| Custom Dunnage is a customized product typically | | | | 6. Will the custom dunnage be returned? This is |
| used in the shipping, handling, and processing of | | | | important when determining how durable you |
| products or component parts. They are specially | | | | want the packaging to be. If you plan to reuse |
| engineered to meet the manufacturer's exact | | | | the custom dunnage over and over again, you will |
| specifications for their particular need. Custom | | | | want the construction to be more durable. |
| Dunnage can include any number of the following | | | | 7. Will your parts have any oil or chemicals on |
| types of packaging products: plastic corrugated | | | | them? If so, you will want to consider custom |
| partitions, thermoformed trays, divider sheets, | | | | dunnage specifically designed for products that are |
| hanging fabric pouches, or layer pads. While there | | | | coated with oil or chemicals. Not only will you |
| are some expendable or throw away versions of | | | | want to protect them from outside contaminants, |
| custom dunnage, most companies consider | | | | but you will want to prevent any oil or chemicals |
| custom dunnage a type of returnable packaging. | | | | from leaking outside of the packaging. Further, oil |
| Whatever type of custom dunnage you choose | | | | can cause havoc on certain types of packaging |
| depends entirely upon the type of product you | | | | by literally attacking the materials they are made |
| need to ship, if you need the custom dunnage | | | | with. Make sure you take this into consideration |
| returned after shipment, and how you want to | | | | when designing your custom dunnage and as |
| ship your product. Here are come questions to | | | | always consult with your returnable packaging and |
| ask yourself when considering custom dunnage | | | | custom dunnage specialist for guidance and |
| for your packaging project: | | | | direction. |
| 1. What do you need the custom dunnage to do? | | | | 8. When your products are packaged, where will |
| Do you need to keep products from touching | | | | they be stored? If you are storing your products |
| each other, or should they be packaged in bulk? | | | | in a warehouse, you need to consider the |
| 2. Is this a new or existing project that requires | | | | conditions of the warehouse. Is it a humid |
| custom dunnage? If it is entirely new, you'll want | | | | environment? Is it extremely hot or cold? |
| to design something custom-made for that | | | | Knowing the answers to these questions will help |
| project. As mentioned above, many types of | | | | you choose the type of custom dunnage that can |
| custom dunnage are considered returnable | | | | best protect your products. |
| packaging because they are made with materials | | | | 9. How do you plan to ship your products when |
| that are durable and resilient and can be modified | | | | using custom dunnage? For example do you plan |
| and adjusted to accommodate other items. | | | | to use an LTL or full truckload common carrier? |
| Consider using what you currently have in-house | | | | Will you ship them via UPS or FedEx? Or will you |
| before opting to purchase new custom dunnage | | | | be delivering them yourself? In each case, your |
| or other types of returnable packaging. | | | | products will be subjected to different shipping |
| 3. How heavy are the parts you need to pack? | | | | situations, and you will want to make sure you |
| This will help determine the best type of dunnage | | | | protect them from any damage they could |
| to support your product and your objectives. | | | | sustain in those environments. |
| 4. Do you need the custom dunnage to be | | | | 10. When will you need your custom dunnage? |
| non-abrasive? Some products require special | | | | Because it is customized, it can take several |
| packaging protection against scratches or other | | | | weeks to create. Make sure you give your |
| types of damage. Keep in mind the type of | | | | supplier enough time to make the product that is |
| product you are shipping: if it is delicate or | | | | right for you. |
| susceptible to damage, you may want to consider | | | | In closing, custom dunnage is counted on to |
| custom dunnage that provides additional support | | | | protect products both large and small. Rarely are |
| and cushioning. | | | | these items available "off the shelf" and there is |
| 5. Do you need any ESD protection? If so, | | | | very little information about the advantages and |
| custom dunnage can be made with anti-static and | | | | disadvantages of each type or style of custom |
| conductive materials. This is especially useful for | | | | dunnage. However, by answering the questions |
| manufacturers of products with electronic | | | | listed above and consulting with your returnable |
| components that can be seriously damaged if | | | | packaging and custom dunnage specialist, you'll be |
| subjected to any type of electric shock. | | | | able to ship your products with confidence. |