Goods arrive damaged. Pallets shift in containers. Steel coils gouge trailer decks. When we work with transport operators and shippers across Australia and New Zealand, dunnage consistently surfaces as both a cost centre and a critical control point—the difference between intact cargo and rejected shipments often comes down to what sits between the load and the deck.

At Ferrier Industrial, we’ve supplied dunnage solutions for operations moving everything from bulk agricultural products to precision-machined steel. The fundamentals remain constant: effective dunnage needs to provide stable support, prevent direct contact between incompatible surfaces, and maintain position under the forces generated during transport—all while remaining practical for warehouse crews to handle repeatedly.

Dunnage encompasses any material placed beneath, between, or around cargo to stabilise loads, protect surfaces, fill voids, or increase friction. Timber blocks, engineered wood products, rubber mats, inflatable airbags, and custom-fabricated supports all fall within this category. Selection depends on cargo type, weight distribution, transport mode, and whether the dunnage needs to survive multiple cycles or serves a single trip.

This article examines the dunnage types we supply, explains where each material offers advantages, and provides practical guidance for procurement teams specifying dunnage that aligns with cargo handling realities and operational continuity needs.

The Operational Role of Dunnage in Transport Systems

Cargo moves through multiple handlers between origin and destination. A pallet loaded at a manufacturing facility might transfer through a distribution centre, ride in an intermodal container, and finish on a final-mile delivery truck. Each transfer introduces risk if the load isn’t properly supported and stabilised.

Dunnage addresses several distinct functions. It creates separation between cargo and transport surfaces, preventing contamination or surface damage. It distributes weight across deck structures, protecting both cargo and vehicle. It increases friction coefficients to resist sliding under braking or cornering forces. It fills voids in partially loaded containers, preventing longitudinal or lateral movement.

We see operations where dunnage specification gets treated as an afterthought—timber offcuts selected by convenience rather than load requirements, or single-use materials creating waste streams that strain sustainability commitments. Both approaches create hidden costs through damaged goods, compliance gaps, and disposal burden.

Professional dunnage specification starts with understanding cargo characteristics and transport conditions. Weight, surface sensitivity, moisture exposure, temperature extremes, and handling methods all influence material selection. A timber block adequate for separating cartons might splinter under steel coil weight. Foam dunnage that cushions electronics creates compression issues under pallet stacking loads.

The dunnage materials we supply are engineered for specific applications rather than serving as generic spacers. This means evaluators can match material properties to actual operational requirements instead of hoping standard solutions work.

Timber and Engineered Wood Dunnage Options

Hardwood blocks represent traditional dunnage for general freight applications. Solid timber provides dimensional stability, load-bearing capacity, and reasonable resistance to crushing under weight. We supply hardwood dunnage in standard cross-sections for operations where timber’s characteristics—availability, workability, and disposal pathways—suit cargo types and operational workflows.

Timber works effectively for dry goods, moderate weights, and applications where surface protection isn’t critical. Limitations emerge with moisture exposure, dimensional changes across temperature swings, and variability in timber grades that affects consistency. Splintering creates handling hazards and potential contamination for certain cargo types.

Laminated veneer lumber offers distinct advantages over solid timber. Our LVL dunnage uses eucalyptus-sourced veneers bonded under pressure to create dimensionally stable beams. The manufacturing process produces material with consistent properties—no knots, splits, or grain irregularities that create weak points or unpredictable behaviour under load.

We supply LVL in multiple cross-sections matched to different load requirements. Standard dimensions include various widths and depths, with lengths suitable for pallet bases, coil support, and container bracing. The material comes in grades suited to application: packing grade for single-use applications, engineering grade for multi-cycle operations, and boiling-water-resistant grade for demanding exposure conditions.

LVL maintains dimensional stability across humidity and temperature changes that cause solid timber to warp or compress. This consistency matters for operations where dunnage needs to remain serviceable through multiple loading cycles or storage in variable conditions. The material’s strength-to-weight ratio also reduces handling burden compared to equivalent solid timber sections.

High-Friction LVL for Steel and Heavy Products

Steel products create specific dunnage requirements. Coils and sheet packs arrive in multi-tonne weights with smooth surfaces that slide readily on bare timber or steel decks. Preventing movement requires either high-friction interfaces or physical restraint systems—often both working together.

Our high-friction LVL incorporates vulcanised rubber lining bonded to the timber surface. The seven-millimetre rubber layer creates a high-friction interface that resists sliding even under hard braking or cornering. This reduces the number of restraint straps needed and prevents the gradual creep that occurs when loads shift incrementally over long distances.

We’ve supplied this material to major steel producers for decades, with dunnage approved to industry specifications for pipe, tube, and coil transport. The combination of structural LVL and vulcanised rubber provides load-bearing capacity with friction performance that meets calculated restraint requirements under Australian load restraint guidelines.

The boiling-water-resistant grade maintains integrity through weather exposure, ground contact, and temperature extremes typical of outdoor storage yards and uncovered transport. This durability extends service life and supports returnable dunnage programs where material circulates between facilities rather than being discarded after single use.

Field experience shows this dunnage surviving multiple cycles with minimal degradation. Operations report using the same pieces through numerous shipments before replacement becomes necessary, which reduces per-load dunnage costs and simplifies waste management.

Rubber Mats and Friction Materials

Load-restraint rubber mats provide portable friction surfaces for palletised goods and mixed freight. These mats sit between cargo and deck surfaces to increase friction coefficients without requiring permanent modifications to vehicle beds or container floors.

We supply mats in standard footprints with thickness and rubber compounds selected for durability under repeated loading cycles. The friction coefficient exceeds smooth deck materials, which reduces the restraint force required from strapping or other lashing systems. This becomes particularly useful for operations handling varied cargo where customised blocking isn’t practical.

Mats integrate cleanly with existing workflows. Warehouse crews place them under pallets or load bases during staging, and they remain in position through transport without additional securing. After delivery, mats return with empty vehicles for reuse. This simplicity supports consistent deployment without requiring specialised training or installation procedures.

The rubber compounds we source resist degradation from fuel, oil, and common transport contaminants. Surface texturing provides grip without creating cleaning difficulties or trapping debris. Thickness balances friction performance against practical considerations like pallet jack clearance and stacking height impacts.

For operations with sustainability commitments, reusable rubber mats offer clear advantages over disposable friction materials. The mats survive hundreds of cycles with periodic inspection to identify damage or excessive wear. End-of-life recycling through rubber reclamation streams provides disposal pathways aligned with circular material principles.

Inflatable Airbags for Void Management

Dunnage airbags address a different problem—preventing cargo movement in partially loaded containers or trailers. When freight doesn’t fill available space, void areas allow loads to shift longitudinally or laterally during transport. Blocking these voids with rigid materials proves impractical for loads that vary by shipment.

Inflatable airbags wedge into gaps between cargo and container walls or between separate load sections. Once positioned, they’re inflated using compressed air to create pressure that resists movement. The bags conform to irregular cargo shapes and container dimensions, providing restraint without requiring custom fabrication for each load configuration.

We supply airbags suitable for truck, rail, and intermodal applications. Different bag constructions handle varying pressure requirements and cargo weights. Paper-based bags work for lighter loads in short-haul applications. Woven polypropylene bags with reinforced seams handle heavier freight and longer transport durations. Vinyl-coated options provide moisture resistance and reusability.

Bag sizing matches common container and trailer dimensions, with various lengths and widths accommodating different void spaces. Valve designs allow rapid inflation and deflation using standard air fittings. Some operators maintain inflation equipment at loading docks for quick deployment; others use manual pumps for occasional use.

Airbag restraint works best alongside other dunnage and friction materials. The bags prevent gross movement, while floor friction mats and proper load distribution create the complete restraint system. This layered approach addresses different failure modes—the bags stop cargo from shifting into empty space, while friction prevents gradual creep even when loads are tightly packed.

Specialty Dunnage for Specific Cargo Types

Certain cargo demands purpose-built support beyond standard timber blocks or mats. Steel coils require cradles that prevent rolling while distributing weight to avoid deck damage. Cylindrical products need positioned supports that maintain orientation. Fragile goods benefit from cushioning that absorbs vibration without excessive compression.

Our truck cradles use vulcanised moulded rubber bonded to steel frames. The rubber contact surface protects cargo from abrasion while the steel structure provides rigid support that prevents sagging or deformation. Multiple sizes accommodate different coil diameters and cylindrical products, with profiles engineered to maintain stable positioning during transport.

These cradles survive years of service with minimal maintenance. The vulcanised bonding resists separation under repeated loading cycles. Rubber compounds tolerate temperature extremes and resist common contaminants. Field reports indicate operational lifespans extending multiple years without requiring component replacement.

For applications where standard cradles don’t suit unusual cargo geometry or interface requirements, we develop custom solutions. This might involve modified dimensions, specific rubber compounds, alternative mounting methods, or integration with existing vehicle systems. The engineering process includes drawings, prototypes, and fit-checks against actual cargo before production scaling.

Container liners represent another specialty dunnage application—converting standard intermodal containers into bulk vessels for agricultural products, minerals, or industrial resins. Woven polypropylene bodies with heavy polyethylene inner liners protect cargo from container surfaces while enabling gravimetric or pneumatic fill and discharge. This eliminates palletisation and allows direct loading of bulk materials using conventional container logistics.

Core dunnage families we supply for cargo operations:

• Hardwood blocks in standard cross-sections for general freight separation and support where timber properties suit cargo handling workflows
• LVL dunnage in multiple grades including high-friction variants with vulcanised rubber lining for steel products and heavy-duty applications requiring dimensional stability
• Load-restraint rubber mats providing portable friction surfaces for palletised goods and mixed freight across varied transport modes
• Dunnage airbags for void-filling in containers and trailers, preventing longitudinal and lateral cargo movement in partial loads
• Truck cradles and industrial bag cradles with moulded rubber and steel construction for cylindrical loads requiring stable positioning and vibration damping
• Custom dunnage solutions including engineered supports, protective barriers, and specialised interface components for non-standard cargo or vehicle configurations

Selecting Dunnage Based on Operational Requirements

Matching dunnage to cargo characteristics and transport conditions requires systematic evaluation of several factors. Weight and dimensions establish load-bearing requirements. Surface sensitivity determines whether direct contact creates damage risk. Moisture exposure indicates whether water-resistant materials become necessary. Reuse intentions affect whether multi-cycle durability justifies higher initial cost.

Transport mode influences dunnage specification. Intermodal freight experiences container handling shocks and potential exposure to weather. Flatbed transport requires dunnage that resists UV degradation and wind loading. Rail introduces longitudinal impacts from coupling and braking. Each mode creates distinct demands on dunnage materials and installation methods.

Procurement teams benefit from documenting cargo profiles that capture weight ranges, surface materials, typical shipment configurations, and known damage modes. This information enables dunnage specification that addresses actual failure patterns rather than applying generic solutions that might not suit operational realities.

We work with customers to review existing dunnage practices and identify where improvements reduce damage claims, simplify handling, or support sustainability objectives. Sometimes this means selecting different materials; other times it involves standardising dimensions to reduce inventory complexity or establishing inspection protocols that remove damaged dunnage before it causes problems.

Integration with Restraint Systems and Compliance Standards

Dunnage rarely functions in isolation. Effective cargo securement combines friction materials, physical blocking, tensioned lashing, and void management into systems that address different restraint requirements. Evaluators need to consider how dunnage interfaces with strapping, chains, airbags, and other restraint hardware.

Australian and New Zealand load restraint guidelines provide calculation methods for determining minimum restraint forces. These calculations account for friction coefficients between cargo and supporting surfaces—which is where high-friction dunnage directly contributes to compliance. Higher friction reduces the restraint force required from strapping or other lashing systems.

We supply technical data on friction coefficients for the dunnage materials we provide. This enables customers to run compliant restraint calculations and demonstrate due diligence during audits or incident investigations. Documentation includes material specifications, test results where applicable, and installation guidance that supports proper deployment.

Serviceability considerations also matter. Dunnage that wears rapidly creates ongoing replacement costs and complicates inventory management. Materials that compress under load change friction characteristics and restraint performance. Evaluating dunnage based on lifecycle performance rather than just initial cost provides clearer total cost-in-use comparisons.

Our Approach to Dunnage Solutions

At Ferrier Industrial, we recognise that dunnage specification depends on understanding cargo realities and operational constraints. What works for bagged agricultural products won’t necessarily suit sheet steel or precision equipment. Container dimensions differ from flatbed configurations. Site-specific SOPs and handling equipment create interface requirements that standard materials might not address.

We begin with discovery—reviewing cargo types, typical weights, transport modes, and handling workflows. Our team measures deck surfaces, checks lashing point positions, and discusses operator experience with current dunnage methods. We identify where existing materials create issues: handling difficulties, inconsistent performance, excessive waste, or compliance gaps.

From there, we recommend dunnage materials matched to documented requirements. For straightforward applications, this might mean selecting from our existing range of timber blocks, LVL sections, rubber mats, or airbags. For complex requirements, we develop custom solutions involving modified dimensions, specific material grades, or engineered supports that integrate with existing systems.

Prototyping ensures proposed dunnage actually works under field conditions. We provide samples for fit-checking against cargo, vehicles, and handling equipment. Operators test installation procedures and confirm the material performs as expected under representative loading. Adjustments happen before production scaling rather than after deployment.

Quality assurance includes inspection of incoming materials and traceability on critical components. LVL meets documented specifications for density, moisture content, and bonding integrity. Rubber compounds conform to required hardness and friction properties. This verification supports customer QA systems and simplifies compliance documentation.

Our facilities in East Tāmaki and Unanderra handle distribution across both Australia and New Zealand, with manufacturing relationships that enable scaled production while maintaining quality standards. This geographic reach supports local customisation and volume supply depending on project requirements.

Supply continuity remains a priority. We maintain stock on commonly specified dunnage types for immediate dispatch. Custom sections or engineered components can be manufactured to order when volumes justify tooling. For high-volume users, we establish consignment stock arrangements that reduce inventory holding costs while ensuring dunnage availability aligns with shipping schedules.

Spares and replacement access extends throughout the product lifecycle. For reusable dunnage like cradles or LVL sections, we keep technical records enabling component remanufacture if original suppliers change or specifications need adjustment years after initial supply.

Practical Considerations for Dunnage Management

Operations using reusable dunnage benefit from establishing inspection and retirement protocols. Materials that survive multiple cycles eventually degrade to the point where continued use creates risk. Identifying worn components before they fail prevents damage during transport and maintains consistent restraint performance.

Evaluation criteria for procurement teams specifying dunnage systems:

• Material durability under cargo weights and transport conditions with documented service life from comparable installations
• Load-bearing capacity and resistance to crushing or compression that would affect cargo stability or restraint performance
• Friction coefficients meeting or exceeding requirements calculated under applicable load restraint standards
• Dimensional consistency enabling predictable stacking, nesting, and integration with handling equipment
• Moisture resistance and temperature stability for cargo exposed to weather or stored in uncontrolled environments
• Reusability potential and lifecycle cost compared to disposable alternatives when sustainability objectives or volume justifies multi-cycle materials
• Compatibility with existing vehicle configurations, container dimensions, and lashing point arrangements
• Availability through supply channels that prevent operational delays when dunnage stocks require replenishment

Warehouses handling dunnage benefit from designated storage that keeps materials clean and accessible. Contaminated or damaged dunnage mixed into active stock creates sorting burden during loading operations. Clear identification systems—colour coding, size labelling, or location designations—help crews select appropriate materials quickly.

Return logistics matter for reusable dunnage programs. Materials need to flow back to origin points for inspection and reuse. Some operations include dunnage in backhaul arrangements; others establish deposit systems that incentivise returns. The administrative burden of tracking returnable dunnage needs to justify the cost savings from avoiding single-use materials.

Addressing Sustainability Through Dunnage Selection

Organisations with environmental commitments increasingly evaluate dunnage based on lifecycle impacts. Single-use materials create disposal burden and resource consumption that conflicts with circular economy principles. Reusable options reduce waste but require cleaning, inspection, and return logistics that add complexity.

Our LVL dunnage offers sustainability advantages through material sourcing and end-of-life pathways. The eucalyptus timber grows significantly faster than equivalent solid hardwoods, reducing harvest pressure on native forests. Manufacturing processes use renewable-forest sources with documented chain-of-custody.

Reusability extends functional life well beyond single-use alternatives. Engineering-grade LVL survives multiple transport cycles with proper handling. When material eventually reaches retirement, it can be chipped for landscaping, processed for energy recovery, or down-cycled into lower-grade composite products. These pathways avoid landfill disposal while recovering residual material value.

Rubber mats similarly support circular practices through extended service life and rubber reclamation at end of life. The vulcanised rubber in our truck cradles and friction dunnage can be ground and reprocessed into new products, closing the loop on material flows.

We work with customers exploring sustainability objectives to identify dunnage solutions that balance environmental performance with operational practicality. This might involve transitioning from single-use timber to multi-cycle LVL, establishing returnable dunnage programs, or specifying materials with documented recycling pathways that align with existing waste management systems.

Steps for Specifying Dunnage That Works

Procurement teams evaluating dunnage options benefit from structured approaches that connect material properties to operational outcomes:

Practical steps for dunnage specification and implementation:

• Document cargo characteristics including weight ranges, surface materials, fragility, moisture sensitivity, and typical shipment configurations that establish baseline support requirements
• Review transport modes and vehicle configurations to understand deck materials, container dimensions, lashing arrangements, and environmental exposures affecting dunnage selection
• Identify applicable compliance standards and restraint calculation methods that determine minimum friction coefficients or load-bearing requirements for dunnage materials
• Assess current dunnage performance through damage data, operator feedback, and handling observations to establish improvement priorities and realistic expectations
• Evaluate reusability intentions and lifecycle costs comparing single-use materials against multi-cycle options including return logistics and inspection burden
• Request samples and conduct fit-checks using actual cargo and handling equipment to verify dimensional compatibility, friction performance, and ease of deployment
• Establish inspection protocols for reusable dunnage including retirement criteria, storage procedures, and cleaning requirements that maintain material performance
• Confirm supply continuity through stock availability, lead times for replenishment orders, and access to custom fabrication when standard options don’t suit specific applications

Protecting Cargo From Origin to Destination

Dunnage occupies the space between cargo and consequences. The right materials prevent damage, support compliance, and integrate cleanly with existing operations. The wrong choices create claims, waste streams, and handling difficulties that compound across thousands of shipments.

We’ve spent decades helping transport operators, steel producers, agricultural shippers, and logistics providers specify dunnage that actually fits their cargo profiles and operational constraints. The solutions we supply combine material properties with practical handling realities—engineering-grade LVL that survives repeated cycles, high-friction surfaces that reduce restraint requirements, inflatable airbags that adapt to varying void spaces.

Whether you’re moving steel coils requiring engineered support and friction, palletised goods needing consistent friction surfaces, bulk materials suited to container liners, or mixed freight where inflatable void-fillers complement other restraint systems, we can discuss options matched to your cargo types and transport conditions.

Share your requirements with our team at Ferrier Industrial. We’ll review cargo characteristics, handling methods, and sustainability objectives, then provide practical recommendations and samples where useful. No obligation, no pressure—just straightforward guidance from people who understand dunnage across Australia and New Zealand.