Experience with dunnage air bags?

[IDS]

Hi there.

Anyone have any experience with dunnage air bags? I'm only interested in the polywoven and vinyl/rubber bags. Not the kraft paper stuff.

I'm curious to know:

1) Which holds out better to really cold temperatures?
2) Which ones can be re-used a lot?
3) Which is best for pushing weight? The polywoven ones looks pretty strong, but I don't have any experience with them.

[Drew10]

We use airbags, on all our outbound loads. My customer used to use the vinyl/rubber then switch to the paper wrapped ones. Been using the paper ones for a couple years. Both seem to hold up well for multiple use, as long as you take care not to tear the bag.

Proper usage, after bag is filled with air you should put a rachet strap up at the nearest trailer panel to the freight (without touching freight with strap, in other words straps doesnot secure the freight) to "cinch" in the walls to help compress the freight against the bag.

Our product (office supplies) is shrink wrapped on pallets, last 2 pallets get the airbag. The product used to be floor loaded and the airbags still worked pretty good at holding the freight in place.

One of the keys properly placing the strap and cinching the walls in.

[IDS]

Why the switch to paper Drew? I know they're cheaper. But they also get cold burned, and not weather proof. And they don't hold up very well to multiple uses.

[Drew10]

Not real sure why the switch to paper...Id assume cost...The paper seems to me just as durable as the vinyl was. They have only paper outer, inside the paper is a vinyl bag. (I think the paper also helps protect the inner vinyl bag).
The problem I see with the paper, when I arrive at some of my customers the reciever will tend to take a box cutter and split the back to air it down then throw the bag away, rather than open the valve to air it down. I think their mentality is paper is disposable. The stores have a set procedure on how to handle the bags. If the driver is able to bring the bags back, then I am to put them in the trailer and return the bags to the DC. If Im unable to bring bags back, then stores procedure is to air the backs down, fold them to a certain size then have them shipped by mail, FedEx, UPS or however back to the DC for reuse. (Stores dont always follow policy, go figure).

[IDS]

Those paper bags are definitely cheaper, and meant for single use. The other problem I know of is that they absorb moisture. They're definitely not as durable and reliable as the vinyl and polywoven ones.

[Drew10]

Dont get me wrong, Im not trying to push the paper bags...just giving my experience with them. Not sure bout the polywoven type, just the vinyl and paper.

[headborg]

my only other experience with the vinyl air bags were taking 4 of them home with me--airing them up, and taking them to the river--the kids loved 'em.

[IDS]

Dont get me wrong, Im not trying to push the paper bags...just giving my experience with them. Not sure bout the polywoven type, just the vinyl and paper.

I know you weren't pushing for them. I was just explaining why I don't like the paper ones.

When I worked at Wal-Mart Distribution, the unloader guys would take these things and put them on the forklifts with the clamp attachments and squeeze those things until they blew up, the big ones would almost shake the floor they were so loud and bassy. Good fun