Dunnage lumber is wood used to protect cargo during shipping and storage, often made from pine and hardwoods like oak. Most dunnage comes in standard shapes and sizes, such as 2×4, 4×4, and 6×6, but you can also request custom shapes to accommodate specific loads.

The lumber used for dunnage is usually the lowest industrial grade or Grade #4, and may have knots and other aesthetic imperfections. Because dunnage lumber is placed inside shipping containers to fill empty spaces and brace cargo for ocean, train, or truck voyage, the appearance of the wood is rarely a concern.

Usage Examples for Dunnage Lumber

There are four key reasons you may need dunnage wood for industrial shipping. These are:

• Cargo bracing
  Wood pieces are placed on and nailed to the floor of the shipping container to fill empty spaces to keep items from shifting, sliding, or falling.
• Load lifting
  Wood is used between the cargo and heavy machinery to protect the item as it is lifted from the ground into the container.
• Item separation
  Dunnage creates separation between stacks of cargo like pipe or steel; to prevent items from shifting into each other and breaking. It can also be used to create a lifting void for forklifts or lifting straps.
• Moisture protection
  Wood lifts cargo off the floor of the container or yard to protect items within from water damage.

Related Terms for Dunnage Lumber

When searching for shipping materials, you may need to use specific terms to get the items you need. These could include:

• Blocking and bracing
  These are wooden pieces that fill space within the trailer or shipping container to keep cargo from sliding or tilting.
• Timber supports
  These may be used to keep cargo in a very specific position to avoid damage.
• Packing and crating
  These may be used to construct crates and frames to support those crates within the trailer.

Why Dunnage Lumber Is Great for Industrial Shipping

Dunnage wood should be heat treated to comply with national and international pest regulations. Otherwise, dunnage wood is unfinished. This means it’s denser and more durable, so that it can withstand the impacts and compression from heavy loads in transit.

With the right packing and crating wood, cargo bracing, and support for moisture protection, cargo is safe to ship by ocean freight, rail, and road. It’s essential for industrial shipping.

If you’re planning industrial shipping and need dunnage lumber, reach out today. We have several sizes and cuts ready for purchase.