The Ultimate Guide to Shipping Dunnage: Protecting Your eCommerce Orders

Introduction

As eCommerce continues to grow, so does the importance of properly protecting products during shipping. One key element in ensuring your customers receive their orders in pristine condition is the use of shipping dunnage. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about dunnage for eCommerce orders, including its importance, types, selection criteria, and cost-saving tips.

Recent statistics highlight the critical need for proper dunnage:

• There was a 19% increase in damaged packages in the U.S. last year
• Experts predict the number of damaged deliveries will continue to rise as online shopping and home deliveries increase
• Replacing a damaged product can cost up to 17 times the original shipping cost

These numbers underscore the significance of using appropriate dunnage in your eCommerce packaging strategy. Let's dive deeper into this crucial aspect of order fulfillment.

What Is Shipping Dunnage?

Shipping dunnage refers to the protective materials placed inside packages and parcels to safeguard the contents against damage during transit. It serves as a buffer between the product and the outer packaging, minimizing the risk of breakage, scratches, or other forms of damage that can occur during handling and transportation.

For example, when shipping a fragile item like a bottle of perfume, you might use packing peanuts or air pillows to fill the empty space in the box. This dunnage prevents the bottle from moving around and potentially breaking during its journey from your warehouse to the customer's doorstep.

The Importance of Dunnage in eCommerce Shipping

While some may view dunnage as an unnecessary expense or added weight, its importance in eCommerce shipping cannot be overstated. Here are the key benefits of using proper dunnage:

1. Damage Protection

The primary function of dunnage is to protect your products from damage. By reducing and cushioning the movement of items inside the package, dunnage minimizes the risk of breakage, scratches, or other forms of damage that can occur during transit.

2. Shock Absorption

Packages often face rough handling during shipping. They may be dropped, thrown into delivery vehicles, or stacked under heavier boxes. Dunnage materials absorb these external impacts, preventing or minimizing damage to the contents.

3. Moisture Protection

Some dunnage materials have moisture-absorbing properties, which can be crucial for protecting non-waterproof goods such as paper products, electronics, or certain food items.

4. Theft Deterrent

Certain types of dunnage, particularly those designed with anti-tamper properties, can make it more difficult for potential thieves to quickly open packages and steal products.

5. Air Circulation

Loose-fill dunnage allows for air circulation within the package, which can help keep products like clothing or food items fresh and odor-free during transit.

6. Weight Distribution

Proper dunnage helps distribute the weight of package contents evenly, making packages more stable and easier to handle during shipping.

By utilizing appropriate dunnage, you protect not only your products but also your revenue and reputation. Minimizing damaged deliveries and product returns leads to higher customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Types of Shipping Dunnage for eCommerce Orders

There are numerous types of dunnage available for eCommerce orders, each with its own set of advantages and considerations. Let's explore some of the most common options:

1. Air Pillows

Description: Plastic pillows filled with air

Benefits: Lightweight, excellent cushioning properties

Considerations: Not always recyclable

2. Kraft Paper

Description: Recyclable paper used to fill space and reduce internal damage

Benefits: Eco-friendly, strong, cost-effective

Considerations: Doesn't protect against water damage, may not be suitable for very fragile items

3. Corrugated Paper

Description: Recyclable paper with a fluted middle layer

Benefits: Eco-friendly, provides cushioning and moisture protection

Considerations: May be more expensive than kraft paper

4. Bubble Wrap

Description: Plastic sheet with air-filled bubbles

Benefits: Lightweight, flexible, excellent shock absorption

Considerations: Not always recyclable, can be bulky

5. Foam Sheets

Description: Thin sheets of foam, sometimes custom-cut to fit specific products

Benefits: Thin, lightweight, flexible

Considerations: Non-recyclable, may not protect against severe impacts

6. Foam Nuts (Packing Peanuts)

Description: Small, loose pieces of foam used to fill empty spaces

Benefits: Adaptable to various spaces, available in recyclable materials

Considerations: Traditional foam nuts are not recyclable and can be messy

7. Thermocol (Polystyrene)

Description: Rigid foam used for large, heavy items

Benefits: Sturdy and robust, ideal for large products

Considerations: Not readily recyclable, difficult to dispose of

8. Wood

Description: Custom-built wooden structures for large or expensive items

Benefits: Can be tailored to specific product dimensions, high protection

Considerations: More costly than other dunnage materials

9. Plastic Packaging

Description: Various plastic materials used to protect a wide range of products

Benefits: Waterproof, customizable, sturdy

Considerations: Can be expensive, not always recyclable

Choosing the Right Dunnage for Your eCommerce Orders

Selecting the appropriate dunnage for your eCommerce orders is crucial for ensuring product protection and customer satisfaction. Consider the following factors when making your decision:

1. Product Type

The nature of your product should be the primary consideration when choosing dunnage. For example:

• Fragile items like glassware or electronics may require bubble wrap or custom foam inserts
• Clothing items might need simple plastic bags to protect against moisture
• Heavy machinery parts could require wooden bracing or thermocol blocks

2. Package Contents

If you're shipping multiple items in a single package, consider how they might interact during transit. For instance, when shipping a glass item alongside a harder object, you'll need to ensure adequate separation and cushioning between them.

3. Outer Packaging

The type of outer packaging you use will influence your dunnage needs. A product shipped in a sturdy corrugated box may require less internal protection than the same item shipped in a poly mailer bag.

4. Delivery Journey

Consider the typical shipping journey your packages will undergo. Factors to think about include:

• Will packages be left outdoors, exposed to the elements?
• Are they likely to be stacked under heavier boxes?
• Will they go through automated sorting systems with chutes or conveyors?

5. Sustainability

If environmental responsibility is a key value for your brand, prioritize eco-friendly dunnage options. Many customers appreciate businesses that make efforts to reduce their environmental impact.

Tips for Reducing Dunnage Costs

While dunnage is essential for protecting your products, it's also important to manage its costs effectively. Here are some strategies to help you reduce dunnage expenses without compromising on protection:

1. Prioritize Protection

Remember that replacing a damaged product can cost up to 17 times the original shipping cost. Always choose dunnage that offers adequate protection, even if it's not the cheapest option upfront.

2. Consider Dunnage Weight

Heavier dunnage materials can significantly increase your shipping costs, especially for lightweight products. Factor in the weight of dunnage when calculating shipping expenses and choosing materials.

3. Optimize Package Sizes

Using oversized boxes for small products wastes dunnage and increases shipping costs. Keep at least three different box sizes in stock (small, medium, and large) to ensure you're using appropriately sized packaging for each order.

4. Explore Multi-Functional Packaging

Look for packaging solutions that can serve multiple purposes. For example, some corrugated inserts can provide both structure and product separation, reducing the need for additional dunnage.

5. Bulk Purchasing

Buying dunnage materials in larger quantities can often lead to better pricing. However, be sure to balance this with your storage capabilities and usage rates to avoid waste.

6. Consider Automated Packaging Solutions

For high-volume operations, automated packaging systems can optimize dunnage use and reduce labor costs. These systems can custom-fit boxes to product sizes and dispense the exact amount of dunnage needed.

7. Regularly Review and Optimize

Periodically assess your dunnage usage and product damage rates. This can help you identify areas for improvement and ensure you're using the most cost-effective solutions without compromising protection.

The Role of FreightAmigo in Optimizing Your Shipping Strategy

As a Digital Logistics Platform, FreightAmigo can play a crucial role in helping you optimize your overall shipping strategy, including dunnage use. Here's how we can support your eCommerce business:

• Our Digital Platform allows you to compare door-to-door freight quotes for various shipping methods, helping you find the most cost-effective options that align with your packaging and dunnage needs.
• With our advanced tracking capabilities, you can monitor your shipments in real-time, allowing you to assess how well your current dunnage strategy is performing across different shipping routes and carriers.
• Our Digital Logistics Solution can help you automate shipment documents, reducing the risk of errors that could lead to mishandling of packages.
• Our 24/7 logistics expert support can provide guidance on best practices for packaging and dunnage use, tailored to your specific products and shipping requirements.

By leveraging FreightAmigo's Digital Logistics Platform, you can streamline your shipping processes, potentially reducing the need for excessive dunnage while ensuring your products reach customers safely and efficiently.

Conclusion

Shipping dunnage plays a crucial role in the success of your eCommerce business. By choosing the right protective materials and optimizing your packaging strategy, you can significantly reduce product damage, minimize returns, and enhance customer satisfaction. Remember, the cost of proper dunnage is an investment in your brand's reputation and customer loyalty.

As you refine your approach to shipping and dunnage, consider how Digital Logistics Solutions like FreightAmigo can support your efforts. Our comprehensive platform can help you navigate the complexities of eCommerce shipping, from quoting and tracking to documentation and expert support.

By combining smart dunnage choices with efficient Digital Logistics Solutions, you can create a robust shipping strategy that protects your products, pleases your customers, and boosts your bottom line in the competitive world of eCommerce.