ASTM D 4169-22

Transport Simulation Protocol

Standard Practice for Performance Testing
of Shipping Containers and Systems
Author:
Michel Magendans
Director Sebert Trillingstechniek
Version V1.4

Page 1/26
Sebert Trillingstechniek
& the Sebert Group
Sebert Schwingungstechnik Sebert Trillingstechniek
Bergschenhoek
Kirchhein, Teck, Germany
Sebert Nord Gerätebau
Harpstedt, Bremen
Sebert Nord Gerätebau
Harpstedt, Bremen, Germany
Sebert Schwingungstechnik
Kirchhein, Teck

SC Sebert Technologie S.R.L

Sfathu Gheorge, Brasow, Romania) SC Sebert Technologie S.R.L
Sfathu Gheorge, Brasow

Sebert Trillingstechniek
Bergschenhoek, Netherlands

Page 2/26
Sebert Trillingstechniek (North Rotterdam)
Our laboratory is ISO/IEC17025*
accredited & ISTA® certified
✓ Transport simulation tests ✓ Fatigue testing
(e.g. ASTM, ISTA, IEC, MIL-STD and ISO)
✓ Seismic simulations
✓ Vibration maritime testing
(Lloyd's, DNV, Lloyd, Bureau Veritas) ✓ Horizontal impact testing of
pallets (used in train)
✓ Shock, noise & vibration
measurements incl. field (S.A.V.E.R.) ✓ Temperature and humidity tests
✓ Compression- and tensile testing ✓ UV and Salt mist test
✓ Shock-, impact- and drop testing ✓ Rain, Water Jets and Dust IP tests
✓ IK impact tests

*Refer to [Link] for the current scope (registration number L540)

Page 3/26
 Why ASTM D 4169 and not
ASTM D 7386, ISTA or another standard
Sebert Trillingstechniek Laboratory has more than 20 years experience in simulation testing
and we prefer the ASTM D4169-22 due to the realistic test levels and the possibilities of
adjusting test schedules.

Below you will find the main reasons why we do not use the other standards:
• ASTM D7386 special made for testing of packages for single parcel shipments, but no air
simulation is available.
• ISTA last update was around 2018, air simulation test levels to extreme, top load
combination with truck vibrations (incl loose load) gives a lot of unrealistic damages.
Better to use compression test before the vibration simulation due to the increased levels.
Test plan is ISTA is more detailed, but more restricted.
• ISO 4180 the general test levels do not correspond with practical levels. Difficult to make a
good test plan, because the standard gives less background information.
• MIL STD 810 is a military standard, gives a lot of background info, but too rough for normal
transport simulations.

This document 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

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Test procedure possibilities
Single Shipment Packaging
• Manual handling
• See for details Test plan A (page 7)

Pallet (Stacked) Packaging

• Mechanical handling
• See for details Test plan B (page 14) for
single pallet configuration
• Test plan C (page 21) for pallet stacked
configuration
Within this document the test-procedure for a single-
packaging and a (combination) of pallet-packaging’s will
be determined and clarified. Section 8 of the ASTM D
4169-22 describes the complete procedure to achieve a
uniform basis of evaluating, in a laboratory, the ability of
shipping units to withstand the distribution environment.
Page 5/26
Climate test (additional tests) pre-conditioning
before the mechanical tests
Configuration Time Temperature Humidity
Uncontrolled
A) Extreme Cold 72 hours -29°C
RH
B) Cold, Humid 72 hours +5°C 85% RV

C) Lab Environment 72 hours +23°C 50% RV

D) Hot, humid 72 hours +38°C 85% RV

E) Hot, Humid 72 hours +38°C 85% RV
then Extreme Heat, then then then
Moderate RH 6 hours +60°C 30% RV
F) Elevated Temperature, Uncontrolled
72 hours +50°C
Uncontrolled RH RH
G) Severe Cold, Uncontrolled
72 hours -18°C
Uncontrolled RH RH

A pre-conditioning of 12 hours in a laboratory environment is recommended at

+23°C (±10°C) and 50% relative humidity (±20%), before conducting
mechanical tests, unless specific climate conditions are required.

Page 6/27
Test Plan A: Manual Handling – Single Shipment box
Single Shipment Packaging Configuration
(SPP)

West Europe (WE) East Europe (EE) Worldwide (WW) Amazon (AM)

Truck Truck Truck & Air Truck & Air

Test intensity Test intensity Test intensity Test intensity Test intensity Test intensity
Normal Normal Low Normal Medium High

Test Plan Test Plan Test Plan Test Plan Test Plan Test Plan Test Plan
A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 On request
See page 8 See page 9 See page 10 See page 11 See page 12 See page 13

The measured vibration accelerations of a boat and train is not higher than 0,9 g-peak. The truck simulation on medium level is the
acceleration >1,5g peak. In this case the truck simulation overrule the boat acceleration values.

Page 7/26
Test plan A1
Single Shipment packaging – West Europe - Truck
Test Plan: Manual Handling Vehicle Stacking Random Vibration Concentrated Impact*1 Manual Handling

A1 Drop test Compresion Truck transport sorting operations drop test

SSP WE during loading during loading during loading

ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM

Standard
D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22

Test Method ASTM D5276 ASTM D642 ASTM D4728 ASTM D6344 ASTM D5276

Assurance level II II Low, medium & high 5,4 Joules II

120 min normal road H80cm 38cm (<9kg)

H38cm (<9kg) F7.0 no support any load
min 4 sides 33cm (<18 kg)
H33cm (<18 kg) F4.5 with stress bearing
Test Spec. 0,40 Grms 2x 40min <6mm on content 31cm (<27kg)
H31cm (<27kg) F3.0 product support load
0,52 Grms, 2x20min ➢ 6mm middle point 6 impacts
6 impacts H=2,7 or 1,4m <13,6kg
0,70 Grms, 1x5min Remark A Last drop 2xheight

Pre-conditioning: Shall be preconditioned to laboratory ambient temperature for twelve (12) hours prior to testing, or otherwise specified, see page 6
Sample size: Minimum 1 test item. For Fragile & Liquid 2+ test items. For statistical significance minimum 3 advised

Remark A: Concentrated impact test: The test is only applicable to lightweight single wall corrugated shipping containers (under 275 Burst or 44 ECT) and
plastic film wrapped packages and unitized loads.

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Test plan A2
Single Shipment packaging – East Europe - Truck
Test Plan: Manual Handling Vehicle Stacking Random Vibration Concentrated Impact Manual Handling

A2 Drop test Compresion Truck transport Sorting operations Drop test

SSP EET during loading during loading during loading

ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM

Standard
D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22

Test Method ASTM D5276 ASTM D642 ASTM D4728 ASTM D6344 ASTM D5276

Assurance level II II Low, medium & high 5,4 Joules II

180 min rough road H80cm

H38cm (<9kg) F7.0 no support any load H38cm (<9kg)
min 4 sides
H33cm (<18 kg) F4.5 with stress bearing H33cm (<18 kg)
Test Spec. 0,40 Grms 1x 40min <6mm on content
H31cm (<27kg) F3.0 product support load H31cm (<27kg)
0,52 Grms, 1x15min ➢ 6mm middle point
6 impacts H=2,7 or 1,4m <13,6kg Last drop 2xheight
0,70 Grms, 1x5min Remark A

Pre-conditioning: Shall be preconditioned to laboratory ambient temperature for twelve (12) hours prior to testing, or otherwise specified, see page 6
Sample size: Minimum 1 test item. For Fragile & Liquid 2+ test items. For statistical significance minimum 3 advised

Remark A: Concentrated impact test: The test is only applicable to lightweight single wall corrugated shipping containers (under 275 Burst or 44 ECT) and
plastic film wrapped packages and unitized loads.

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Test plan A3
Single Shipment packaging – East Europe – Truck/Air
Test Plan: Manual Handling Vehicle Stacking Low pressure Random Vibration Random Vibration Concentrated Impact Manual Handling

A3 Drop test Compresion High altitude aircraft & Truck (and boat) Air transport Sorting operations Drop test
SSP EEA during loading during loading mountain passes transport during loading

ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM

Standard
D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22

Test Method ASTM D5276 ASTM D642 ASTM D6653 ASTM D4728 ASTM D4728 ASTM D6344 ASTM D5276

Assurance
II II 4267m Low, medium & high Low, medium & high 5,4 Joules II
level

F7.0 no support any load 120 min rough road 60 min H80cm H38cm (<9kg)
H38cm (<9kg) 60 min low pressure
F4.5 with stress bearing min 4 sides H33cm (<18 kg)
H33cm (<18 kg) (595 mbar)
Test Spec. F3.0 product support 0,40 Grms 2x 40min 0,16 Grms 1x 27min <6mm on content H31cm (<27kg)
H31cm (<27kg)
load 0,52 Grms, 2x15min 0,22 Grms, 1x10min > 6mm middle point 6 impacts
6 impacts Remark A
H=2,7 or 1,4m <13,6kg 0,70 Grms, 2x5min 0,29 Grms, 1x3min Remark B Last drop 2xheight

Pre-conditioning: Shall be preconditioned to laboratory ambient temperature for twelve (12) hours prior to testing, or otherwise specified, see page 6
Sample size: Minimum 1 test item. For Fragile & Liquid 2+ test items. For statistical significance minimum 3 advised

Remarks A: Low pressure test: Test should be included for products & packages that could be sensitive to low-pressure environment, fa: sealed flexible non-
porous packages, liquid containers, or porous packages that may be packed in such a manner as to be adversely affected by low pressure environments
Remarks B: Concentrated impact test: The test is only applicable to lightweight single wall corrugated shipping containers (under 275 Burst or 44 ECT) and
plastic film wrapped packages and unitized loads.

Page 10/27
Test plan A4
Single Shipment packaging – Worldwide - Low
Test Plan: Manual Handling Vehicle Stacking Low pressure Random Vibration Random Vibration Concentrated Impact Manual Handling

A4 Drop test Compresion High altitude aircraft & Truck (and boat) Air transport Sorting operations Drop test
SSP WWL during loading during loading mountain passes transport during loading

ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM

Standard
D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22

Test Method ASTM D5276 ASTM D642 ASTM D6653 ASTM D4728 ASTM D4728 ASTM D6344 ASTM D5276

Assurance Low, medium & high

II II 4267m Low, medium & high 5,4 Joules II
level concentrated load
60 min rough road
F7.0 no support any load 120 min H80cm H38cm (<9kg)
H38cm (<9kg) 60 min low pressure
F4.5 with stress bearing min 4 sides H33cm (<18 kg)
H33cm (<18 kg) (595 mbar) 0,40 Grms 1x 40min
Test Spec. F3.0 product support 0,16 Grms 2x 27min <6mm on content H31cm (<27kg)
H31cm (<27kg) 0,52 Grms, 1x15min
load 0,22 Grms, 2x10min >6mm middle point 6 impacts
6 impacts Remark A 0,70 Grms, 1x5min
H=2,7 or 1,4m <13,6kg 0,29 Grms, 2x3min Remark B Last drop 2x height
Top load F1

Pre-conditioning: Shall be preconditioned to laboratory ambient temperature for twelve (12) hours prior to testing, or otherwise specified, see page 6
Sample size: Minimum 1 test item. For Fragile & Liquid 2+ test items. For statistical significance minimum 3 advised

Remarks A: Low pressure test: Test should be included for products & packages that could be sensitive to low-pressure environment, fa: sealed flexible non-
porous packages, liquid containers, or porous packages that may be packed in such a manner as to be adversely affected by low pressure environments
Remarks B: Concentrated impact test: The test is only applicable to lightweight single wall corrugated shipping containers (under 275 Burst or 44 ECT) and
plastic film wrapped packages and unitized loads.

Page 11/26
Test plan A5
Single Shipment packaging – Worldwide - Normal
Test Plan: Manual Handling Vehicle Stacking Low pressure Random Vibration Random Vibration Concentrated Impact Manual Handling
Loose Load Vibration
A5 Drop test Compresion High altitude aircraft & Truck (and boat) Air transport Sorting operations Drop test
Truck simulation
SSP WWN during loading during loading mountain passes transport during loading

ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM

Standard
D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22

Test Method ASTM D5276 ASTM D642 ASTM D999 ASTM D6653 ASTM D4728 ASTM D4728 ASTM D6344 ASTM D5276

Low, medium &

Assurance
II II II 4267m high Low, medium & high 5,4 Joules II
level
concentrated load

60 min rough road

F7.0 no support any load 40 min extreme road 120 min H80cm H38cm (<9kg)
H38cm (<9kg) 60 min low pressure
F4.5 with stress bearing 2-5Hz 1”DA min 4 sides H33cm (<18 kg)
H33cm (<18 kg) (595 mbar) 0,40 Grms 1x 40min
Test Spec. F3.0 product support 20 min side 3 0,16 Grms 2x 27min <6mm on content H31cm (<27kg)
H31cm (<27kg) 0,52 Grms, 1x15min
load 10 min side 2 0,22 Grms, 2x10min > 6mm middle point 6 impacts
6 impacts Remark A 0,70 Grms, 1x5min
H=2,7 or 1,4m <13,6kg 15 min side 5 0,29 Grms, 2x3min Remark B Last drop 2x height
Top load F1

Pre-conditioning: Shall be preconditioned to laboratory ambient temperature for twelve (12) hours prior to testing, or otherwise specified, see page 6
Sample size: Minimum 1 test item. For Fragile & Liquid 2+ test items. For statistical significance minimum 3 advised

Remarks A: Low pressure test: Test should be included for products & packages that could be sensitive to low-pressure environment, fa: sealed flexible non-
porous packages, liquid containers, or porous packages that may be packed in such a manner as to be adversely affected by low pressure environments
Remarks B: Concentrated impact test: The test is only applicable to lightweight single wall corrugated shipping containers (under 275 Burst or 44 ECT) and
plastic film wrapped packages and unitized loads.

Page 12/26
Test plan A6
Single Shipment packaging – Worldwide - High
Test Plan: Manual Handling Vehicle Stacking Low pressure Random Vibration Random Vibration Concentrated Impact Manual Handling
Loose Load Vibration
A6 Drop test Compresion High altitude aircraft & Truck (and boat) Air transport Sorting operations Drop test
Truck simulation
SSP WWH during loading during loading mountain passes transport during loading

ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM

Standard
D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22

Test Method ASTM D5276 ASTM D642 ASTM D999 ASTM D6653 ASTM D4728 ASTM D4728 ASTM D6344 ASTM D5276

Low, medium &

Assurance
I I I 4267m high Low, medium & high 5,4 Joules I
level
concentrated load

60 min rough road

60 min extreme road 180 min H80cm 61cm (<9kg)
61cm (<9kg) F10 no support any load 60 min low pressure
2-5Hz 1”DA min 4 sides 53cm (<18 kg)
53cm (<18 kg) F6 with stress bearing (595 mbar) 0,40 Grms 1x 40min
Test Spec. 30 min side 3 0,16 Grms 3x 27min <6mm on content 46cm (<27kg)
46cm (<27kg) F4 product support load 0,52 Grms, 1x15min
15 min side 2 0,22 Grms, 3x10min > 6mm middle point 6 impacts
6 impacts H=2,7 or 1,4m <13,6kg Remark A 0,70 Grms, 1x5min
15 min side 5 0,29 Grms, 3x3min Remark B Last drop 2xheight
Top load F1

Pre-conditioning: Shall be preconditioned to laboratory ambient temperature for twelve (12) hours prior to testing, or otherwise specified, see page 6
Sample size: Minimum 1 test item. For Fragile & Liquid 2+ test items. For statistical significance minimum 3 advised

Remarks A: Low pressure test: Test should be included for products & packages that could be sensitive to low-pressure environment, fa: sealed flexible non-
porous packages, liquid containers, or porous packages that may be packed in such a manner as to be adversely affected by low pressure environments
Remarks B: Concentrated impact test: The test is only applicable to lightweight single wall corrugated shipping containers (under 275 Burst or 44 ECT) and
plastic film wrapped packages and unitized loads.

Page 13/27
Test Plan B: Mechanical Handling – Single Pallet
Single Pallet Packaging configuration
(SPC)

West Europe (WE) East Europe (EE) Worldwide (WW) China (CHN)

Truck Truck Truck & Air Truck & Air Truck & Air

Test intensity Test intensity Test intensity Test intensity Test intensity Test intensity
Normal Normal Normal Normal High Normal

Test Plan Test Plan Test Plan Test Plan Test Plan Test Plan
B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6
See page 15 See page 16 See page 17 See page 18 See page 19 See page 20
* The measured vibration accelerations of a boat and train is not higher than 0,9 g-peak. The truck simulation on medium level is the acceleration >1,5g peak. In this case the truck simulation overrule the boat acceleration values.

Page 14/26
Test Plan B1
Single Pallet configuration - West Europe – Truck
Mechanical Handling Mechanical Handling
Test Plan: Random Vibration
B1
Horizontal impact Forklift truck handling
SPC WE T Truck (and boat)transport
during loading during loading
ASTM ASTM ASTM
Standard
D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22

Test Method ASTM D4728 ASTM D880 ASTM D6179

Assurance level Low & medium II III

240 min ≈1900km

H=15cm (<227g)
0,40 Grms 3x 40min V=1,22m/s
Test Spec. H=8cm (>227 kg)
0,52 Grms, 3x20min Impact all 4 sides
Impact all 4 edges
0,70 Grms, 3x5min

Pre-conditioning: Shall be preconditioned to laboratory ambient temperature for twelve (12) hours prior to testing, or otherwise specified.
Sample size: Minimum 1 test item. For Fragile & Liquid 2+ test items. For statistical significance minimum 3 advised

Page 15/26
Test Plan B2
Single Pallet packaging – East Europe – Truck
Mechanical Handling Mechanical Handling Random Vibration Mechanical Handling Mechanical Handling
Test Plan:
B2
Horizontal impact Forklift truck handling Truck (and boat) transport Horizontal impact Forklift truck handling
SPC EE T
during loading during loading during unloading during unloading

ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM

Standard
D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22

Test Method ASTM D880 ASTM D6179 ASTM D4728 ASTM D880 ASTM D6179

Assurance
III III Low, medium & high II II
level

240 min ≈1900km

H=15cm (<227g) H=23cm (<227g)
V=0,91m/s 0,40 Grms 4x 40min V=1,22m/s
Test Spec. H=8cm (>227 kg) H=15cm (>227 kg)
Impact all 4 sides 0,52 Grms, 4x 15min Impact all 4 sides
Impact all 4 edges Impact all 4 edges
0,70 Grms, 4x 5min

Pre-conditioning: Shall be preconditioned to laboratory ambient temperature for twelve (12) hours prior to testing, or otherwise specified.
Sample size: Minimum 1 test item. For Fragile & Liquid 2+ test items. For statistical significance minimum 3 advised

Page 16/27
Test Plan B3
Single Pallet packaging – East Europe – Truck and Air
Mechanical Handling Mechanical Handling Random Vibration Random Vibration Mechanical Handling Mechanical Handling
Test Plan:
B3
Horizontal impact during Forklift truck handling Truck (and boat) Air transport Horizontal impact Forklift truck handling
SPC EE T
loading during loading transport during unloading during unloading

ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM

Standard
D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22

Test Method ASTM D880 ASTM D6179 ASTM D4728 ASTM D4728 ASTM D880 ASTM D6179

Assurance
III III Low, medium & high Low, medium & high II II
level

120 min ≈1000km 60 min

H=15cm (<227g)
H=23cm (<227g)
V=0,91m/s H=8cm (>227 kg) V=1,22m/s
Test Spec. 0,40 Grms 2x 40min 0,16 Grms 1x 27min H=15cm (>227 kg)
Impact all 4 sides Impact all Impact all 4 sides
0,52 Grms, 2x 15min 0,22 Grms, 1x10min Impact all 4 edges
4 edges
0,70 Grms, 2x 5min 0,29 Grms, 1x3min

Pre-conditioning: Shall be preconditioned to laboratory ambient temperature for twelve (12) hours prior to testing, or otherwise specified.
Sample size: Minimum 1 test item. For Fragile & Liquid 2+ test items. For statistical significance minimum 3 advised

Page 17/26
Test Plan B4
Single Pallet packaging – Worldwide– Normal
Mechanical Handling Mechanical Handling Random Vibration Random Vibration Mechanical Handling Mechanical Handling
Test Plan:
B4
Horizontal impact during Forklift truck handling Truck (and boat) Air transport Horizontal impact Forklift truck handling
SPC WW N
loading during loading transport during unloading during unloading

ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM

Standard
D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22

Test Method ASTM D880 ASTM D6179 ASTM D4728 ASTM D4728 ASTM D880 ASTM D6179

Assurance
II II Low, medium & high Low, medium & high II II
level

60 min ≈500km 120 min

H=23cm (<227g) H=23cm (<227g)
V=1,22m/s V=1,22m/s
Test Spec. H=15cm (>227 kg) 0,40 Grms 1x 40min 0,16 Grms 2x 27min H=15cm (>227 kg)
Impact all 4 sides Impact all 4 sides
Impact all 4 edges 0,52 Grms, 1x 15min 0,22 Grms, 2x10min Impact all 4 edges
0,70 Grms, 1x 5min 0,29 Grms, 2x3min

Pre-conditioning: Shall be preconditioned to laboratory ambient temperature for twelve (12) hours prior to testing, or otherwise specified.
Sample size: Minimum 1 test item. For Fragile & Liquid 2+ test items. For statistical significance minimum 3 advised

Page 18/26
Test Plan B5
Single Pallet packaging – Worldwide– High
Mechanical Mechanical Mechanical
Mechanical
Handling Handling Vehicle Stacking Random Vibration Random Vibration Handling
Test Plan: Handling
B5
Horizontal impact Forklift truck Vertical compression Truck (and boat) Air transport Forklift truck
SPC WW H Horizontal impact
during loading handling during during loading transport handling during
during unloading
loading unloading

ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM

Standard
D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22

Test Method ASTM D880 ASTM D6179 ASTM D642 ASTM D4728 ASTM D4728 ASTM D880 ASTM D6179

Assurance
I I I Low, medium & high Low, medium & high I I
level

60 min ≈500km 120 min

F10 no support any load
H=31cm (<227g) H=31cm (<227g)
V=1,75m/s F6 with stress bearing V=1,75m/s
Test Spec. H=23cm (>227 kg) 0,40 Grms 1x 40min 0,16 Grms 2x 27min H=23cm (>227 kg)
Impact all 4 sides F4 product support load Impact all 4 sides
Impact all 4 edges 0,52 Grms, 1x 15min 0,22 Grms, 2x10min Impact all 4 edges
H=2,7 or 1,4m <13,6kg
0,70 Grms, 1x 5min 0,29 Grms, 2x3min

Pre-conditioning: Shall be preconditioned to laboratory ambient temperature for twelve (12) hours prior to testing, or otherwise specified.
Sample size: Minimum 1 test item. For Fragile & Liquid 2+ test items. For statistical significance minimum 3 advised

Page 19/26
Test Plan B6
Single Pallet packaging – China simulation
Mechanical Mechanical
Mechanical Mechanical
Handling Vehicle Stacking Climate Handling
Handling Random Vibration Random Vibration Handling
Test Plan: Conditioning
B6 Horizontal Vertical Horizontal
Forklift truck Truck (and boat) Air transport Forklift truck
SPC WW H impact during compression during Hong Kong impact
handling during transport handling during
loading loading during
loading unloading
unloading

ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM

Standard
D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22

ASTM
Test Method ASTM D880 ASTM D6179 ASTM D642 ASTM D4728 ASTM D4728 ASTM D880 ASTM D6179
D4332
Assurance
III III I - Low, medium & high Low, medium & high II II
level
F10 no support any load >12 hours 180 min ≈2000km 60 min
H=15cm (<227g)
F6 with stress bearing 38°C RH not H=23cm (<227g)
V=0,91m/s H=8cm (>227 kg) V=1,22m/s
Test Spec. F4 product support load controlled 0,40 Grms 4x 40min 0,16 Grms 1x 27min H=15cm (>227 kg)
Impact all 4 sides Impact all Impact all 4 sides
H=2,7 or 1,4m <13,6kg >60 hours 0,52 Grms, 4x 15min 0,22 Grms, 1x10min Impact all 4 edges
4 edges
Max 2000kg 38°C at 85%RH 0,70 Grms, 4x 5min 0,29 Grms, 1x3min

Pre-conditioning: Shall be preconditioned to laboratory ambient temperature for twelve (12) hours prior to testing, or otherwise specified.
Sample size: Minimum 1 test item. For Fragile & Liquid 2+ test items. For statistical significance minimum 3 advised

Page 20/27
Test Plan C: Mechanical Handling – Stacked Pallet
Stacked Pallet Packaging Configuration
(SPP)

West Europe (WE) East Europe (EE) Worldwide (WW) China (CHN)

Truck Truck Truck & Air Truck & Air

Test intensity Test intensity Test intensity Test intensity

Normal Normal Normal Normal

Test Plan Test Plan Test Plan Test Plan

C1 C2 C3 C4
See page 22 See page 23 See page 24 See page 25
* The measured vibration accelerations of a boat and train is not higher than 0,9 g-peak. The truck simulation on medium level is the acceleration >1,5g peak. In this case the truck simulation overrule the boat acceleration values.

Page 21/26
Test Plan C1
Stacked Pallet configuration - West Europe – Truck
Mechanical Handling Mechanical Handling
Test Plan: Random Vibration
C1
Horizontal impact Forklift truck handling
SPP WE T Truck (and boat)transport
during loading during loading
ASTM ASTM ASTM
Standard
D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22

Test Method ASTM D4728 ASTM D880 ASTM D6179

Assurance level Low & medium III III

240 min ≈1900km

H=15cm (<227g)
0,40 Grms 3x 40min V=0,91m/s
Test Spec. H=8cm (>227 kg)
0,52 Grms, 3x20min Impact all 4 sides
Impact all 4 edges
0,70 Grms, 3x5min

Pre-conditioning: Shall be preconditioned to laboratory ambient temperature for twelve (12) hours prior to testing, or otherwise specified.
Sample size: Minimum 1 test item. For Fragile & Liquid 2+ test items. For statistical significance minimum 3 advised

Page 22/26
Test Plan C2
Stacked Pallet packaging – East Europe – Truck
Mechanical Handling Mechanical Handling Random Vibration Mechanical Handling Mechanical Handling
Test Plan:
C2
Horizontal impact Forklift truck handling Truck (and boat) transport Horizontal impact Forklift truck handling
SPP EE T
during loading during loading during unloading during unloading

ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM

Standard
D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22

Test Method ASTM D880 ASTM D6179 ASTM D4728 ASTM D880 ASTM D6179

Assurance
III III Low, medium & high II II
level

240 min ≈1900km

H=15cm (<227g) H=23cm (<227g)
V=0,91m/s 0,40 Grms 4x 40min V=1,22m/s
Test Spec. H=8cm (>227 kg) H=15cm (>227 kg)
Impact all 4 sides 0,52 Grms, 4x 20min Impact all 4 sides
Impact all 4 edges Impact all 4 edges
0,70 Grms, 4x 5min

Pre-conditioning: Shall be preconditioned to laboratory ambient temperature for twelve (12) hours prior to testing, or otherwise specified.
Sample size: Minimum 1 test item. For Fragile & Liquid 2+ test items. For statistical significance minimum 3 advised

Page 23/26
Test Plan C3
Stacked Pallet packaging – Worldwide– Normal
Mechanical Handling Mechanical Handling Random Vibration Random Vibration Mechanical Handling Mechanical Handling
Test Plan:
C3
Horizontal impact during Forklift truck handling Truck (and boat) Air transport Horizontal impact Forklift truck handling
SPP WW N
loading during loading transport during unloading during unloading

ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM

Standard
D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22

Test Method ASTM D880 ASTM D6179 ASTM D4728 ASTM D4728 ASTM D880 ASTM D6179

Assurance
II II Low, medium & high Low, medium & high II II
level

60 min ≈500km 120 min

H=23cm (<227g) H=23cm (<227g)
V=1,22m/s V=1,22m/s
Test Spec. H=15cm (>227 kg) 0,40 Grms 1x 40min 0,16 Grms 2x 27min H=15cm (>227 kg)
Impact all 4 sides Impact all 4 sides
Impact all 4 edges 0,52 Grms, 1x 15min 0,22 Grms, 2x10min Impact all 4 edges
0,70 Grms, 1x 5min 0,29 Grms, 2x3min

Pre-conditioning: Shall be preconditioned to laboratory ambient temperature for twelve (12) hours prior to testing, or otherwise specified.
Sample size: Minimum 1 test item. For Fragile & Liquid 2+ test items. For statistical significance minimum 3 advised

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Test Plan C4
Stacked Pallet packaging – China simulation
Mechanical
Mechanical Handling Mechanical Handling Climate Mechanical
Random Vibration Random Vibration Handling
Test Plan: Conditioning Handling
C4 Horizontal impact Forklift truck
Truck (and boat) Air transport Forklift truck
SPP WW H during loading handling during Hong Kong Horizontal impact
transport handling during
loading during unloading
unloading

ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM

Standard
D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22 D4169-22

ASTM
Test Method ASTM D880 ASTM D6179 ASTM D4728 ASTM D4728 ASTM D880 ASTM D6179
D4332

Assurance
III III - Low, medium & high Low, medium & high III III
level

180 min ≈2000km 60 min

H=15cm (<227g) >12 hours H=15cm (<227g)
V=0,91m/s H=8cm (>227 kg) 38°C RH not controlled V=0,91m/s H=8cm (>227 kg)
Test Spec. 0,40 Grms 4x 40min 0,16 Grms 1x 27min
Impact all 4 sides Impact all >60 hours Impact all 4 sides Impact all
0,52 Grms, 4x 15min 0,22 Grms, 1x10min
4 edges 38°C at 85%RH 4 edges
0,70 Grms, 4x 5min 0,29 Grms, 1x3min

Pre-conditioning: Shall be preconditioned to laboratory ambient temperature for twelve (12) hours prior to testing, or otherwise specified.
Sample size: Minimum 1 test item. For Fragile & Liquid 2+ test items. For statistical significance minimum 3 advised

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Reference documents
QUESTIONS OR REMARKS
Literature:
• Six step method from Lansmont Corporation
info@[Link]
• Environmental Engineering Handbook from Swedish Environmental Engineering Society
[Link]
• Transportation Stresses from Committee of European Environmental Engineering
• Societies Department of Defense Test Method Standard MIL-STD 810
• [Link] and Packaging Dynamics Professional (PDP)
SAVER measurements Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam

ASTM Standards:
• D4169 Standard Practice for performance Testing of Shipping Containers and systems
• D880 Standard Test Method for Impact Testing for Shipping Containers and Systems
• D996 Standard Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
• D999 Standard Methods for Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers
• D4728 Standard Test Method for Random Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers
• D5276 Standard Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by Free Fall
• D6179 Standard Test Methods for Rough Handling of Unitized Loads and Large Shipping Cases and Crates
• D6344 Standard Test Method for Concentrated Impacts to Transport Packages

Remark: Monitor shipments

When possible, obtain feedback by monitoring shipments of the container that was tested to ensure that
the type and quantity of damage obtained by the laboratory testing correlates with the damage that occurs in
the distribution cycle. This information is very useful for the planning of subsequent tests of similar shipping containers.

*Refer to [Link] for the current scope (registration number L540)

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