Paper Dunnage Air Bags | Southern Packaging, LP

Inflatable Load Bracing

Inflatable air dunnage bags are a protective packaging solution designed to provide load stabilization and bracing support during transit. Easy-to-install and 100% recyclable, air dunnage bags can substantially reduce or eliminate damaged product.

Southern Packaging offers a broad range of dunnage air bags for shipping containers, trucks, rail, and ocean transit applications.

Selecting the Proper Air Dunnage Bag

Transportation Method

Material Preference

Bag Size

Load Capacity (lbs)

Kraft Paper Air Dunnage Bags

High performance extensible kraft paper is an essential component of a paper air dunnage bag. Paper dunnage bags are constructed of 2, 4, 6, or 8 plies or layers of paper.

Paper provides a high coefficient of friction between the dunnage bag and the palletized product. This enables the bag to “lock the load” in place against the sidewalls of the container or trailer improving overall performance.

Choose the Kraft Dunnage Bags that Fit Your Needs

Suitable for truck, intermodal, rail, and ocean freight applications
Composed of 80 gram high performance kraft paper
Available in 2, 4, 6, and 8 ply constructions
Bags are lined with 3 mil polyethylene liner
Easy to inflate, install, deflate and remove
100% recyclable
Manufactured in the USA
High Performance Kraft Paper

Airbag Construction	2 - PLY	4 - PLY	6 - PLY	8 - PLY
Load Capacity (lbs)	Less than 45,000	45,001 - 75,000	75,001 - 160,000	160,001 - 240,000
Max PSI	3	4	8	10
Transportation Method	Truck	Truck, Ocean	Rail, Intermodal, Ocean	Rail, Intermodal, Ocean

Poly Woven Air Dunnage Bags

Poly woven air dunnage bags are constructed of woven polypropylene tapes and have been certified compliant by the Association of American Railroads (AAR). These waterproof bags come in all industry-standard lengths and feature simple inflation as well as walkaway deflation. Poly woven dunnage bags are easier to handle vs. paper air bags because they are 60% lighter and have single-ply construction that allows for a greater pack-out.

Choose the Polywoven Dunnage Air Bags that Fit Your Needs

Suitable for truck, intermodal, rail, and ocean freight applications
Composed of woven polypropylene fabric and polyethylene film
Available in single and multiple layer films
Designed to fill voids up to 12"-16" wide
Multiple valve types • AAR Verified
100% recyclable

Airbag Construction	Level I	Level II	Level III	Level IV	Level V
Load Capacity (lbs)	Less than 45,000	45,001 - 75,000	75,001 - 160,000	160,001 - 205,000	160,001 - 205,000
Max PSI	3	4	8	10	10
Transportation Method	Truck	Truck, Ocean	Rail, Intermodal, Ocean	Rail, Intermodal, Ocean	Rail, Intermodal, Ocean

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an air dunnage bag?

An air dunnage bag is a load securement product used to stabilize cargo in transit and prevent product damage. A paper dunnage bag is constructed of 2, 4, 6, or 8 plies (layers) of paper and a polyethylene bladder. A poly dunnage bag is made of woven polypropylene tapes and a polyethylene bladder. As air is injected into the plastic bladder the bag expands exerting an outward force. Cost-efficient air dunnage bags can be used in rail cars, intermodal containers, sea containers, and dry van trailers.

Why are dunnage bags used?

Each day valuable products are damaged or destroyed in transit due to shifting. Dunnage bags serve to reduce or eliminate product damage by stabilizing loads as they travel over the road, rail or ocean. Dunnage bags fill voids, brace loads, and absorb vibrations, protecting valuable cargo from damage. Dunnage bags are a highly effective, cost efficient form of product protection.

How do dunnage bags work?

Dunnage bags stabilize cargo in transport and prevent product damage by being placed in a void and inflated with air to restrict load shift in transport.

How do I determine what size dunnage bag to use?

The correct size and type of dunnage bag is determined by a variety of factors including the weight of the product, the size of the product, the void size, and the transportation mode.

Please contact a member of our sales team at 817-473-5098 for assistance in determining the right air bag for you.

Please be prepared to provide the following information:

Void Size
Pallet Size
Load Height
Load Weight

What type of equipment is necessary to inflate international dunnage bags?

Air dunnage bags are inflated using the following tools:

Inflator tool
Air Compressor

The proper inflator tool may be specific to the type of air dunnage bag you require. Please make sure you are using an inflator tool that is compatible with the dunnage bag you purchase.

Can dunnage bags be damaged during filling?

Yes, dunnage bags can burst due to over-inflation. In addition, they can burst due to insufficient strength or violent shifting during transit. Please make sure you are using a dunnage bag that is rated for the mode of transit (truck, rail, ocean) and load.

How do I place an order with you?

Contact a member of our sales team at 817-473-5098 or fill out our online general quote form. A member of our sales team will assist you in determining the proper dunnage bag for your application.

What certifications do you have?

Southern Packaging’s air dunnage bags are produced under ISO 9001 manufacturing standards and approved by the Association of American Railroads (AAR).

How can dunnage bags be recycled?

All the materials used to manufacture air dunnage bags are recyclable after the valve mechanism is removed and plastic bladder is separated from the paper or woven poly.

Can I reuse dunnage bags?

Yes, you can reuse your dunnage bags for all non-rail applications in the USA. However, we do not guarantee our products after the first use. It is imperative to inspect your dunnage bags after each use.

Are Southern Packaging dunnage bags approved by the AAR (Association of American Railroads)?

Southern Packaging’s air dunnage bags meet ISO 9001 standards and are approved by the Association of American Railroads (AAR).

Why use Southern Packaging for air dunnage bags?

At Southern Packaging, we have established relationships with top manufacturers around the globe. We offer over 50 dunnage bag sizes in 10 constructions.

In addition, we are able to deliver both kraft and poly dunnage bags within 7 business days.

Does Southern Packaging provide other load securement products?

Yes, we offer a complete line of dual drop void fillers and corrugated dunnage capable of meeting all of your load securement needs.

Air Dunnage Bags