Defining "Dunnage" and what it means for you
I'm a bit of a word geek. It's best to come out with that now.
I love researching the etymology of words and phrases especially when they can be traced back to the earliest centuries of modern civilization. Knowing the history behind anything (whether it be words, art, literature, songs) will always return a deeper appreciation for and enriched understanding of the object of your affection. (Side note: This does not apply to the dating history of potential partners. Very rarely is there a need to open up "The Ex-Files".)
So, typically when I encounter something I've never heard of before that piques my curiosity, I immediately begin a research project to learn everything about it. However, the key word there is "interest".
Once upon a time, when I first started working at IPI, I had no clue what dunnage was. And the packaging industry didn't exactly elicit unceasing excitement in my soul. But oh, how times have changed!
Whilst being enthralled in the caverns of research, I learned that the term "dunnage" actually has unknown origins and dates to the 15th century. (A little disappointing for the nerd in me who is secretly and constantly yearning for a Goonies type adventure, but alas, beggars can't be choosers.) Now, back in the day, dunnage simply meant any ol' scrap laying around that could be used for securing cargo boats and trains. It's like if your crazy Aunt Peggy asked you to help pack up her kitchen by grabbing old newspapers and cramming them in the empty spaces of each box. In essence, it was a form of recycling. However, as time went on, we realized that there were better ways to protect cargo loads.
Enter The Dunnage Bag
Dunnage bags were originally made from rubber (which is ironic since Charles Goodyear, inventor of the vulcanization of rubber, at one point lived in Newton, CT where our IPI headquarters is located). As modern man gradually became more intelligent, a Kraft paper/plastic combination bag soon replaced the old rubber ones. But don't think for a minute that progress stopped there! Nay nay! Nowadays, the most durable and cost effective dunnage bags you'll find are made from polyethylene. And enter Inflatable Packaging. We still perform the same function as the original form of dunnage, our technology just makes it better.
So why should you care?
Follow me on this brain train: you're a big company who does a lot of shipping. Each truckload you send out is worth thousands of dollars to you, so it makes sense to take extra care to make sure that this shipment arrives at its destination in pristine condition.
However, you're not driving the truck.
So just like new parents travelling with precious cargo, you strap your baby into the safest car seat around. And by securing your cargo with dunnage bags, you stabilize each and every truckload thus drastically reducing product damage. It's a good day when thousands of dollars make it to their destination unharmed.
Want to learn more about why you need dunnage bags? Our experts can answer all the questions you have and even the ones you haven't thought of yet.
