Choosing the Right Void Fillers for Safe and Sustainable Transit

When products get damaged in transit, the cost goes beyond just replacing the item. It affects customer trust, operational timelines, and your company's reputation. One of the most overlooked factors in preventing shipping damage is choosing the right void filler. Whether you're shipping palletized goods across the country or sending fragile items through a multi-modal supply chain, what you use to fill empty space inside containers matters more than most shippers realize.

Why Void Filler Selection Isn't One-Size-Fits-All

A void filler is any material placed inside a shipping container, box, or railcar to prevent cargo from shifting during transit. But not every void filler works the same way, and picking the wrong one can leave your products vulnerable to impact damage, crushing, or costly freight claims.

The type of goods you're shipping, the mode of transportation, and your sustainability goals should all play into your decision. A shipper moving heavy industrial parts in a truck has very different needs compared to someone shipping consumer electronics in a rail container. Understanding those differences upfront saves money and reduces the risk of product loss.

Also read on: Industrial Eco-Friendly Void Fillers for Sustainable Packaging

Common Types of Void Filler and When to Use Them

Paper-Based Void Fillers Kraft paper and corrugated paper inserts are among the most widely used void filler packaging options today. They're cost-effective, easy to handle, and fully recyclable. For lightweight shipments where you need basic cushioning and gap-filling, paper-based options get the job done without adding unnecessary weight or waste.

Eco Friendly Void Fill Solutions As businesses work toward sustainability targets, eco friendly void fill materials have become a priority. Recycled paper, biodegradable air cushions, and molded pulp inserts offer the same level of protection as traditional foam or plastic, but without the environmental cost. Companies that ship internationally are increasingly required to meet green packaging standards, and switching to eco-friendly void fill is one of the more practical ways to stay compliant while reducing waste.

Dunnage Air Bags For larger shipments traveling by rail, sea, or truck, dunnage air bags are one of the most reliable options available. These inflatable bags are inserted into the gaps between pallets or cargo blocks and inflated with compressed air to hold everything firmly in place. Dunnage air bags are particularly useful because they distribute pressure evenly across the load, reducing the chance of punctures or side-wall damage. Many are now manufactured from recyclable polywoven or kraft paper materials, making them a strong fit for companies trying to cut down on single-use plastics.

Drop Down and Dual Drop Down Fillers These corrugated paper fillers are designed to close vertical gaps in palletized loads. Drop down void fillers work well for standard pallet stacks, while dual drop down fillers offer more stability for wider or heavier loads. Both are made from recycled materials and can be reused or composted after use.

The Connection Between Void Filler Packaging and Load Securement

Good void filler packaging is really just one piece of a broader load securement strategy. Load securement refers to the practice of stabilizing cargo so it doesn't shift, tip, or slide during transport. When cargo moves inside a container, it doesn't just damage the product itself. It can throw off the vehicle's weight balance, create safety hazards for workers at the delivery end, and result in costly freight claims.

Using the right void filler alongside proper load securement techniques, like stretch wrapping, strapping, and anti-slip mats, creates a complete system of protection. Each element reinforces the others, keeping your freight stable from pickup to final delivery.

Also read: A Guide to Choosing the Right Void Filler

Factors to Keep in Mind Before Choosing a Void Filler

The weight and fragility of your product should be the starting point. Heavier goods need fillers that can handle compression without collapsing, while fragile items need materials that absorb impact rather than just block movement. You should also think about the mode of transport. Rail and sea freight experience more prolonged vibration and lateral movement than truck shipments, which makes dunnage air bags a natural fit for those routes.

Don't overlook storage, either. Eco friendly void fill options like paper-based fillers take up less space in your warehouse and are easier to dispose of responsibly than foam alternatives.

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Conclusion

Getting your void filler selection right doesn't have to be complicated, but it does require some thought about your specific shipping conditions and sustainability goals. At Dunnage Systems Inc., we work with businesses across industries to match them with the right void filler packaging solutions, whether that's dunnage air bags for heavy rail freight, eco friendly void fill for green-certified supply chains, or paper-based drop down fillers for standard pallet loads.

If load securement and cargo protection are priorities for your operation, Dunnage Systems Inc. has the experience and product range to help you ship smarter and more sustainably.