Technology

Posted on by teamA-GG

Here at Complete Packaging Systems we strive to provide innovative products to our customers. That’s why we are pleased to announce the launch of a new valve technology for our lightweight Over-the-road and Level 1 dunnage bags called the Striker Valve. The Striker Valve and its corresponding inflators make the inflation of dunnage bags easier for the user. This new inflation technology simply clips over the striker valve from any angle with little pressure applied, no aligning or struggling required. Once the inflator is attached to the valve, it can be easily rotated around the valve, so you can achieve the perfect angle needed for inflation without having to worry that the inflator will come loose from the valve or that the bag will twist. The Striker Valve inflator also has a low-profile head that fits into tight spaces. Once you are ready to remove the inflator from the valve, it is as simple as pinching the inflator head. The Striker Valve inflation tools are also available in a variety of styles. Whether you want a manual inflator or a digital inflation system for an accurate PSI reading, both styles are available. Both the inflator options are similar to the inflators we currently carry, so they will be comfortable/familiar in your hand when you make the switch. Like our current inflators they allow for fast inflation, filling at a speed of 235 liters/minute with the striker inflator and 500 liters/minute with the digital inflator. To make the inflation process even more comfortable and easy for you, we are offering a range of hose lengths that can be used with the Striker Valve. The hoses connecting the handle of the inflator to the inflator head are available in lengths of 4”, 15” and 10 feet so you can have the perfect distance and reach that you require for your load plan. Deflation of the Striker Valve bags is just as easy as inflation. The Striker Valve has a deflation cap attached. Simply clip the deflation cap over the valve and the dunnage bag will start to deflate. For more information about the Striker Valve dunnage bags and their inflation technology, contact us toll free at 866-858-8800.

Edited by: Stephanie Irvine

 

Centerline Guidance Mark

Posted on by teamA-GG

If you are currently using our Level 4 or 5 Cyclone dunnage bags, you may start to notice a small black line on either side of some of our bags. Complete Packaging Systems is currently in the process of applying a small black line on the sides of our new L4 and L5 Cyclone bags ranging from 96” to 108” in length, so you can easily reference where the center of the bag is. Having the centerline marked on the dunnage bags during a horizontal application will allow you to easily line up the markings on the bag with the lengthwise centerline of a rail car, ensuring the bag is evenly distributed across the rail car. It is important to have the center of the dunnage bag lined up to the lengthwise centerline of a rail car so the weight of the paper rolls will be evenly distributed across the bag during transit. If there is uneven distribution of weight on the dunnage bag, the load will not meet industry regulations and can become unstable, causing the rolls adjacent to the bag to spin out and make the load unsafe. Also, when there is too much pressure on one side of the bag it can cause one side of the dunnage bag to be pinched while the other side expands to hold in all the air.

By applying a centerline guidance mark to our Cyclone L4 and L5 bags ranging from 96” to 108” in length it will help our customer’s line up the dunnage bag evenly across the lengthwise centerline of rail car when used in a horizontal application. This is just one example of the way Complete Packaging Systems strives to make load planning in cargo securement easier for our customers. Please note, this guidance mark is being applied to all to our new productions of L4 and L5 Cyclone bags ranging from 96” to 108” in length and the bags you currently receive may not obtain the mark yet. We thank you for your patience, as we make this beneficial transition. For more ways Complete Packaging Systems can assist you with your companies load plan, contact us toll-free at 866-858-8800.

Edited by: Stephanie Irvine

Get Creative with Recycling: CYCLONE Dunnage Bags

Posted on by teamA-GG

Are you receiving a shipment with cargo secured by CYCLONE dunnage bags? If you are currently throwing away dunnage bags after receiving a shipment and are looking for a method of disposing of them that is a little more eco-friendly, try recycling our bags! Our CYCLONE dunnage bags are made up of recyclable materials. Just contact your local recycling facility to set up a recycling program with them and help shrink your company’s eco-footprint.

Can’t recycle the bags? Try reusing them at home! Simply cut one end of the bags and slide them over the things you want to cover, like patio furniture or your BBQ to keep them from getting damaged by the harsh outdoor weather. There are many ways you can replace regular tarps with used dunnage bags. In some cases, a used dunnage bag may even be more effective than a tarp because of their sewn sides, ensuring the item underneath is covered completely with no openings along the sides. If you have a camping trip coming up, use an old dunnage bag for storage or as a cover to keep your equipment and/or firewood dry. Don’t let the durability of our CYCLONE dunnage bags go to waste, find ways to reuse our dunnage bags for other applications.

Before using old dunnage bags at home, ensure you have received permission from your manager to take the bags home for personal use. Your company may already have a recycling or reuse program in place.

For more information about our CYCLONE dunnage bags and the sizes we offer, contact our knowledgeable sales team toll-free at 1-866-858-8800.

Edited by: Stephanie Irvine

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

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

 

 

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