loose cargo

Loose Cargo Bounce Testing

Loose cargo transportation testing evaluates material to function in and withstand vibration exposures. These exposures may include off-road traveling, aircraft transportation or railway freight shipments. Materials being tested can also include a variety of commercial, industrial, medical, military, and aerospace products.

As a certified environmental lab, we realize the importance of loose cargo transportation testing. Meeting the environmental and transportation requirements can be difficult. We understand the challenges and guide companies through the process.

Keystone Compliance partners with customers to achieve environmental product compliance. Our pricing is competitive and we offer volume discounts. Keystone creates an accurate test plan to eliminate expensive over-testing. Lastly, we take pride knowing that our proven process helps avoid product launch delays.

Request a quote to learn why we are one of the fastest growing compliance test labs in the country. Contact us to receive more information on loose cargo bounce testing.

Summary of Loose Cargo Vibration Testing

Loose cargo is a general representation based on experience as well as measurement. This test is not tailorable.

How does the test process work?

In this test, the cargo is free to bounce, scuff and collide with other cargo, and the sides of the vehicle. The loose cargo environment includes conditions experienced by cargo transported in a vehicle moving across irregular or uneven surfaces. This vibration test replicates the repetitive impact environment incurred by cargo transported under these conditions.

What are some common characteristics of loose cargo testing?

The military standard vibration test method is one of the most common test methods for loose cargo compliance. MIL-810 method 514 conducts vibration tests with procedures specific to loose cargo testing. Restraints are not used to allow relative motions produced by the vibration testing table.

Another common laboratory test method used for loose cargo transportation testing includes ISTA series 1 and ISTA series 2. The International Safe Transit Association creates package testing procedures. These procedures vary from products weighing less than 150 lbs to products weighing over 150 lbs. Keystone recommends ISTA 1A and 1B for products that meet these qualifications.

Other ISTA test standards include ISTA 1C, 1D, and ISTA 2 series. These tests encompass an even broader range of conditions such as atmospheric, temperature, humidity, and compression testing.

Loose Cargo (1)

Why do I need to perform vibration testing of loose cargo?

Vibrations contribute to fatigue and mechanical wear of structures, assemblies and parts. In addition, vibrations impact elements and/or the disruption of functions. The testing of loose cargo is used to verify that the product can physically and operationally withstand the transportation field. Some typical symptoms of these test conditions are listed below.

Chafed wiring.
Loose Fasteners/Components.
Intermittent electrical contacts.
Optical or mechanical misalignment.
Cracked and/or broken structures.
Migration of particles and failed components lodged in circuitry or mechanisms.
Electrical shorts.
Deformed seals.
Failed components.

Keystone Compliance Provides Expert Loose Cargo Compliance Testing

In addition to environmental vibration testing, Keystone Compliance has a full scope of expertise including immersion, solar radiation, freeze-thaw, and rain. Keystone has a full lab of test equipment which permits us to provide short lead times on scheduling. Our team strives to give our customers more time and energy on product development instead of testing.

For more information on general and specific MIL-STD-810 and ISTA testing, follow the links below.