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ISTA 3B LTL Package Integrity Testing

ISTA 3B Package Testing: Less-Than-Truckload Shipments

ISTA 3B determines the integrity of less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments in transit. As an ISTA and ISO 17025 certified lab, we realize the importance of ISTA 3B transit testing. Meeting the ISTA 3B requirements can be difficult. We understand the challenges and guide companies through the process.

Keystone Compliance’s accurate test reports are delivered quickly. We are in constant communication throughout the test process. When packages do not meet the requirements, we assist with finding solutions. Lastly, our pricing is competitive and we offer volume discounts.

Request a quote to see why so many companies partner with Keystone Compliance. Have a question about ISTA 3B integrity testing? Contact us and we will determine the best course of action.

Summary of ISTA 3B Integrity Testing

ISTA 3B testing is a general simulation test for packaged-products shipped through a motor carrier (truck) delivery system. Different types of packaged-products, often from different shippers and intended for different ultimate destinations, are mixed in the same load.  This type of shipment is called LTL (Less-Than-Truckload).  Procedure 3B is appropriate for four different types of packages commonly distributed in LTL shipments as described below.

Package Types:

  • Standard, 200lb (91 kg) or less, including elongated and flat packages.
  • Standard, over 200lb (91 kg), including elongated and flat packages.
  • Cylindrical, including elongated cylinders.
  • Palletized or Skidded-Individual container, bulk container, or unitized load on or incorporating a base or platform which allows the entry or life truck forks.

Definitions:

Elongated Package or Cylinder

  • A standard or Cylinder package where the longest dimension is 36 in (910 mm) or greater and
  • Both of the packages’ other dimensions (or the cylinders diameter) are each 20 percent or less of the longest dimension.
  • Volume is 800 in3 (13,000 cm3) or greater.

Non-Rigid Container

  • Any Standard (regardless of weight) or Palletized or Skidded container where the outer package may offer insufficient protection from concentrated low-level impacts or
  • The design has large unsupported spans of outer packaging material or
  • The outer package utilizes a stretch-or shrink-wrap design, uses a think-flute or light grade corrugated board, uses a paper wrap or similar lightweight material only, etc. or
  • The outer package wall is in direct contact with the product.

The chart below is an ISTA 3B test overview that provides the standard and more guidance on the testing procedure and requirements for package validation:

STANDARD 200lb (91 kg) or less

Sequence #Test CategoryTest TypeTest LevelFor ISTA Certification
1Atmospheric Preconditioning TEST BLOCK 1Temperature and HumidityAmbientRequired
2Atmospheric Preconditioning TEST BLOCK 1Controlled Temperature and HumidityTemperature and Humidity chosen from chartOptional
3Shock TEST BLOCK 2Tip/Tip OverUses a 22 degree tip angleRequired
4Shock TEST BLOCK 3Free-Fall Drop6 drops-height varies with packaged-product weightRequired
5Vertical Vibration TEST BLOCK 7Random with Top LoadOverall G level of 0.54Required
6Shock TEST BLOCK 10Concentrated ImpactImpact mass free-fall drop, guided drop, or pendulum, 15 in (380mm)Required only for Non-Rigid Containers
7Shock TEST BLOCK 11Free-Fall Drop6 drops-height varies with packaged-product weightRequired
8Shock TEST BLOCK 16Full Rotational Drop1 DropRequired only for Elongated packages
9Shock TEST BLOCK 17Bridged ImpactHazard Box dropped 16 in (410 mm)Required only for Elongated packages
10Shock TEST BLOCK 16Full Rotational Drop2 DropsRequired only for Flat packages
11Shock TEST BLOCK 18Concentrated Edge ImpactHazard Box dropped 16 in (410 mm)Required only for Flat packages

 

TEST SEQUENCE STANDARD Over 200lb (91 kg)

Sequence #Test CategoryTest TypeTest LevelFor ISTA Certification
1Atmospheric Preconditioning TEST BLOCK 1Temperature and HumidityAmbientRequired
2Atmospheric conditioning TEST BLOCK 1Controlled Temperature and HumidityTemperature and Humidity chosen from chartOptional
3Shock TEST BLOCK 2Tip/Tip OverUse a 22 degree tip angleRequired
4Shock TEST BLOCK 5Rotational Drop9 in (230 mm) Rotational edge and corner dropsRequired
5Shock TEST BLOCK 6Incline or Horizontal Impact, optional Free-Fall Drop48 in/sec (4ft/sec) (1.2 m/sec) impacts or 3 in. (76 mm) dropsRequired
6Vertical Vibration TEST BLOCK 7Random with Top LoadOverall G level of 0.54Required
7Shock TEST BLOCK 10Concentrated ImpactImpact mass free-fall drop, guided drop, or pendulum, 15 in (380 mm)Required only for Non-Rigid Containers
8Shock TEST BLOCK 13Rotational Drop9 in (230 mm) Rotational edge and corner dropsRequired
9Shock TEST BLOCK 14Incline or Horizontal Impact, optional Free-Fall Drop48 in/sec (4ft/sec) (1.2 m/sec) impacts or 3 in. (76 mm) dropsRequired
10Shock TEST BLOCK 16Full Rotational Drop1 DropRequired only for Elongated packages
11Shock TEST BLOCK 17Bridged ImpactHazard Box dropped 16 in (410 mm)Required only for Elongated packages
12Shock TEST BLOCK 16Full Rotational Drop2 DropsRequired only for Flat packages
13Shock TEST BLOCK 18Concentrated Edge ImpactHazard Box dropped 16 in (410 mm)Required only for Flat packages

 

TEST Sequence CYLINDRICAL

Sequence #Test CategoryTest TypeTest LevelFor ISTA Certification
1Atmospheric Preconditioning TEST BLOCK 1Temperature and HumidityAmbientRequired
2Atmospheric Preconditioning TEST BLOCK 1Controlled Temperature and HumidityTemperature and Humidity chosen from chartOptional
3Shock TEST BLOCK 4Free-Fall Drop6 Drops=height varies with packaged-product weightRequired
4Vertical Vibration TEST BLOCK 8Random with and without Top LoadOverall G level of 0.54Required
5Shock TEST BLOCK 12Free-Fall Drop5 Drops-height varies with packaged-product weightRequired
6Shock TEST BLOCK 12Drop on Hazard1 Drop-height varies with packaged-product weight 
7Shock TEST BLOCK 17Bridged ImpactHazard Box dropped 16 in (410 mm)Required only for Elongated cylinders

 

TEST Sequence PALLETIZED or SKIDDED

Sequence #Test CategoryTest TypeTest LevelFor ISTA Certification
1Atmospheric Preconditioning TEST BLOCK 1Temperature and HumidityAmbientRequired
2Atmospheric Conditioning TEST BLOCK 1Controlled Temperature and HumidityTemperature and Humidity chosen from chartOptional
3Shock TEST BLOCK 2Tip/Tip OverUses  a 22 degree tip angleRequired
4Shock TEST BLOCK 5Rotational DropRotational edge and corner drops Height varies with packaged-product weightRequired
5Shock TEST BLOCK 6Incline or Horizontal Impact, optional Free-Fall Drop48 in/sec (4ft/sec) (1.2 m/sec) impacts or 3 in. (76 mm) dropsRequired
6Vertical Vibration TEST BLOCK 9Random with Top LoadOverall G level of 0.54Required
7Shock TEST BLOCK 10Concentrated ImpactImpact mass free-fall drop, guided drop, or pendulum, 15 in (380 mm)Required only for Non-Rigid containers
8Shock TEST BLOCK 15Fork Lift HandlingFlat Push and Rotate testsRequired
9Shock TEST BLOCK 15Fork Lift HandlingElevated Push and Pull testsRequired
10Shock TEST BLOCK 15Fork Lift HandlingElevated Rotate testsRequired
11Shock TEST BLOCK 15Fork Lift HandlingLoad Stability Test over a handling courseRequired
12Shock TEST BLOCK 13Rotational DropRotational edge and corner drops Height varies with packaged-product weightRequired
13Shock TEST BLOCK 14Incline or Horizontal Impact, optional Free-Fall Drop48 in/sec (4ft/sec) (1.2 m/sec) impacts or 3 in. (76 mm) dropsRequired

Expert ISTA 3B Integrity Testing

Keystone Compliance strives to give our customers more time and energy on product development instead of testing. In addition to ISTA 3B integrity testing, Keystone has a full scope of expertise including sterile barrier, cold chain, and high impact shock. We can accommodate flexible and rigid packages of all sizes, including large pallets.

Contact us to learn first hand why so many companies partner with Keystone to achieve their ISTA 3B transit package testing certification needs.

For more ISTA Series 3 testing standards, please follow the links below:

ISTA Series 3: General Simulation Performance Testing
ISTA 3A Package Testing: Parcel Delivery Systems Shipments of 150 lbs or Less 
ISTA 3B Package Testing: Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) Shipment
ISTA 3E Package Testing: Similar Packaged Products in Unitized Loads for Truckload Shipments
ISTA 3F Package Testing: Mixed Pallet
ISTA 3K Package Testing: Fast Moving Consumer Goods for the European Retail Supply Chain