ASTM D4169-16 Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems

The ASTM D4169-16 standard, published by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), provides a uniform basis for evaluating shipping units' ability to withstand the distribution environment in a laboratory. In this standard practice, shipping containers and systems are subjected to a test plan consisting of a set of expected hazards encountered in various distribution cycles. However, this practice is not intended to replace material specifications or existing pre-shipment testing procedures. For single parcel shipments, it is recommended to use the ASTM D7386 standard for testing packages (ASTM D7386-16 standard practice for performance testing of packages for single parcel distribution systems). In addition, the suitability of the said standard application for use with dangerous substances has not been determined.

Before using the ASTM D4169-16 standard, it is necessary to know which distribution cycle is desired to be tested for tests and what level of assurance must be met. Each distribution cycle handles a different shipping environment and different shipping hazards. On the other hand, each assurance level provides different test densities.

There are three levels of assurance for each distribution cycle:

Level I is a high test intensity level and is unlikely to occur.
Level III is a low test intensity level, but has a correspondingly high probability of occurrence.
Level II is between these extremes.

By using these test parameters in advanced laboratories, a test plan tailored to package test requirements is prepared. For example, the ASTM D4169 standard contains a list of 18 distribution cycles, such as rail and motor freight, combined, assurance level II, and so on.

ASTM D4169 standard tests include these typical experimental parameters:

Distribution cycle: 1 to 18
Assurance level: I to III
Number of samples: depending on how critical the shipment is
Sample sizes: as in real distribution
Conditioning and test temperature: ambient values unless otherwise stated
Conditioning and relative humidity: ambient values unless otherwise stated

Our organization also provides performance testing services of shipping containers and systems within the scope of ASTM D4169-16 standard, with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment, among the numerous test, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies it provides for businesses in various sectors.