Dunnage Airbags 101: Choosing the Right Size and Tools for Cargo Protection

Dunnage airbags are a reliable and cost-effective solution to protect cargo during transit, particularly in railcars, trucks, and ocean containers. They work by filling the void between palletized products and bracing the load in place, which minimizes movement, absorbs shocks, and significantly reduces the risk of damage. This leads to fewer freight claims and greater customer satisfaction. The right dunnage airbag paired with the correct inflator tool ensures quick application and strong performance in a variety of shipping environments.

The Airbag Inflator for Cargo Tuff PAM 2.0 is the go-to tool for efficiently inflating dunnage airbags. Designed for speed, this inflator uses high-volume, low-pressure technology to fill airbags in just seconds. It’s especially useful for high-throughput operations where time is critical and minimizing downtime is a priority. If your team is frequently loading trucks or containers, the PAM 2.0 inflator helps standardize inflation across all bag sizes, ensuring proper bracing without overfilling.

For mid-size gaps and general freight stabilization, the Dunnage Airbag Cargo Tuff 36x48 4Trans is a versatile choice. With 770 pieces per pallet, it’s ideal for medium-sized voids commonly found in LTL and intermodal shipments. It provides enough surface area and pressure distribution to secure mixed or uneven loads, especially those that may shift slightly due to irregular stacking or varied package weights. Use these in containerized freight when you want a balance of stability and economy.

Larger shipments or wider voids between pallets call for a more substantial solution like the Dunnage Airbag Cargo Tuff 48x96 4Trans. With 560 bags per pallet, this option is tailored for heavy-duty bracing in full truckload or railcar scenarios where product movement could cause major damage or load collapse. The larger size means fewer bags are needed per load, reducing labor time while providing maximum surface coverage and impact absorption. It’s best used when shipping heavier pallet loads or when dealing with wider trailer gaps.

Choosing the right dunnage airbag and inflator tool combination ensures your cargo remains secure from origin to destination. While the PAM 2.0 inflator supports operational speed and consistency, selecting between the 36x48 and 48x96 airbags depends on your typical load configurations and transport modes. With the right setup, you'll protect your products, reduce freight claims, and streamline your shipping process—all while maintaining professionalism and customer trust.