Pre-Shipment Test Pre-shipment Tests can be a useful tool when used properly. The most effective time to utilize a pre-shipment test is before actually shipping the product or when design changes are made to any packaging or product component. This way, any potential problems can be identified and solved that may occur during “real-world” shipment. There are many choices when it comes to pre-shipment tests today. The most important thing to remember is that the test results are only as good as the test procedure performed. Some results of performing the wrong test include, inaccurate test findings, over-packaging (thus overspending), and damage in shipment which leads to customer dissatisfaction which translates to lost sales. Do not use your initial shipment as your “test”. Obtaining a pre-shipment test certification will aide the shipper in getting claims paid by the carriers but is NOT a guarantee.

ISTA - International Safe Transit Association:

ISTA test procedures are some of the most widely used test procedures in the industry.

ISTA 1 Series: Non-Simulation Integrity Performance Tests:

This test series challenges the strength and robustness of the product and package combination.

This test series is NOT designed to simulate environmental occurrences. It is useful as a screening test, particularly when used as a consistent benchmark over time.

• 1A - Packaged Products 150 lbs (68 kg) or Less. Basic Requirements: fixed displacement vibration and shock testing.
  Test Request Form
• 1B - Packaged Products Over 150 lbs (68 kg). Basic Requirements: fixed displacement vibration and shock testing.
  Test Request Form
• 1C - Extended Testing for Individual Packaged-Products Weighing 150 lbs (68 kg) or Less. Basic Requirements: fixed displacement or random vibration, shock testing and compression.
  Test Request Form
• 1D - Extended Testing for Individual Packaged-Products Over 150 lbs (68 kg). Basic Requirements: fixed displacement or random vibration, shock testing and compression.
  Test Request Form
• 1E - Unitized Loads. Basic Requirements: vertical linear or random vibration and shock testing.
  Test Request Form
• 1G - Packaged Products 150 lbs (68 kg) or Less (Random Vibration). Basic Requirements: random vibration and shock testing.
  Test Request Form
• 1H - Packaged Products over 150 lbs (68 kg) (Random Vibration). Basic Requirements: random vibration and shock testing.
  Test Request Form

ISTA 2 Series: Simulation Performance Test Procedures: 

Tests with at least one element of a Series 3 type general simulation performance test, such as atmospheric conditioning or mode-shaped random vibration and at least one element of a Series 1 type non-simulation integrity test.

• 2A - Packaged Products Weighing 150 lbs (68kg) or Less. Basic Requirements: atmospheric conditioning, compression, fixed displacement or random vibration and shock testing.
  Test Request Form
• 2B - Packaged Products Over 150 lbs (68 kg). Basic Requirements: atmospheric conditioning, compression, fixed displacement or random vibration and shock testing.
  Test Request Form
• 2C - Furniture Packages. Basic Requirements: atmospheric conditioning, compression and shock testing.
  Test Request Form
• 2D - Packaged Products Considered Flat. Basic Requirements: fixed displacement vibration and shock testing.
  Test Request Form
• 2E - Packaged Products Considered Elongated. Basic Requirements: fixed displacement vibration and shock testing.
  Test Request Form

ISTA 3 Series: General Simulation Performance Test Procedures:

This test series provides a laboratory simulation of the damage-producing forces and conditions of transport environments. This test series is applicable across broad sets of circumstances, such as a variety of vehicle types and routes, or a varying number of handling exposures. Characteristics will include simple shaped random vibration, different drop heights applied to the same package, and/or atmospheric conditioning such as tropical wet or winter/frozen.

Note: UPS has stated in their tariff that packages moving in their system must be capable of passing ISTA Test Procedure 3A. ISTA 3A is now the MINIMUM acceptable testing standard whereas in the past ISTA 1A was the minimum acceptable standard.

• 3A - Packaged Products for Parcel Delivery System Shipment Test Project 3A is a general simulation test for individual packaged-products shipped through a parcel delivery system. The test is appropriate for four different package types commonly distributed as individual packages, either by air or ground. The types include standard, small, flat and elongated packages. Basic Requirements: atmospheric pre-conditioning, random vibration with and without top load, and shock testing.
  Test Request Form
• 3E - Unitized Loads of Same Product. Basic Requirements: atmospheric conditioning, compression, random vibration and shock testing.
  Test Request Form
• 3F - Packaged Products for Distribution Center to Retail Outlet Shipment 100 lbs (45 kg). Basic Requirements: atmospheric conditioning, compression, random vibration and shock testing.
  Test Request Form
• 3H - Performance Test for Products or Packaged Products in Mechanically Handled Bulk Transport Containers. Basic Requirements: atmospheric conditioning, random vibration and shock testing.
  If you would like more information about this test or to acquire the Test Request form.  Please contact us.

ISTA 4 Series: Enhanced General Simulation Performance Test Procedures:

A General simulation test with at least one element of Focused Simulation, such as test sequence or condition linked to actual known distribution pattern. Project 4AB, an enhanced Simulation Performance Test, is currently under development by ISTA.

• 4AB - Test procedure coming soon

ISTA 5 Series: Focused Simulation Performance Test Procedures:

Designed to provide a laboratory simulation based on actual field-measured hazards and levels. Measured hazards will typically include complex shaped random vibration, multi-tier drop height distribution, temperature and humidity extremes and /or cycling, and dynamic or static compressive forces.

• 5B - Focused Simulation Guide for Thermal Performance Testing of Temperature Controlled Transport Packaging
  Test Request Form

ISTA 7 Series: Development Tests

These tests are used in the development of transport packages. They can be used to compare relative performance of two or more container designs, but are not intended to evaluate the protection afforded packaged-products.

• 7A - Open Reusable Transport Containers for Loads of 60 lb (27 kg) or Less and Unitized for Shipment on a Pallet. Basic Requirements: compression and shock testing.
  Test Request Form
• 7B - Open Reusable Transport Containers for Loads of 150 lb (68 kg) or Less. Basic Requirements: fixed displacement or random vibration, shock testing, compression and atmospheric pre-conditioning.
  Test Request Form
• 7C - Reusable Intermediate Bulk Containers. Basic Requirements: atmospheric conditioning, compression, random vibration and shock testing.
  Test Request Form
• 7D - Thermal Controlled Transport Packaging for Parcel Delivery System Shipment. Basic Requirements: atmospheric conditioning, vibration and shock testing.
  Test Request Form

NMFC Item 180:

This is the National Motor Freight Classification test protocol for shipments that will travel in an LTL (less than truckload) environment. Basic requirements are compression, vibration, rotational flat drops and incline impact tests.

NMFC Item 181:

This is the National Motor Freight Classification test protocol for furniture. Basic requirements are compression, vibration, rotational flat drops and incline impact tests.

ASTM D4169:

This is an ASTM extensive pre-shipment test series that requires detailed knowledge of your distribution cycle.