Timber Dunnage, is also known as packaging timber, is used to secure and stabilise goods during storage and transport. Used across automotive, manufacturing, and construction industries, our timber is cut to the lengths and strengths you need to secure items such as steel, pipe, and machinery.
We supply standard and custom-cut dunnage to meet your load capacity.
Benefits of Dunnage Timber
Our dunnage provides businesses with a reliable packaging solution:
- Durable: Built to withstand heavy and bulky loads
- Cost-effective: An affordable option compared to alternatives
- Sustainable: Recyclable and repairable, reducing waste
- Safe: Easy to handle, stack, and transport
- Readily available: Manufactured in Brisbane and Newcastle with delivery across Queensland, New South Wales, and Australia-wide
ISPM15-Certified Dunnage
Our dunnage can be heat-treated and certified to ISPM15 to meet international standards, ensuring timber meets requirements for both domestic and international use.
Timber Dunnage Frequently Asked Questions
What Exactly is Dunnage Timber?
Dunnage timber refers to wood materials such as boards, planks, blocks, and beams that are cut to size and used to stabilise, secure, and protect cargo during transport and storage.
As one of the most versatile forms of packaging timber, dunnage helps distribute weight, absorb shocks, fill voids, and prevent load shifting. By bracing cargo effectively, it cushions freight and maintains stability even during rough handling or long journeys. With movement reduced and damage minimised, goods arrive safely at their destination.
Why Is Timber an Ideal Choice for Dunnage?
Its strength relative to weight allows dunnage timber to handle heavy stacking loads without buckling or deforming. Timber boards stay rigid when bracing cargo, rather than compressing or bending. The natural cellular structure of wood also absorbs vibration and impact, cushioning cargo during transit.
Timber withstands exposure, moisture, and rough handling, and with proper maintenance can be reused multiple times. The grain and texture provide natural friction that prevents slippage, keeping loads in place. Timber is also affordable, easy to work with, and recyclable — making it both a cost-effective and sustainable option.
What Types of Timber Work Best for Dunnage?
Softwoods such as pine, fir, cedar, and spruce provide excellent strength for bracing and blocking, although they can be more prone to moisture absorption. Hardwoods like oak, maple, and birch deliver outstanding rigidity and durability, with greater resistance to moisture compared to softwoods. Engineered woods such as plywood offer consistent performance, though they may delaminate under heavy moisture exposure. Previously used timber boards can also be refurbished into dunnage, with their seasoned durability making them suitable for reuse. The best timber option ultimately depends on factors including availability, cost, stability, moisture conditions, and the required service life.
How Does Dunnage Timber Protect Cargo?
Dunnage timber protects cargo by spreading concentrated weights evenly across the floor, preventing crushed containers or trailers. By filling gaps and voids, it eliminates the risk of dangerous load shifting during transit, which can cause tipping or damage.
It also cushions goods from shocks and vibration, reducing the chance of items striking each other or container walls. Maintaining clearance spaces prevents crushing from other freight, while bracing cylindrical items such as drums or pipes stops uncontrolled rolling.
The natural friction of timber resists sliding in stacked loads, and structural reinforcements can prevent collapse if cargo begins to compress or tip. With the right dunnage design and timber selection, loads remain secure and stable even on the most demanding routes.
What Are the Different Timber Dunnage Techniques for Securing Cargo?
Timber dunnage can be arranged in many ways to secure different loads. Flat blocking spreads weight across the floor, while cross bracing holds stacked items in place. Timber sheets fill gaps to stop shifting, and shelves separate pipes or drums. Edge protectors guard corners, posts keep clearance between goods, and chocks or wedges prevent rolling. With these options, timber offers flexible solutions for almost any load.
