Dunnage Rack Guide for Flatbed and Gooseneck Trailers
Dunnage Rack Guide
Ask a flatbed driver what is always on the trailer, and many will say wood. Short pieces of 4x4 lumber go under pipe, between stacks of steel, and under machines. That wood is called dunnage.
The trouble is where to keep it. Loose wood slides around, falls off, and gets lost. A dunnage rack gives that wood a home. This guide explains what it is, the main types, and how to set one up.
In This Guide
What Is Dunnage?
Dunnage is any material used to support, lift, or protect cargo during transport. On a flatbed, it usually means blocks or boards of wood.
Drivers use it to:
- Lift freight off the deck so a forklift can get under it
- Keep round items like pipe from rolling
- Space out stacks so straps can pass between them
- Spread out heavy weight on the deck
- Protect the deck from sharp metal edges
What Is a Dunnage Rack?
It is a frame that holds your dunnage on the trailer. Most racks are made of steel or aluminum. They often look like a box or a pair of brackets that hold boards in a stack.
The rack keeps wood off the deck, in one place, and easy to grab.
Why Every Flatbed Needs One
Safety. Loose wood can fly off the trailer on the highway.
Less loss. Wood that is not stored tends to stay behind at job sites.
Faster loading. You know right where the wood is when you need it.
More deck space. The rack keeps wood out of the way of freight.
Cleaner wood. Stored wood stays drier and lasts longer.
Main Types
Gooseneck Racks
These mount on the gooseneck part of the trailer, between the neck rails or on top of the neck. They use space that often goes unused. They are a favorite on hotshot gooseneck trailers.
Under Deck Racks
These hang under the deck between the frame rails. They keep wood totally out of the way. You slide boards in from the side or end.
Side Mount Racks
These bolt to the side of the trailer frame. They are easy to reach while standing on the ground.
Headache Rack Racks
Some drivers keep a few boards in brackets on the headache rack behind the cab.
Aluminum or Steel
Aluminum is light and does not rust. Steel is strong and costs less, but it needs paint to keep rust away.
The Safe & Tie 20 by 15 inch aluminum dunnage rack holder is built from 3mm aluminum for flatbed and gooseneck trailers.
How to Pick One
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Look at your trailer | Where is there open space? On the neck, under the deck, or on the side? |
| Count your wood | How many boards do you carry on a normal run? Pick a rack that holds that many. |
| Measure your boards | Most drivers carry 4x4 lumber cut to a few feet long. The rack must fit that size. |
| Think about reach | You will grab wood often, so pick a spot you can reach from the ground. |
| Check the weight | Wood is heavy when you carry a lot of it. Aluminum racks help save weight. |
How to Mount a Dunnage Rack
- Mount it to the frame or a strong cross member, not thin sheet metal.
- Use the bolts and brackets the maker suggests.
- Keep it away from lights, wiring, air lines, and the exhaust.
- Make sure it does not hang so low that it drags on steep driveways.
- Check the bolts after the first trip and every few months after that.
How to Use Dunnage on a Load
- Set wood under freight that needs to be lifted by forklift.
- Place blocks on both sides of round items to stop rolling.
- Put a board between stacked steel or pipe so straps can pass through.
- Keep wood square under the load so the weight sits evenly.
Tie down the load with rated straps or chains. Dunnage supports the load, but it does not hold it on.
Pair your dunnage with good gear from the Safe & Tie cargo control collection and the edge protectors collection.
Care Tips
Care Tips for Your Wood
- Replace boards that are split, rotten, or soaked in oil.
- Let wet wood dry when you can.
- Knock off mud and gravel before you put boards back.
- Keep a few spare boards. They break more often than you think.
Care for the Rack
- Check welds and bolts for cracks or rust.
- Wash off road salt in winter.
- Make sure the rack has a way to keep boards from bouncing out, like a strap, a bar, or a pin.
Final Thoughts
A dunnage rack is a simple frame that keeps your blocking wood safe, dry, and close by. It stops lost boards, saves deck space, and makes every load faster. Pick a rack that fits the open space on your trailer, mount it to solid framing, and keep your wood in good shape. Your loading days will go much smoother.
Give Your Dunnage a Home
Get the 20" x 15" aluminum dunnage rack holder for flatbed and gooseneck trailers at Safe & Tie.
Shop Dunnage RackFrequently Asked Questions
What size wood is used for dunnage?
Many flatbed drivers use 4x4 lumber cut to a few feet long. Some loads call for 2x4 or 4x6 boards.
Where is the best place to mount the rack?
On gooseneck trailers, the neck is a popular spot. On other flatbeds, under the deck or on the side frame works well.
Is dunnage required by law?
Not by itself. But the load must be secure, and dunnage often helps keep freight stable and protected.
How many boards should I carry?
It depends on your loads. Many drivers carry ten to twenty boards so they are ready for most jobs.
Can I use plastic dunnage?
Yes. Some drivers use plastic or rubber blocks. They do not rot, but they can be more costly than wood.