Abstract: An air cushion assembly made up of a prefabricated air bag with a rubber air bladder secured between opposed circular metal plates, a rectangular backing member secured to one of the opposed circular plates, a pair of rigid U-shaped members secured to the other of the opposed circular plates, and an inflating valve and hose positioned between the rigid members. The air cushion assemblies are particularly disposed for use in connection with a cargo crate of the type intended to be shipped in sea cargo containers. The cargo crates bearing the air cushion assemblies have a plurality of the assemblies spaced apart and connected to the bottom of the crate through the pair of rigid members, and at least one of the assemblies connected through the backing member to each of the side walls.