Testing Standard:
ISTA 3B Packaged-Products for Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) Shipment (Standard, Cylindrical, and Palletized or Skidded); ie. ISTA Procedure 3B LTL Shipments
Standard Number
ISTA 3B
Standard Title
Packaged-Products for Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) Shipment
Overview for ISTA Procedure 3B LTL Shipments:
ISTA 3B is a general simulation test for individual packaged products shipped through a parcel delivery system. This procedure uses a general simulation of actual transport hazards by either ground or air with three types of packages that include standard, cylindrical, and palletized or skidded. Purple Diamond Testing offers ISTA 3B Testing as part of our packaging distribution testing services.
Rationale for ISTA Procedure 3B LTL Shipments:
ISTA 3B – Packaged-Products for Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) Shipment. Can be used to evaluate the protective performance of a packaged product related to thermal conditions, shocks, random vibrations with and without a top load, and other stressors normally met in a Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) delivery system. The procedure is used to create general simulation hazards in a laboratory environment that is 100% repeatable. Walmart.com needs a passing ISTA 3B report for all items shipped palletized.
Here is some general information about LTL shipping tests:
The Less Than Truckload (LTL) shipping test is designed to evaluate the ability of packages or products to withstand the rigors of transportation when shipped by LTL carriers. This test simulates typical LTL shipping conditions such as vibration, shock, and compression.
The LTL shipment test is typically performed in accordance with the test procedures and protocols established by organizations such as the International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) or the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM). These procedures outline the specific test conditions, equipment, and instrumentation necessary to simulate various LTL shipping scenarios.
During the LTL shipment test, the product or package is subjected to a series of stresses and conditions that simulate different stages of the transportation process, including handling, stacking, and transit. The test may involve subjecting the package to random vibration, drop impacts, compression, or other tests relevant to the LTL shipment environment.
The results of the LTL shipment test can help manufacturers and shippers determine the suitability of their products and packaging for LTL transportation. This information can be used to optimize packaging design, minimize product damage, and reduce overall transportation costs.
Key Points:
- Evaluates the performance of three common types of packages that include standard, cylindrical, and palletized or skidded
- Provides a guide to evaluate packaging systems in the laboratory environment
- Challenges the package and products capability to withstand general transport hazards
- Consider ISTA 3E if the unitized load is for a truckload shipment
Related Standards:
- ASTM D880 – Test Method for Impact Testing for Shipping Containers and Systems
- ASTM D4332 – Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
- ASTM D4728 – Test Method for Random Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers
- ASTM D5265 – Test Method for Bridge Impact Testing
- ASTM D5276 – Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by Free Fall
- ASTM D6055 – Test Methods for Mechanical Handling of Unitized Loads and Large Shipping Cases and Crates
- ASTM D6179 – Test Methods for Rough Handling of Unitized Loads and Large Shipping Cases and Crates
- ASTM D6344 – Test Method for Concentrated Impacts to Transport Packages
- ASTM D6653 – Test Methods for Determining the Effects of High Altitude on Packaging Systems by Vacuum Method
Related Testing Standards
- ASTM D642
- ASTM D685
- ASTM D880
- ASTM D951
- ASTM D999
- ASTM D3078
- ASTM D3103
- ASTM D3285
- ASTM D4169
- ASTM D4332
- ASTM D4728
- ASTM D5265
- ASTM D5276
- ASTM D5277
- ASTM D5487
- ASTM D6055
- ASTM D6179
- ASTM D6344
- ASTM D6653
- ASTM D7386
- ASTM F88
- ASTM F1140
- ASTM F1886
- ASTM F1929
- ASTM F1980
- ASTM F2096
- ASTM F2250
- ASTM F3039
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 The APASS program was designed by Amazon to help support vendors, sellers, and manufacturers in obtaining certification of their products as Frustration Free Packaging (FFP), Ships in Own Container (SIOC), or Prep-Free Packaging (PFP).
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