What is Dunnage Lumber and Why Industries Depend on It

When it comes to shipping, storage, and heavy equipment transport, dunnage lumber is one of the most important — but often overlooked — materials on the job site. At Dark Horse Timber, we supply bulk rough cut dunnage for industrial, mining, and construction projects throughout Utah and the Intermountain West.

What is Dunnage Lumber?

Dunnage refers to low-cost, heavy-duty lumber used to secure, protect, and stabilize cargo during transport or storage. Unlike finished dimensional lumber, dunnage is typically rough cut — meaning it’s cut to size without being planed smooth. This makes it stronger, more durable, and ideal for absorbing stress under heavy loads.

In short: dunnage is the backbone of safe shipping and storage.

Top Industrial Uses of Dunnage

1. Shipping and Freight

  • Supports heavy equipment or palletized materials.

  • Prevents cargo from shifting in trucks, containers, or railcars.

2. Crating and Pallet Construction

  • Used in custom crating for large, irregular items.

  • Provides low-cost, strong framework for pallets.

3. Mining and Energy Projects

  • Serves as blocking or cribbing for machinery and pipe storage.

  • Helps stabilize large loads in rugged environments.

4. Construction and Storage Yards

  • Creates spacing between stacks of lumber, pipe, or stone.

  • Protects inventory by keeping it elevated off the ground.

Why Rough Cut Dunnage is the Standard

Contractors and industrial crews prefer rough cut dunnage because:

  • It’s denser and more durable than finished dimensional lumber.

  • It can handle impact, compression, and heavy loads without failing.

  • It’s available in bulk sizes like 2×4, 2×6, 4×4, or custom cuts.

At Dark Horse Timber, our industrial-grade dunnage is cut with strength and reliability in mind, ensuring your cargo stays safe from the yard to the job site.

Serving Utah and the Intermountain West

Based in Duchesne, Utah, we supply dunnage lumber for industries across:

  • Utah

  • Colorado

  • Wyoming

  • Idaho

  • Arizona

  • Montana

With bulk inventory and palletized orders available, we help contractors and logistics companies get the right materials delivered quickly.

Order Dunnage Lumber from Dark Horse Timber

If you’re shipping heavy cargo, storing equipment, or building industrial crates, Dark Horse Timber has the dunnage you need.

👉 Contact us today to request a quote on bulk dunnage lumber or place an order for pallets of 2×4, 2×6, 4×4, or custom cuts.

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