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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 CategoryTest TypeTest LevelFor ISTA Certification
1Atmospheric Preconditioning
TEST BLOCK 1
Temperature and HumidityAmbientRequired
2Atmospheric Conditioning
TEST BLOCK 1
Controlled Temperature and HumidityTemperature and Humidity chosen from chartOptional
3Shock
TEST BLOCK 2
Tip/Tip OverUses a 22-degree tip angleRequired for palletized or
skidded loads ≥30 in.
(760 mm) tall and
center of gravity vertical
height > the smallest
base dimension
4Shock
TEST BLOCK 5
Rotational DropRotational edge and corner drops
Height varies with packaged-product weight
Required
5Vertical 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
6Vertical Vibration
TEST BLOCK 9
Random
With Top Load
Overall Grms level of 0.54Required
7Shock
TEST BLOCK 10
Concentrated
Impact
Impact mass free-fall drop,
guided drop, or pendulum,
15 in (380 mm)
Required only for
Non-Rigid containers
8Shock
TEST BLOCK 15
Fork Lift HandlingFlat Push and Rotate testsRequired
9Shock
TEST BLOCK 15
Fork Lift HandlingElevated Push and Pull testsRequired
10Shock
TEST BLOCK 15
Fork Lift HandlingElevated Rotate testsRequired
11Shock
TEST BLOCK 15
Fork Lift HandlingLoad Stability Test over a handling courseRequired
12Shock
TEST BLOCK 13
Rotational DropRotational edge and corner drops
Height varies with
packaged-product weight
Required
13Shock
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.