1. Scope

1.1 This guide covers an approach to design of packaging for distributing goods through the hazards of handling, storage, and transportation.

1.2 The principal content of this guide is the identification of the key steps involved in development of transport packages, including shipping containers, interior protective packaging, and unit loads. It is recognized that actual usage and application to individual design projects may vary appreciably without diminishing the value of the process. Consult with a packaging professional whenever needed.

1.3 This guide is not intended for design of primary packaging unless the primary package is planned for use as a shipping container.

1.4 The user of this guide must be aware of the carrier rules regarding packaging for shipment via each mode of transportation in which the transport package may move, such as the National Motor Freight Classification (less-than truckload) and the Uniform Freight Classification (railroad). For hazardous materials packaging, the packaging must perform to the requirements of the applicable modal regulations listed in Section 2.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

D642 Test Method for Determining Compressive Resistance of Shipping Containers, Components, and Unit Loads

D880 Test Method for Impact Testing for Shipping Containers and Systems

D996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments

D999 Test Methods for Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers

D1974 Practice for Methods of Closing, Sealing, and Reinforcing Fiberboard Boxes

D3332 Test Methods for Mechanical-Shock Fragility of Products, Using Shock Machines

D3580 Test Methods for Vibration (Vertical Linear Motion) Test of Products

D4003 Test Methods for Programmable Horizontal Impact Test for Shipping Containers and Systems

D4169 Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems

D4728 Test Method for Random Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers

D4919 Guide for Testing of Hazardous Materials Packagings

D5276 Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by Free Fall

D5487 Test Method for Simulated Drop of Loaded Containers by Shock Machines

D6055 Test Methods for Mechanical Handling of Unitized Loads and Large Shipping Cases and Crates

D6179 Test Methods for Rough Handling of Unitized Loads and Large Shipping Cases and Crates

D6344 Test Method for Concentrated Impacts to Transport Packages

D6537 Practice for Instrumented Package Shock Testing For Determination of Package Performance

D6653 Test Methods for Determining the Effects of High Altitude on Packaging Systems by Vacuum Method

D6804 Guide for Hand Hole Design in Corrugated Boxes

D7030 Test Method for Short Term Creep Performance of Corrugated Fiberboard Containers Under Constant Load Using a Compression Test Machine

D7386 Practice for Performance Testing of Packages for Single Parcel Delivery Systems

D7387 Test Method for Vibration Testing of Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) Used for Shipping Liquid Hazardous Materials (Dangerous Goods)

D7660 Guide for Conducting Internal Pressure Tests on United Nations (UN) Packagings

ISO Standard

Keywords

compression; distribution environment; handling; impact; interior protective packaging; performance test; shipping container; shock; transport package; unit load; vibration;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 55.180.10 (General purpose containers)

DOI: 10.1520/D6198-00

ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.