Custom Dunnage is a customized product typically used in the shipping, handling, and processing of products or component parts. They are specially engineered to meet the manufacturer’s exact specifications for their particular need. Custom Dunnage can include any number of the following types of packaging products: plastic corrugated partitions, thermoformed trays, divider sheets, hanging fabric pouches, or layer pads. While there are some expendable or throw away versions of custom dunnage, most companies consider custom dunnage a type of returnable packaging.

Whatever type of custom dunnage you choose depends entirely upon the type of product you need to ship, if you need the custom dunnage returned after shipment, and how you want to ship your product. Here are come questions to ask yourself when considering custom dunnage for your packaging project:

1. What do you need the custom dunnage to do? Do you need to keep products from touching each other, or should they be packaged in bulk?

2. Is this a new or existing project that requires custom dunnage? If it is entirely new, you’ll want to design something custom-made for that project. As mentioned above, many types of custom dunnage are considered returnable packaging because they are made with materials that are durable and resilient and can be modified and adjusted to accommodate other items. Consider using what you currently have in-house before opting to purchase new custom dunnage or other types of returnable packaging.

3. How heavy are the parts you need to pack? This will help determine the best type of dunnage to support your product and your objectives.

4. Do you need the custom dunnage to be non-abrasive? Some products require special packaging protection against scratches or other types of damage. Keep in mind the type of product you are shipping: if it is delicate or susceptible to damage, you may want to consider custom dunnage that provides additional support and cushioning.

5. Do you need any ESD protection? If so, custom dunnage can be made with anti-static and conductive materials. This is especially useful for manufacturers of products with electronic components that can be seriously damaged if subjected to any type of electric shock.

6. Will the custom dunnage be returned? This is important when determining how durable you want the packaging to be. If you plan to reuse the custom dunnage over and over again, you will want the construction to be more durable.

7. Will your parts have any oil or chemicals on them? If so, you will want to consider custom dunnage specifically designed for products that are coated with oil or chemicals. Not only will you want to protect them from outside contaminants, but you will want to prevent any oil or chemicals from leaking outside of the packaging. Further, oil can cause havoc on certain types of packaging by literally attacking the materials they are made with. Make sure you take this into consideration when designing your custom dunnage and as always consult with your returnable packaging and custom dunnage specialist for guidance and direction.

8. When your products are packaged, where will they be stored? If you are storing your products in a warehouse, you need to consider the conditions of the warehouse. Is it a humid environment? Is it extremely hot or cold? Knowing the answers to these questions will help you choose the type of custom dunnage that can best protect your products.

9. How do you plan to ship your products when using custom dunnage? For example do you plan to use an LTL or full truckload common carrier? Will you ship them via UPS or FedEx? Or will you be delivering them yourself? In each case, your products will be subjected to different shipping situations, and you will want to make sure you protect them from any damage they could sustain in those environments.

10. When will you need your custom dunnage? Because it is customized, it can take several weeks to create. Make sure you give your supplier enough time to make the product that is right for you.

In closing, custom dunnage is counted on to protect products both large and small. Rarely are these items available “off the shelf” and there is very little information about the advantages and disadvantages of each type or style of custom dunnage. However, by answering the questions listed above and consulting with your returnable packaging and custom dunnage specialist, you’ll be able to ship your products with confidence.