ASTM D4169 Package Testing

ASTM D4169 is a laboratory package test procedure designed to evaluate the ability of packages and shipping containers to withstand the challenges of the distribution environment. This standard includes multiple Distribution Cycles (DCs) that replicate various shipping environments, including motor freight, rail, and air. Each DC features a sequential list of Hazard Elements that simulate a specific shipping route from production to consumption.

As both an ISTA and ISO 17025 certified lab, DES is an ideal choice for your ASTM D4169 package testing needs. We are committed to quality, accuracy, and fast turnaround of your project.

Selecting the appropriate Distribution Cycle is crucial and depends on the intended shipping environment of your package.There are 18 Distribution Cycles outlined in ASTM D4169 as follows:

General cycle – undefined distribution system
Specially defined distribution system, user specified
Single package without pallet or skid, LTL motor freight
Single package with pallet or skid, LTL motor freight
Motor freight, TL, not unitized
Motor freight, TL, or LTL-unitized
Rail only, bulk loaded
Rail only, unitized
Rail and motor freight, not unitized
Rail and motor freight, unitized
Rail, trailer on flatcar or container on flatcar
Air (intercity) and motor freight (local), over 150 lb, or unitized
Air (intercity) and motor freight (local), single package up to 150 lb
Warehousing
Export/import shipment for intermodal container or roll on/roll off trailer
Export/import shipment for palletized cargo ship
Export/import shipment for break bulk cargo ship
Non-commercial government shipments per MIL-STD-2073-1

The Hazard Elements are specific events that occur within a DC that may cause a risk to a shipping container. The hazard elements in ASTM D4169 are characterized as follows:

Schedule A- Handling, manual and mechanical – drop, impact and stability tests
Schedule B – Warehouse stacking – compression tests
Schedule C – Vehicle stacking – compression tests
Schedule D – Stacked vibration – vibration under top loading
Schedule E – Vehicle vibration
Schedule F – Loose load vibration – repetitive shock
Schedule G – Rail switching – longitudinal shock
Schedule H – Environmental hazard – temperature shock and water spray
Schedule I – Low-pressure (vacuum) – High altitude
Schedule J – Concentrated impacts

Within most of the Hazard Elements, there are three Assurance Levels I, II, and III which define the intensity of testing. Level I is the most severe and Level III is the least.

Most testing in ASTM D4169 is performed at standard atmospheric conditions, but in some cases special climatic conditions may be required.

One of the most common distribution cycles in ASTM D4169 is DC13. DC13 contains the sequence of 7 Hazard Elements listed below:

Schedule A: Manual Handling (Drop testing)
Schedule C: Vehicle Stacking (Compression testing)
Schedule F: Loose-Load Vibration (Repetitive shock)
Schedule I: Low Pressure / Altitude (Aircraft simulation)
Schedule E: Vehicle Vibration (Truck transport)
Schedule J: Concentrated Impact
Schedule A: Final Manual Handling (Drop testing)

Military products use Distribution Cycle 18, in accordance with MIL-STD-2073–1.

The typical procedure for ASTM D4169 package testing is:

Define the shipping container to be tested in terms of weight, size, and form of construction
Establish the Assurance Level
Determine Acceptance Criteria
Select the Distribution Cycle that most closely correlates with the anticipated distribution.
Prepare a Test Plan
Select the Samples for Testing
Condition the Samples at laboratory ambient or required climatic conditions
Perform the Testing
Evaluate the Results to determine if the shipping units meet the acceptance criteria provided in step 3.
Prepare a Test Report

Why should you choose DES for your ASTM D4169 Package Testing?

DES has extensive experience running ASTM D4169 Package Tests
DES’s lab is A2LA accredited for ASTM D4169 Package Testing
DES is trusted by many manufacturers to perform their packaging testing
DES has a temperature & humidity-controlled lab with state-of-the-art package test equipment

DES provides comprehensive testing support throughout the entire process, from concept through production and shipping to the end customer, all under one roof!