ISTA 3B: Testing of Packaged-Products for Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) Shipment
ISTA series 3B package testing evaluates package products for less-than-truckload shipments. As an ISTA and ISO 17025 certified lab, we realize the importance of ISTA series 3 package testing. Meeting the ISTA 3B requirements can be difficult. We understand the challenges and guide companies through the process.
Keystone takes a consultative approach throughout the entire test program. We have a reputation of helping customers achieve their package certifications. Keystone Package Testing partners with customers to achieve package compliance. Lastly, our pricing is competitive and we offer volume discounts.
Request a quote and find out first hand about our competitive pricing, timely process, and outstanding reputation. Contact us to receive more information on series 3 package testing.
Summary of ISTA 3B Package Integrity Compliance Testing
The ISTA Procedure 3B shipping procedure is designed to test packaged products for less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments. The procedure is a general simulation test for the packaged products shipped through a motor carrier delivery system. These systems process different types of packages from different shippers and the loads are intended for different destinations. This type of shipment is considered LTL.
ISTA’s 3B Procedure addresses four package types. Standard packages are packages that are 200 pounds or less. Flat packages and elongated packages can be considered standard packages. There is also a classification of standard packages for packages over 200 pounds including flat and elongated. Cylindrical packages are included in this procedure. The last type is palletized or skidded.
In situations where a package meets the requirements of both a flat and elongated package, the package should be tested as if it is elongated.
Non-rigid containers are any standard, palletized, or skidded container that meets one of the following criteria.
First, the outer packaging may offer insufficient protection from concentrated low-level impacts.
Another criterion is that the design has large unsupported spans of outer packaging material.
The third possible criteria is the outer packaging utilizes a stretch or shrink-wrap design, uses a thin-flute or light-grade corrugated board, or uses a paper wrap or similar lightweight material only. The last criterion is that the outer package wall is in direct contact with the product.
ISTA 3B Palletized Packaging Testing Procedures
ISTA 3B spells out the specific tests for each type of package. The tests and sequences will vary by package type. Most packages will need to undergo condition, shock testing, and vibration testing. The shock testing can include tip over, free-fall drop, concentrated impact, full rotational drop, concentrated edge impact, incline impact, bridged impact, and drop on a hazard. The vibration testing can include random with a top load and random without a top load.
Included below is a series of charts that outline the test sequences for each type of product in ISTA 3B testing used for package validation:
| Sequence # | Test Category | Test Type | Test Level | For ISTA Certification |
| 1 | Atmospheric Preconditioning TEST BLOCK 1 | Temperature and Humidity | Ambient | Required |
| 2 | Atmospheric Conditioning TEST BLOCK 1 | Controlled Temperature and Humidity | Temperature and Humidity chosen from chart | Optional |
| 3 | Shock TEST BLOCK 2 | Tip/Tip Over | Uses a 22-degree tip angle | Required for palletized or skidded loads ≥30 in. (760 mm) tall and center of gravity vertical height > the smallest base dimension |
| 4 | Shock TEST BLOCK 5 | Rotational Drop | Rotational edge and corner drops Height varies with packaged-product weight | Required |
| 5 | Vertical Vibration TEST BLOCK 6 | Incline or Horizontal Impact, optional Free-Fall Drop | 48 in/sec (4 ft/sec) (1.2 m/sec) impacts or 3 in. (76 mm) drops | Required |
| 6 | Vertical Vibration TEST BLOCK 9 | Random With Top Load | Overall Grms level of 0.54 | Required |
| 7 | Shock TEST BLOCK 10 | Concentrated Impact | Impact mass free-fall drop, guided drop, or pendulum, 15 in (380 mm) | Required only for Non-Rigid containers |
| 8 | Shock TEST BLOCK 15 | Fork Lift Handling | Flat Push and Rotate tests | Required |
| 9 | Shock TEST BLOCK 15 | Fork Lift Handling | Elevated Push and Pull tests | Required |
| 10 | Shock TEST BLOCK 15 | Fork Lift Handling | Elevated Rotate tests | Required |
| 11 | Shock TEST BLOCK 15 | Fork Lift Handling | Load Stability Test over a handling course | Required |
| 12 | Shock TEST BLOCK 13 | Rotational Drop | Rotational edge and corner drops Height varies with packaged-product weight | Required |
| 13 | Shock TEST BLOCK 14 | Incline or Horizontal Impact, optional Free-Fall Drop | 48 in/sec (4 ft/sec) (1.2 m/sec) impacts or 3 in. (76 mm) drops | Required |
Expert ISTA 3B Regulatory Package Testing Lab
Keystone Package Testing is an expert at ISTA 3B shipping tests. We have significant experience and streamline the test process. Our team of engineers and technicians assists when failures occur by making design and material changes.
Additionally, we are an e-commerce package and an ISTA-certified test lab and pride ourselves on accurate reports that are produced in a timely manner. Contact us to see why so many companies partner with Keystone to achieve their ISTA 3B transit testing needs.
Other ISTA Standards:
Interested in the EMC/EMI, climatic, dynamic, shielding effectiveness, or IP Code testing of a product? Follow the corresponding links or www.keystonecompliance.com for more information.