|
Home > About USPS & News > Forms & Publications > Postal Periodicals and Publications > Publications > Publication 2 - Packaging for Mailing > Appendix A Package Testing
ISTA, the association for transport packaging, is an international leader in
advancing the science of packaging and the use of performance testing
techinques. Its member companies are supported in the development of
effective packaging, methods, and logistic systems that prevent or reduce
transportation and handling damage during product distribution. ISTA test
procedures are continuously under review and updated periodically. To
ensure that you are utilizing the most recent publication of the test procedure,
contact ISTA at:
INTERNATIONAL SAFE TRANSIT ASSOCIATION
1400 ABBOTT RD STE 160
EAST LANSING MI 48823-1900
Telephone: 517-333-3437
Fax: 517-333-3813
Internet: www.ista.org
Test Procedure 1A, Performance Test for Individual Packaged-Products
(150 lb (68.2 kg) or Less), is copyrighted by ISTA and is reprinted here with
its permission.
The ISTA Preshipment Test Procedures provide a means for a
manufacturer to predetermine the probability of the safe arrival of their
packaged products at their destination through the utilization of tests
developed to simulate the shocks and stresses normally encountered
during handling and transportation. ISTA has confined its technical
activities to the packaged product only. Neither the product nor the
container is considered separately. The tests, it is stressed, are basic
tests. Test level and sequence should be changed to adapt to known
distribution situations and these changes are documented in the report.
These test procedures are performance tests and, when properly applied, will
provide tangible benefits of reduced damage, economically balanced costs,
and improved customer satisfaction. It is also emphasized that these
procedures are not intended to evaluate the protection afforded packaged
products from other conditions such as moisture, corrosion, contaminating
odors, etc. They may or may not comply with carrier requirements for
packaging.
To maintain certified status and eligibility for identification with the TRANSIT
TESTED seal, each packaged product must be retested whenever a change
is made in either the product, the process, or the package. Changes in the
packaged product include changes in design, size, and/or material. As a
quality control procedure, packaged products should be retested as
frequently as feasible.
|
