Your Guide to Filling Lateral Voids in Doorways

When shipping products, it's crucial to ensure they are loaded securely and protected to prevent damage during transit. One important aspect of this is filling lateral voids, especially in doorways. These voids can cause products to shift, resulting in damage or even loss. In this blog post, we'll discuss the importance of filling lateral voids and provide practical tips for finishing off a load effectively.

Why Fill Lateral Voids?

Filling lateral voids in doorways is essential for several reasons:
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• Prevent product movement: When products shift within a load, they can collide with each other or the walls of the container, causing damage.
• Maintain stability: Filling voids helps to stabilize the load, preventing it from toppling over or shifting during transport.
• Protect against theft: By ensuring that products are loaded securely, you can deter thieves from targeting your shipment.
• Comply with regulations: Many shipping regulations, specifically the Association of American Railroads, require that loads be properly secured to prevent accidents and injuries.

Effective Methods for Filling Lateral Voids

There are several effective methods for filling lateral voids in doorways:
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​Drop fillers: These are specifically designed and sized fillers that are placed in doorways to prevent products from shifting. Drop fillers are typically made of corrugated cardboard or foam and are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate different door widths and product dimensions.

• Dunnage bags: These inflatable bags are a versatile and efficient way to fill voids. They can be easily adjusted to fit different spaces and provide excellent cushioning for your products. Dunnage bags are often used in conjunction with other packaging materials to create a secure and stable load.
• Corrugated dunnage: This includes materials like pads, blocks, and sheets that can be used to fill voids and provide support for your products. Corrugated dunnage is lightweight, durable, and can be easily customized to fit your specific needs.

Using Drop Fillers Effectively
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When using drop fillers, follow these steps:
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1. Measure the doorway: Determine the width of the doorway and select drop fillers that are the appropriate size.
2. Prepare the filler: Place the drop filler on top of the unit before positioning it on the column.
3. Secure the filler: Use tape or strapping to secure the drop filler in place.
4. Load the units: Carefully load the units, ensuring that the drop filler is fully expanded and in place.
5. Maintain alignment: When loading the units, ensure that they are aligned properly to prevent pressure points that can cause damage.

Additional Tips for Filling Lateral Voids​

• Consider the weight and fragility of your products: The type of filler you use will depend on the weight and fragility of the products being shipped. Heavier products may require more robust materials like corrugated dunnage or foam blocks.
• Use a combination of fillers: For complex loads or large voids, you may need to use a combination of different fillers to achieve optimal protection.
• Inspect the load: Before closing the container, inspect the load to ensure that all voids are filled and that the products are securely fastened.

By following these tips and using the appropriate methods for filling lateral voids, you can significantly reduce the risk of damage to your products during shipping. Remember, a well-secured load is essential for protecting your investment and ensuring customer satisfaction.
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Superior Packaging Company is your trusted partner for all your load securement needs. We offer a wide range of products and services to help you protect your shipments and ensure safe delivery. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.

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