This document is an

OVERVIEW ONLY

To access the Full Procedure:

ISTA Members:
Login to the MEMBER CENTER and choose the Resources Folder and then File Archive to
download the full procedures.

Non-Members:
You may purchase the full procedure by visiting our STORE.

www.ista.org
 3B
Packaged-Products for Less-Than-Truckload 2
(LTL) Shipment 0
1
7

ISTA 3 Series ISTA, Distributing Confidence, Worldwide™

General
Simulation ISTA 3 Series tests are advanced tests and are designed to:
Performance  Challenge the capability of the package and product to withstand transport hazards, but
Test  Utilize general simulation of actual transport hazards, and
PROCEDURE  Do not necessarily comply with carrier packaging regulations.
When properly executed, ISTA procedures will provide tangible benefits of:
 Product to market time reduction
 Confidence in product launch
 Reduction in damage and product loss
VERSION  Balanced distribution costs
DATE  Customer satisfaction contributing to increased market share
Last
TECHNICAL There are three sections to this procedure: Overview, Testing, and Reporting
Change:  Overview provides general knowledge required before testing and
MARCH  Testing presents the specific instructions to do laboratory testing and
2017  Reporting indicates what data shall be recorded to submit a test report to ISTA.

Last Two systems of weights and measures are presented in ISTA test procedures: English system (Inch-Pound) or SI (Metric).
EDITORIAL Inch-Pound units are shown first followed by the Metric units in parentheses; there may be exceptions in some tables
Change: (when shown separately).
MARCH Familiarity with the following units and symbols used in this document is required:
2017
For measuring English units and symbols Metric units and symbols
Weight pounds (lb) kilograms (kg) or grams (gm)
For complete
Distance feet (ft) or inches (in) meters (m) or millimeters (mm)
listing of
Procedure Volume Cubic inches (in3) Cubic centimeters (cm3)
Changes and Density pounds per cubic inch (lb/in3) kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m3)
Version Dates Temperature Fahrenheit (°F) Celsius (°C)
go to
www.ista.org  Either system may be used as the unit of measure (standard units), but
 The standard units chosen shall be used consistently throughout the procedure.
 Units are converted to two significant figures and
 Not exact equivalents.

VERY IMPORTANT:
The entire document shall be read and understood before proceeding with a test.

Δ – Most recent technical change(s) ISTA 3B 2017 - Page 1 of 35

Ο – Most recent technical addition(s) © 2017 International Safe Transit Association. All rights Reserved.
3B OVERVIEW OF PROCEDURE 3B
Preface Procedure 3B is a general simulation test for packaged-products shipped through a motor carrier (truck) delivery system, where
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, 200 lb (91 kg) or less, including elongated and flat packages
 Standard, over 200 lb (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 of lift truck forks

Definitions
 Elongated Package or Cylinder
o A Standard or Cylindrical package where the longest dimension is 36 in (910 mm) or greater and
o both of the package’s other dimensions (or the cylinder’s diameter) are each 20 percent or less of the
longest dimension
 Flat Package
o A Standard package where the shortest dimension is 8 in (200 mm) or less and
o the next longest dimension is four (4) or more times larger than the shortest dimension, and
o the volume is 800 in3 (13,000 cm3) or greater
 Non-Rigid Container
o Any Standard (regardless of weight) or Palletized or Skidded container where the outer package may
offer insufficient protection from concentrated low-level impacts or
o the design has large unsupported spans of outer packaging material or
o the outer package utilizes a stretch- or shrink-wrap design, uses a thin-flute or light grade corrugated board,
uses a paper wrap or similar lightweight material only, etc. or
o the outer package wall is in direct contact with the product

Note: If a packaged-product is both Elongated and Flat in accordance with the above definitions, it should be tested
as Elongated.

General
 Testing can be used to evaluate the protective performance of a packaged-product related to vibrations, shocks and
other stresses normally encountered during handling and transportation in a Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) delivery system.
 Test levels are based on general data and may not represent any specific distribution system.
 The package and product are considered together and not separately.
 Some conditions of transit, such as moisture, pressure, or unusual handling may not be covered.

Other ISTA Procedures or Projects may be appropriate for different conditions or to meet different objectives.

Refer to Guidelines for Selecting and Using ISTA Test Procedures and Projects for additional information.

Note: Hazardous material packaging that passes this test procedure may not meet international, national or other
regulatory requirements for the transport of hazardous materials. This test is not a substitute for United
Nations and/or any other required test standards for the transport of hazardous materials, but may be used as
an additional test in conjunction with them.

Δ – Most recent technical change(s) ISTA 3B 2017 - Page 2 of 35

Ο – Most recent technical addition(s) © 2017 International Safe Transit Association. All rights Reserved.
 3B OVERVIEW OF PROCEDURE 3B

Scope Procedure 3B covers the testing of packaged-products prepared for shipment via a Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) delivery system
carrier. LTL is defined as motor carrier (truck) shipment, where different types of packaged-products, often from different shippers
and intended for different ultimate destinations, are mixed in the same load.

Product Damage The shipper shall determine the following prior to testing:
Tolerance and
Package  what constitutes damage to the product and
Degradation  what damage tolerance level is allowable, if any, and
Allowance  the correct methodology to determine product condition at the conclusion of the test and
 the acceptable package condition at the conclusion of the test.

For additional information on these determinations refer to Guidelines for Selecting and Using ISTA Test Procedures and Projects.

Samples Samples should be an untested actual package and product, but if one or both are not available, the substitutes shall be as
identical as possible to actual items.

One sample is required for this test procedure.

To permit an adequate determination of representative performance of the packaged-product, ISTA:
 Requires the procedure to be performed one time, but
 Recommends performing the procedure five or more times using a new sample for each test.

Refer to Guidelines for Selecting and Using ISTA Test Procedures and Projects for additional information on statistical sampling.

Note: In order to ensure testing in perfect condition, products and packages shipped to an ISTA Certified Laboratory
for testing shall be:
 Adequately over-packaged for shipment or
 Repackaged in new packaging at the laboratory.

Note: Any pallet or skid used in this procedure should be of a type and condition which is typical of what is in actual
field use for the packaged-product being tested.

Note: It is important to thoroughly document the configuration, materials, and construction of the tested product and
package. Significant variations in performance can sometimes be caused by seemingly insignificant
differences. Photo documentation is strongly recommended to supplement detailed written descriptions.

Basis Weight Basis Weights of Corrugated Board

When the outer package is a corrugated box, it is strongly recommended that the basis weights of the papers/paperboards used to
make the box be determined and documented. If the nominal basis weights change, even if the board is rated for the same
performance, a retest is appropriate.

Refer to Guidelines for Selecting and Using ISTA Procedures and Projects for additional information on documentation and basis
weight determination.

Δ – Most recent technical change(s) ISTA 3B 2017 - Page 3 of 35

Ο – Most recent technical addition(s) © 2017 International Safe Transit Association. All rights Reserved.
 3B OVERVIEW OF PROCEDURE 3B
The tests shall be performed on each test sample in the sequence indicated in the following tables:

Test Sequence 3B – STANDARD, 200 lb (91 kg) or less

STANDARD,
200 lb (91 kg) Sequence Test Category Test Type Test Level For ISTA Certification
or Less Number
1 Atmospheric Temperature and Ambient Required
Preconditioning Humidity
TEST BLOCK 1
2 Atmospheric Controlled Temperature and Humidity Optional
Conditioning Temperature and chosen from chart
TEST BLOCK 1 Humidity

3 Shock Tip/Tip Over Use a 22 degree tip angle Required for packages
TEST BLOCK 2 ≥48 in. (1.2 m) tall
and ≥100 lb. (45 kg)
weight and any one
base dimension < ½ the
height;
or
for packages ≥ 30 in.
(760 mm) tall and
with a center of gravity
vertical location > ½ the
package height
4 Shock Free-Fall Drop 6 drops - height varies with Required
TEST BLOCK 3 packaged-product weight

Δ
5 Vertical Vibration Random Overall Grms level of 0.54 Required
TEST BLOCK 7 With Top Load

6 Shock Concentrated Impact mass free-fall drop, Required only for

TEST BLOCK 10 Impact guided drop, or pendulum, Non-Rigid Containers
15 in (380 mm)
7 Shock Free-Fall Drop 6 Drops - height varies with Required
TEST BLOCK 11 packaged-product weight.

8 Shock Full Rotational 1 drop Required only for

TEST BLOCK 16 Drop Elongated packages

9 Shock Bridged Impact Hazard Box dropped Required only for

TEST BLOCK 17 16 in (410 mm) Elongated packages

10 Shock Full Rotational 2 drops Required only for

TEST BLOCK 16 Drop Flat packages

11 Shock Concentrated Hazard box dropped Required only for

TEST BLOCK 18 Edge Impact 16 in (410 mm) Flat packages

Δ – Most recent technical change(s) ISTA 3B 2017 - Page 4 of 35

Ο – Most recent technical addition(s) © 2017 International Safe Transit Association. All rights Reserved.
 3B OVERVIEW OF PROCEDURE 3B
Test Sequence 3B – STANDARD, Over 200 lb (91 kg)
STANDARD,
Over Sequence Test Category Test Type Test Level For ISTA Certification
200 lb (91 kg) Number
1 Atmospheric Temperature and Ambient Required
Preconditioning Humidity
TEST BLOCK 1
2 Atmospheric Controlled Temperature and Humidity Optional
Conditioning Temperature and chosen from chart
TEST BLOCK 1 Humidity

3 Shock Tip/Tip Over Use a 22 degree tip angle Required for packages
TEST BLOCK 2 ≥48 in. (1.2 m) tall
and ≥100 lb. (45 kg)
weight and any one
base dimension < ½ the
height;
or
for packages ≥ 30 in.
(760 mm) tall and
with a center of gravity
vertical location > ½ the
package height
4 Shock Rotational Drop 9 in. (230 mm) Required
TEST BLOCK 5 Rotational edge and corner
drops
5 Shock Incline or Horizontal 48 in/sec (4 ft/sec) Required
TEST BLOCK 6 Impact, optional Free- (1.2 m/sec) impacts or
Fall Drop 3 in. (76 mm) drops
Δ 6 Vertical Vibration Random Overall Grms level of 0.54 Required
TEST BLOCK 7 With Top Load

7 Shock Concentrated Impact mass free-fall drop, Required only for

TEST BLOCK 10 Impact guided drop, or pendulum, Non-Rigid Containers
15 in (380 mm)
8 Shock Rotational Drop 9 in. (230 mm) Required
TEST BLOCK 13 Rotational edge and corner
drops
9 Shock Incline or Horizontal 48 in/sec (4 ft/sec) Required
TEST BLOCK 14 Impact, optional Free- (1.2 m/sec) impacts or
Fall Drop 3 in. (76 mm) drops

10 Shock Full Rotational 1 drop Required only for

TEST BLOCK 16 Drop Elongated packages

11 Shock Bridged Impact Hazard Box dropped Required only for

TEST BLOCK 17 16 in (410 mm) Elongated packages

12 Shock Full Rotational 2 drops Required only for

TEST BLOCK 16 Drop Flat packages

13 Shock Concentrated Hazard box dropped Required only for

TEST BLOCK 18 Edge Impact 16 in (410 mm) Flat packages

Δ – Most recent technical change(s) ISTA 3B 2017 - Page 5 of 35

Ο – Most recent technical addition(s) © 2017 International Safe Transit Association. All rights Reserved.
 3B OVERVIEW OF PROCEDURE 3B
Test Sequence 3B – CYLINDRICAL
CYLINDRICAL
Sequence Test Category Test Type Test Level For ISTA Certification
Number
1 Atmospheric Temperature and Ambient Required
Preconditioning Humidity
TEST BLOCK 1
2 Atmospheric Controlled Temperature and Humidity Optional
Conditioning Temperature and chosen from chart
TEST BLOCK 1 Humidity

3 Shock Free-Fall Drop 6 Drops - height varies Required

TEST BLOCK 4 with packaged-product
weight
4 Vertical Vibration Random Overall Grms level of 0.54 Required
TEST BLOCK 8 With and Without
Δ
Top Load
5 Shock Free-Fall Drop 5 Drops - height varies with Required
TEST BLOCK 12 packaged-product weight

6 Shock Drop on Hazard 1 Drop - height varies with

TEST BLOCK 12 packaged-product weight

7 Shock Full Rotational 1 drop Required only for

TEST BLOCK 16 Drop Elongated cylinders

8 Shock Bridged Impact Hazard Box dropped Required only for

TEST BLOCK 17 16 in (410 mm) Elongated cylinders

Δ – Most recent technical change(s) ISTA 3B 2017 - Page 6 of 35

Ο – Most recent technical addition(s) © 2017 International Safe Transit Association. All rights Reserved.
 3B OVERVIEW OF PROCEDURE 3B
Test Sequence 3B – PALLETIZED OR SKIDDED
PALLETIZED or
SKIDDED Sequence Test Category Test Type Test Level For ISTA Certification
Number
1 Atmospheric Temperature and Ambient Required
Preconditioning Humidity
TEST BLOCK 1
2 Atmospheric Controlled Temperature and Humidity Optional
Conditioning Temperature and chosen from chart
TEST BLOCK 1 Humidity

3 Shock Tip/Tip Over Use a 22 degree tip angle Required for palletized
TEST BLOCK 2 or skidded loads ≥30 in.
(760 mm) tall and
center of gravity vertical
height > the smallest
base dimension
4 Shock Rotational Drop Rotational edge and corner Required
TEST BLOCK 5 drops
Height varies with
packaged-product weight
5 Shock Incline or Horizontal 48 in/sec (4 ft/sec) Required
TEST BLOCK 6 Impact, optional Free- (1.2 m/sec) impacts or
Fall Drop 3 in. (76 mm) drops

6 Vertical Vibration Random Overall Grms level of 0.54 Required

Δ
TEST BLOCK 9 With Top Load

7 Shock Concentrated Impact mass free-fall drop, Required only for

TEST BLOCK 10 Impact guided drop, or pendulum, Non-Rigid containers
15 in (380 mm)
8 Shock Fork Lift Handling Flat Push and Rotate tests Required
TEST BLOCK 15
9 Shock Fork Lift Handling Elevated Push and Pull Required
TEST BLOCK 15 tests

10 Shock Fork Lift Handling Elevated Rotate tests Required

TEST BLOCK 15
11 Shock Fork Lift Handling Load Stability Test over a Required
TEST BLOCK 15 handling course

12 Shock Rotational Drop Rotational edge and corner Required

TEST BLOCK 13 drops
Height varies with
packaged-product weight
13 Shock Incline or Horizontal 48 in/sec (4 ft/sec) Required
TEST BLOCK 14 Impact, optional Free- (1.2 m/sec) impacts or
Fall Drop 3 in. (76 mm) drops

Δ – Most recent technical change(s) ISTA 3B 2017 - Page 7 of 35

Ο – Most recent technical addition(s) © 2017 International Safe Transit Association. All rights Reserved.
 3B EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR PROCEDURE 3B
Equipment Atmospheric Conditioning:
Required  Humidity recorder complying with of the apparatus section of ASTM D 4332 or ISO 2233.
Atmospheric
Conditioning  Temperature recorder complying with the apparatus section of ASTM D 4332 or ISO 2233.

Optional Atmospheric Conditioning

 Chamber and Control apparatus complying with the apparatus section of ASTM D 4332 or ISO 2233.

Equipment
Required In compliance with the
Type of Shock Test Type of Equipment Additional Required Equipment
Shock apparatus sections of…
Free-Fall Drop Tests Free-fall drop tester ASTM D 5276 or
ISO 2248

Free-Fall Drop Tests Slings and Quick-Release ASTM D 5276 or

(Alternate) mechanism ISO 2248
X

Tip/Tipover Tests ASTM D 6179 or

ISO 2876

22° angle

Rotational Edge and 1) Support Block ASTM D 6179 or Support block

Corner Drop Tests ISO 2876 3.5 to 4.0 in. (90 to 100 mm) in
height and width and at least 8 in.
(200 mm) longer than the longest
package dimension to be supported.

Full Rotational ASTM D 6179 or

Drops ISO 2876

Impact Tests Incline ASTM D 880 or

(Alternates) ASTM D 4003 or
ISO 2244

Horizontal

Continued on next page

Δ – Most recent technical change(s) ISTA 3B 2017 - Page 8 of 35

Ο – Most recent technical addition(s) © 2017 International Safe Transit Association. All rights Reserved.
3B EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR PROCEDURE 3B
Continued from previous page

Equipment In compliance with the

Required Type of Shock Test Type of Equipment Additional Required Equipment
apparatus sections of…
Shock
(continued) Concentrated Impact Free-fall or guided free-fall ASTM D 6344, except Impacting Mass Details
Tests of impacting mass the impacting mass must Total weight: 3 lb (1.4 kg). See
be approximately 8.875 in ASTM D 6344 for other information.
(225 mm) long, with a
diameter of 1.25 in (32 1.25 in
(32 mm)
mm), and weigh a total of
8.875 in (225 mm)
3 lb (1.4 kg). approximately)

Concentrated Impact Pendulum with impacting ASTM D 6344, except Impacting Mass Details
Tests mass the impacting mass must Total weight: 3 lb (1.4 kg). See
(Alternate) be approximately 8.875 in ASTM D 6344 for other information.
(225 mm) long, with a
diameter of 1.25 in (32 1.25 in
(32 mm)
mm), and weigh a total of
8.875 in (225 mm)
Drop Height 3 lb (1.4 kg). approximately)

Concentrated Edge Free-fall drop tester with Concentrated Edge Hazard Box
Impact Tests edge
12 x 12 x 12 in (305 x 305 x 305 mm)
hazard
wood box with a total weight of 9 lb
box
(4.1 kg). Any required ballast weight
should be dense flowable material in
a bag or bags, held in place with
suitable void fill.
The impact edge of the box shall be
covered with angle iron.
Bridged Impact Tests Free-fall drop tester with ASTM D 5265 with the Concentrated Edge Hazard Box
edge exception of the Hazard and Support Blocks
hazard Box (Impactor). See above for description of the
box
Concentrated Edge Hazard Box.
Support blocks (2 ea.) shall be 3.5
to 4.0 in. (90 to 100 mm) in height
and width and at least 8 in. (200
mm) longer than the longest
package dimension to be supported.
Drop Onto Hazard Free-fall drop tester Hazard Block
and hazard
See below.
block

Hazard Block
Cross section of Hazard Block
The block shall be made of hardwood or metal. The height shall be
0.75 to 1 in (20 to 25 mm) and the width shall be 6 in (150 mm).
The length shall be at least 8 in (200 mm) longer than the longest 0.75-1.0 in (20-25 mm)
package dimension which will impact. The long top edges of the
block shall be rounded to a radius equal to the height of the 6 in (150 mm)
6 in. (150
mm)
block.

Δ – Most recent technical change(s) ISTA 3B 2017 - Page 9 of 35

Ο – Most recent technical addition(s) © 2017 International Safe Transit Association. All rights Reserved.
3B EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR PROCEDURE 3B
Equipment  Vertical Random Vibration Test System complying with the apparatus section of ASTM D 4728 or ISO 13355.
Required  Top-load apparatus as described and shown below, including:
Vibration o A sturdy fiberboard box or similar container with a height of 9 in (230 mm), and with a minimum 0.75 in (20 mm) thick
plywood load spreader covering the entire inside bottom surface.
o Some means of adding additional weight as required so that the top load is distributed evenly over the entire inside
face area of the top load apparatus.
o Adequate void fill to securely hold the weight in place to prevent it from moving or bouncing within the top load
apparatus.
o Bottom face dimensions (length and width) which are at least 2 in (50 mm) larger than the top face dimensions of the
test item to which it is applied [for a minimum overhang of 1 in (25 mm) on each side], but must not be greater than 6 in
(150 mm) larger than the top face dimensions of the test item [for a maximum of 3 in (76 mm) overhang on each side].
 The top load apparatus must be divided into 2 separate equal portions if one of the top face dimensions of the test item
exceeds 18 in (460 mm), and into 4 separate equal portions if both of the top face dimensions of the test item exceed
18 in (460 mm).
TOP LOAD APPARATUS (4 SHOWN)
o Use an undivided apparatus if both top face
dimensions of the test item are
18 in (460 mm) or less.
9 in (230 mm)
o Divide the apparatus into two separate
equal portions if one top face dimension of
the test item exceeds 18 in (460 mm).
Divide the apparatus perpendicular to the
longest dimension.
o Divide the apparatus into four separate
equal portions if both top face dimensions
of the test item exceed 18 in (460 mm).
TEST ITEM

The Top Load is to simulate the effects of 6 lb/ft3 (0.0035 lb/in3) (96 kg/m3) of assorted freight on top of a floor loaded packaged-
product in an LTL trailer with an inside height of 108 in (2.7 m). This load density has been determined by empirical testing which
resulted in correlation between damage in the test lab and damage in the field.

 Means must be provided to maintain proper alignment of the Top Load Apparatus on the test item (column stack fixtures,
stretch wrap around the test specimen and the top load apparatus, etc.), without restricting the vertical motion of the top load
apparatus and the test specimen.
 Means must be provided to prevent the test item from moving off the vibration system’s platform, without restricting the
vertical motion of the test item.

Equipment Fork Lift Handling Tests

Required
 A fork lift truck of sufficient capacity to handle the test specimens and complying with the requirements below.
Additional
 A fork lift handling course as shown on the following page.

Type of Test Type of Equipment In compliance with the Additional Required Equipment
apparatus section of…
Fork Lift Handling Fork lift truck ASTM D 6055 or Handling Course,
ISO 10531 see following page

Δ – Most recent technical change(s) ISTA 3B 2017 - Page 10 of 35

Ο – Most recent technical addition(s) © 2017 International Safe Transit Association. All rights Reserved.
 3B EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR PROCEDURE 3B
The Handling Course is comprised of ten or eleven plates (plates C may be combined into one), fabricated from steel or similar
Equipment sufficiently dense, rigid, and tough material, installed in a manner that prevents movement for the duration of the testing sequence
Required in the pattern shown here. Variations in plate fabrication and securing details are permitted, provided that plate thickness and
Additional layout is as shown below, and that the plates do not move during use. Plate width and length dimensions may be varied slightly if
(continued) desired. Details of plates used in the prototype Handling Course are given below this overall layout, for use directly or as a guide.
Note: Considerable space beyond the Handling Course layout shown here is required for positioning the test item and fork truck,
Fork Lift maneuvering, accelerating to the required velocity, clearing the course, stopping, etc. See TEST BLOCK 15, Step 4, Sequence 3
Handling Course for further information.

Plate details

Δ – Most recent technical change(s) ISTA 3B 2017 - Page 11 of 35

Ο – Most recent technical addition(s) © 2017 International Safe Transit Association. All rights Reserved.