Many customers ask: are dunnage bags alone enough? It depends on the cargo. Container cargo securing is a system — dunnage bags, lashing straps and cord strap each handle their part, and only the combination is bulletproof. Below are recommended combinations by cargo type.

1. Mixed Cartons and Pallets: Dunnage Bags Lead

For ordinary cartons and palletized goods in mixed loads, the biggest risk is shifting and toppling from voids. Container dunnage bags go into the gaps between cargo and between cargo and container walls; once inflated they form integral bracing — the most cost-effective solution. Voids over 30 cm get large bags, narrow gaps get small ones.

2. Heavy Equipment and Large Items: Lock Down with Lashing Straps

Machinery, coils and large building materials are heavy with big inertia — filling voids is not enough. Lashing straps must connect the cargo to the container’s lashing points. Ratchet lashing straps deliver high tension with multi-point lengthwise and crosswise securing — no shifting even under hard braking. For heavy cargo, dunnage bags in the gaps plus tensioned lashing straps is the double-safe option.

3. Pallet Cargo for Export: Strap the Pallet First with Cord Strap

Cartons and bagged goods on pallets should first be unitized with polyester cord strap into one solid pallet before loading. Forklift handling will not break the pallet apart; once inside, dunnage bags fill the remaining voids — worry-free end to end. Cord strap strength can replace steel strapping, at lower packing cost.

4. Quick Combination Guide

• Light bulky cartons: dunnage bags in the voids suffice.
• Standard pallet cargo: cord strap unitizes pallets + dunnage bags fill voids.
• Heavy equipment: ratchet lashing straps at multiple points + dunnage bags in gaps.
• Mixed general cargo: combine all three as needed — void filling + lengthwise securing + pallet unitizing, full coverage.

Shanghai Tezheng Packaging is a one-stop container securing supplier with all three product lines — dunnage bags, lashing straps and cord strap — so you can kit out a complete plan in one order. Send us your container type and cargo details and our engineers will draft securing advice free of charge.