ISTA Test Procedure 3B is a general simulation test for packaged products shipped through a motor carrier (truck) delivery system, where different types of packaged products, often from different shippers and destined for different end destinations, are mixed in the same shipment. This type of shipment is referred to as Less-Than-Truckload (LTL). ISTA Test Procedure 3B is suitable for four types of parcels commonly distributed in LTL shipments, as described below:
Parcel Types:
- Standard, 200 lb (91 kg) or less, including elongated and flat packages
- Standard, over 200 lb (91 kg), including elongated and flat packages
- Cylindrical, including elongated cylinders
- Palletized or Skidded - Individual container, bulk container, or unit load on or incorporating a base or pallet that allows for forklift entry
General:
- The tests can be used to assess the protective performance of a packaged product in relation to vibrations, shocks, and other stresses typically encountered during handling and transportation in an LTL delivery system.
- The test levels are based on general data and may not represent a specific distribution system.
- The parcel and the product are considered together, not separately.
- Certain transit conditions, such as humidity, pressure, or unusual handling, may not be covered.
Other ISTA procedures or projects may be appropriate for different conditions or to meet different objectives.
Test Procedure 3B covers tests for packaged products prepared for shipment through an LTL delivery system carrier. LTL is defined as shipping via a motor carrier (truck) delivery system, where different types of packaged products, often from different shippers and destined for different end destinations, are mixed in the same shipment.
The test samples should be an untested parcel and product prepared as for shipment to a customer or end user.
The number of test samples required is specified in each test sequence. Additional test samples may be needed to meet preparation requirements for shipment.
Required tests for this procedure include:
Climatic preconditioning, compression, tilting, random vibration with and without load, drop/shock test, forklift truck handling tests.