Tag: dunnage bags

Protecting Your Freight: The Role of Over the Road Dunnage Bags

Posted on by teamA-GG

Road Dunnage Bags

Shipping can be a stressful process, especially when it comes to ensuring that goods arrive in perfect condition. Have you ever wondered how to keep your cargo safe from shifting or damage during transit? It’s a common challenge for many businesses, but the right tools can make a huge difference.

Over the Road Dunnage Bags

When it comes to securing your freight, Over the Road Dunnage Bags are a game-changer. These inflatable bags are designed to fill empty spaces in cargo loads, preventing movement and reducing the risk of damage. By wedging them between items, you can create a stable environment that keeps everything in place, no matter how long the journey.

These bags are particularly useful for long hauls where stability is crucial. Imagine you’re transporting delicate machinery or valuable goods. Without proper support, these items could shift, causing costly damage. Over the Road Dunnage Bags offer a simple yet effective solution by cushioning and stabilizing your cargo throughout its trip.

The Importance of a Good Packing Strategy

Have you ever experienced the frustration of opening a shipment only to find that items have shifted or been damaged? This is not just an inconvenience; it can lead to significant losses and unhappy customers. That’s why having a solid packing strategy is essential. Ensuring that your freight is secure from the start can prevent these issues from arising.

Using over-the-road dune bags is part of a broader packing strategy that can enhance the overall safety of your shipments. They help stabilize loads, reducing the risk of movement during transit. This means fewer damaged goods and a smoother process overall.

Taking  A Look At The Benefits

So, what makes these dunnage bags so effective? They are made from durable materials that can withstand the pressures of transport. When inflated, they create a tight seal around your cargo, filling gaps and preventing movement. This not only protects your goods but also ensures that your shipment arrives in the same condition it was sent.

The use of dunnage bags is particularly advantageous for shipments with irregularly shaped items or loads that are prone to shifting. By providing additional support and cushioning, these bags reduce the risk of impact damage and ensure that your cargo remains stable throughout its journey.

Packaging Airbags

Another term you might come across is packaging airbags. While similar in function to Over the Road Dunnage Bags, packaging airbags are often used for different types of cargo or in different packing scenarios. They are designed to fill voids and add cushioning, making them a versatile option for various shipping needs.

Packaging air bags are particularly useful for smaller gaps and less heavy-duty applications. They offer flexibility and ease of use, making them a good choice for a wide range of shipping scenarios. Whether you’re dealing with delicate items or just need an extra layer of protection, packaging air bags can complement your dunnage bags to enhance overall shipment stability.

Best Practices for Using Dunnage Bags

To get the most out of your Over the Road Dunnage Bags, it’s important to use them correctly. Ensure that the bags are properly inflated and positioned to fill all available gaps. Avoid over-inflation, which can lead to burst bags and inadequate protection. Proper placement and inflation will maximize their effectiveness and ensure that your cargo remains secure.

Always consider your shipment’s specific needs when choosing between dunnage bags and air bags. Understanding the differences and applying best practices will help you maintain a high level of protection for your goods, regardless of the shipping conditions.

The Bottom Line

Over the Road Dunnage Bags play a crucial role in protecting your freight during long hauls. They provide stability, reduce damage risk, and help ensure that your cargo arrives in excellent condition. By incorporating these bags into your shipping strategy, you can enhance safety and efficiency, ultimately leading to higher customer satisfaction.

At Complete Packaging Systems, we understand the importance of secure shipping solutions. Our range of dunnage bags and other protective packaging products is designed to meet your needs and help you deliver with confidence. Trust us to support your shipping requirements and keep your freight in top shape throughout its journey.

User Safe Cargo Securement Products

Posted on by teamA-GG

At Complete Packaging Systems, we take safety very seriously. The shipping industry can be dangerous if products are not secured properly. Not only can shipping your product be dangerous, the act of securing your cargo before the journey can be dangerous as well. At Complete Packaging Systems, we try to offer our customers new, innovative products that are safer for the user during application compared to traditional methods of cargo securement. Below lists some of the products we offer as safe cargo securement options.

TexSteel Synthetic Cord Strap

The use of steel strap to secure cargo has been around for a long time. Although steel strap is an effective method of tying down cargo, it can be dangerous for the user. The cut ends of the steel can become sharp and cut the user when applying or removing the straps. Complete Packaging Systems offers our customers a safer method of tying down cargo. We offer a synthetic cord strap which users will not accidently cut themselves on. When using our TexSteel cord strap, you will not have to worry about sharp steel edges potentially leading to workplace injuries.

LoadSecure™ Friction Mats

Another product offered by Complete Packaging Systems that can prevent workplace injuries is LoadSecure™ friction mats. Our friction mats are an effective method of replacing wood blocking & bracing. When companies switch to using LoadSecure™ friction mats, their employees will no longer have to spend time bent over nailing into wooden blocks/braces potentially leading to back injuries, not to mention the potential for injuries when working with nails & nail guns alone. When using LoadSecure™ friction mats, employees can simply roll out the mats to prevent sliding of cargo during transit.

CYCLONE Hanger Bags

Complete Packaging Systems created the CYCLONE Hanger Bag to provide a safe method of installing tall dunnage bags between stacks. Instead of having to get on a ladder or climb to the top of a load and drop the dunnage bag down, the CYCLONE Hanger Bag allows the user to use a pole to hang the bag between loads from ground level. From here, the bag will stay in place by itself and the user can simply fill the bag with ease. The Hanger Bag eliminates the risk of workplace falls and injuries by allowing the user to keep their feet planted firmly on the ground while installing the bags.

Dunnage Bag Deflation Caps

Another safety benefit all our CYCLONE dunnage bags have is a deflation cap that is attached to the valve of our bags. Simply twist the deflation cap over the valve of the bag and the air will release from the bag. Loaders no longer need to cut or puncture a highly pressurized bag which can cause an explosion like event, leaving the loader vulnerable to unpredictable hazards. The deflation cap on our bags is a quick and easy way to safely release the air in dunnage bags before removing and deposing of them.

Customer safety is very important to us. Therefore, Complete Packaging Systems has worked hard to offer our customers a variety of new methods and products to secure cargo that can also help decrease the potential of workplace injuries. Be sure to check in with us as we continue to create safer and more innovative products for the cargo securement industry.

For more information about the products above, visit our website or call us toll-free at 1-866-858-8800.

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We’ve Moved Locations!

Posted on by teamA-GG

Complete Packaging Systems is excited to announce that we have moved! Although we loved our previous office location in Whitby, ON, we have moved on to bigger and better things. We have moved into a brand-new office space that is attached to a warehouse in Oshawa, ON. In order to service our customers better, we have decided to take over the warehousing (previously done out of warehouses in Scarborough, ON and Laval, QC) and ship to our customers in Mid-to-Eastern Canada from our new facility in Oshawa, ON. This will ensure we can provide even better inventory management and quality control for our customers. Having our own warehouse space will also allow for new and innovative product development opportunities. We are very excited about this new development for Complete Packaging Systems and cannot wait to strive at our new facility.

We kindly ask that you update your current head office address for Complete Packaging Systems and/or Scarborough, ON/Laval, QC warehouse addresses with our new address as shown below. Our emails and mainline numbers remain the same.

Old Head Office Address:

1601 Hopkins Street

Whitby, ON L1N 9N1

New Head Office & Warehouse Address:

980 Thornton Road South, Unit 1

Oshawa, ON L1J 7E2

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

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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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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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What Are Contour Buffer Pads?

Posted on by teamA-GG

When shipping roll paper, it can be difficult to find a product that fills voids between paper rolls due to the curved, rounded shape of the rolls. Contour buffer pads are designed to help stabilize dunnage bags and other cargo securement products used to fill voids within roll paper shipments. Contour buffer pads contain one side that lines the shape of the roll paper while the side adjacent to the roll is a flat surface for dunnage bags or void filler to easily be applied to. The flat surface of the contour buffer pad helps prevent the dunnage bag or honeycomb being used to fill the void from curving to one side and shifting around the roll. The diagrams from the AAR’s Closed Car Loading Guide – Loading Roll Paper in Rail Cars below show how the contour buffer pads create a flat surface for the void fillers or dunnage bags to rest on.

 

Contour buffer pads allow you to get more surface area contact between the paper rolls and the void fillers/dunnage bags you are using. However, contour buffer pads are not considered as void fillers in a load plan. This means that any contour buffer pads used will not be counted towards the maximum number of void fillers and dunnage bags you can use within a load space. Although contour buffer pads can increase the effectiveness of dunnage bags, the loader is still required to find the center line of the two rolls they are trying to secure and ensure that the bags and contour pads are properly positioned. Failure to do so can still result in the bag being jettisoned out of the void post-impact. For more information about contour buffer pads and how they can be used in your load plan, contact us toll free at 1-866-858-8800.

 

 

Edited by: Stephanie Irvine

Images above from AAR’s Closed Car Loading Guide – Loading Roll Paper in Rail Cars

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

 

U.S. Protective Packaging Market to Reach $6.8 Billion in 2018

Posted on by teamA-GG

Protective packaging, including cargo securement for safety and damage prevention, is highly valuable and necessary for organizations transporting goods via rail, truck, or boat.

A recent market research study of the U.S. protective packaging market by Freedonia forecasts that the U.S. demand for protective packaging will reach $6.8 billion by 2018.

This increase is based on the continuing recovery of the manufacturing sector after the recession, as well as an increased prevalence of Internet shopping.

Dunnage bags, in particular, are expected to see moderate growth as the industry improves.

What Does This Mean for You?

Certain industries in particular will experience greater demand, which will result in the need to ship more product. It may also mean an increase in the amount of rail, truck, and boat traffic as the economy continues to improve.

This is great for business and cause for optimism in the manufacturing and shipping industries! However, as traffic increases, more product is shipped, and deadlines draw near, we must ensure that safety is at the forefront.

When loads are properly secured, product will arrive undamaged and personnel will be able to do their jobs safely.

Work with your cargo securement supplier – like us – to ensure that they’re informed of any increased volumes of production. That way, your supplier will be sure to manage stock accordingly so you will always have the products you need, when you need them.

>> Complete Packaging Systems provides cost-effective, high quality cargo securement products to Canadian and U.S. organizations, such as pulp and paper companies. Contact us to order products.

We also offer professional load planning services. Talk to a securement specialist now!

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