ASTM D6055-96(2019)

Standard Test Methods for Mechanical Handling of Unitized Loads and Large Shipping Cases and Crates

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 These test methods are designed for use in most cases with the actual equipment to be used in load handling.  
4.2 These test methods may be used in evaluating the shipping unit as to suitability for mechanical handling by standard user-specified load-handling equipment.  
4.3 These test methods will allow the user to determine integrity and stability of the load as well as provide guidance to improve the design of the unit load where deficiencies are found.  
4.4 Damage to products or packages observed during testing may be expected to correlate at least in a qualitative way to damage observed in actual distribution handling systems.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods are suitable for testing the integrity of unitized loads and large cases and crates, but not individual drums or palletized drums, as well as the ability of the contents to endure normal handling, using standard mechanical handling equipment. Not all of the test methods are applicable to all products containers and loads. These test methods are applicable to common means of material handling, including pull pack, clamp truck, and spade lift-type handling equipment as follows:  
1.1.1 Test Method A—Fork Truck Handling—For testing the ability of the shipping unit to withstand repeated handlings by this test method.  
1.1.2 Test Method B—Spade Lift Test—For lifting by spade lift attachment to determine the ability of the handling flap of the case or shipping unit to withstand repeated lifting and handling by this test method.  
1.1.3 Test Method C—Clamp Handling Test—For lifting by hydraulic clamp attachment, to determine the ability of the shipping unit to withstand squeeze clamp handling consisting of repeated side compression and lifting.  
1.1.4 Test Method D—Push-Pull Handling Test—For testing the ability of a unitized load on a slip-sheet to withstand repeated handling by this test method.  
1.1.5 Test Method E—Grabhook Test—For lifting by grabhooks to determine the ability of the shipping unit to withstand the horizontal pressures of grabhooks.  
1.1.6 Test Method F—Sling Tests—For lifting by wire rope, cable, or woven fiber slings to determine the ability of the shipping unit to withstand the compression of slings.  
1.2 Additional Test Methods:  
1.2.1 Additional test methods that apply to mechanical handling and rough handling tests of unitized loads and large cases and crates include incline impact tests, described in Test Method D880; horizontal impact tests, described in Test Method D4003.  
1.2.2 Practice D4169 provides a series of options for selecting and running performance tests on all types of shipping containers and systems.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Jul-2019
• ICS: 55.160 - Cases. Boxes. Crates
• ICS: 55.180.99 - Other standards related to freight distribution of goods
• Technical Committee: D10 - Packaging
• Drafting Committee: D10.21 - Shipping Containers and Systems - Application of Performance Test Methods

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D6055-96(2014) - Standard Test Methods for Mechanical Handling of Unitized Loads and Large Shipping Cases and Crates
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2019
• Refers: ASTM D4169-23 - Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM D4169-23e1 - Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM D4003-98(2019)e1 - Standard Test Methods for Programmable Horizontal Impact Test for Shipping Containers and Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2019
• Refers: ASTM D4003-98(2015) - Standard Test Methods for Programmable Horizontal Impact Test for Shipping Containers and Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2015
• Refers: ASTM D4169-14 - Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• Refers: ASTM D4332-13 - Standard Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
• Effective Date: 15-Mar-2013
• Refers: ASTM D996-10a - Standard Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2010
• Refers: ASTM D4169-09 - Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2009
• Refers: ASTM D4003-98(2009) - Standard Test Methods for Programmable Horizontal Impact Test for Shipping Containers and Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2009
• Refers: ASTM D4169-08 - Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2008
• Refers: ASTM D880-92(2008) - Standard Test Method for Impact Testing for Shipping Containers and Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2008
• Refers: ASTM D4332-01(2006) - Standard Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2006
• Refers: ASTM D4169-05 - Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2005
• Refers: ASTM D4169-04a - Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2004

Overview

ASTM D6055-96(2019), Standard Test Methods for Mechanical Handling of Unitized Loads and Large Shipping Cases and Crates, provides a comprehensive framework for assessing the integrity, stability, and durability of unitized loads, large cases, and crates during mechanical handling operations. Developed by ASTM International, this standard establishes procedures for simulating real-world handling typically encountered in warehouse and distribution operations using standard equipment such as forklifts, clamp trucks, spade lifts, and more.

These test methods help organizations evaluate the suitability of packaging systems for mechanical handling, verify that loads can endure normal distribution stresses, and identify potential weaknesses in design. Results gained from these tests play a crucial role in improving packaging reliability and reducing the risk of product damage during shipping.

Key Topics

• Mechanical Handling Equipment: The standard includes test procedures for a variety of handling methods using actual equipment:

  • Fork truck (forklift) handling
  • Spade lift attachments
  • Clamp handling with hydraulic clamps
  • Push-pull handling for slip-sheeted loads
  • Grabhook and sling lifting

• Integrity and Stability Testing: Methods focus on replicating repeated handling scenarios to assess a unit’s strength, resistance to compression, and ability to remain intact throughout the supply chain.

• Evaluation Criteria:

  • Qualitative analysis of observed damage
  • Guidance for improving packaging design if deficiencies are revealed
  • Correlation between test results and potential real-world handling damage

• Testing Conditions: Recommendations for conditioning testing specimens, such as temperature and humidity compliance, ensuring results accurately reflect likely transport scenarios.

• Test Documentation: Proper recording of handling procedures, environmental conditions, equipment specifications, and observed results ensures transparency and repeatability.

Applications

ASTM D6055-96(2019) is widely used across industries relying on bulk and large shipment methods:

• Manufacturing and Logistics: Enables packaging engineers and supply chain managers to verify that unitized loads and shipping crates can withstand repetitive mechanical handling in warehouses, distribution centers, and freight terminals.
• Packaging Design Validation: Helps packaging designers enhance load stability and overall durability by identifying weaknesses exposed during simulated handling.
• Quality Assurance and Compliance: Supports companies in meeting customer and regulatory expectations concerning safe, damage-free delivery of goods.
• Risk Mitigation: Reduces costs associated with product and packaging damage by proactively testing and refining packaging systems before full-scale deployment.

The standard is especially relevant for large and heavy shipments that require mechanical assistance for movement, such as shrink-wrapped or banded packages on pallets or slip sheets.

Related Standards

ASTM D6055 references and complements several other key standards in packaging and mechanical handling, including:

• ASTM D880: Test Method for Impact Testing for Shipping Containers and Systems
• ASTM D4003: Test Methods for Programmable Horizontal Impact Test for Shipping Containers and Systems
• ASTM D4169: Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems
• ASTM D4332: Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
• ASTM D996: Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments

These related guidelines offer additional methods to comprehensively assess container performance under various shipping and handling conditions.

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Keywords: mechanical handling, unitized loads, large shipping cases, crates, fork truck, clamp handling, spade lift, push-pull handling, grabhook, sling, packaging integrity, shipment testing, ASTM D6055, shipping container standards, load stability, supply chain packaging

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D6055 − 96 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Test Methods for
Mechanical Handling of Unitized Loads and Large Shipping
Cases and Crates
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6055; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 1.2.2 Practice D4169 provides a series of options for select-
ing and running performance tests on all types of shipping
1.1 These test methods are suitable for testing the integrity
containers and systems.
of unitized loads and large cases and crates, but not individual
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
drums or palletized drums, as well as the ability of the contents
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
to endure normal handling, using standard mechanical han-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
dling equipment. Not all of the test methods are applicable to
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
all products containers and loads. These test methods are
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
applicable to common means of material handling, including
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
pull pack, clamp truck, and spade lift-type handling equipment
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
as follows:
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
1.1.1 Test Method A—Fork Truck Handling—Fortestingthe
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
ability of the shipping unit to withstand repeated handlings by
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
this test method.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.1.2 Test Method B—Spade Lift Test—For lifting by spade
lift attachment to determine the ability of the handling flap of
2. Referenced Documents
the case or shipping unit to withstand repeated lifting and
handling by this test method.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1.3 Test Method C—Clamp Handling Test—For lifting by
D880 Test Method for Impact Testing for Shipping Contain-
hydraulic clamp attachment, to determine the ability of the
ers and Systems
shipping unit to withstand squeeze clamp handling consisting
D996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environ-
of repeated side compression and lifting.
ments
1.1.4 Test Method D—Push-Pull Handling Test—Fortesting
D4003 Test Methods for Programmable Horizontal Impact
the ability of a unitized load on a slip-sheet to withstand
Test for Shipping Containers and Systems
repeated handling by this test method.
D4169 Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Con-
1.1.5 Test Method E—Grabhook Test—For lifting by grab-
tainers and Systems
hooks to determine the ability of the shipping unit to withstand
D4332 Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or
the horizontal pressures of grabhooks.
Packaging Components for Testing
1.1.6 Test Method F—Sling Tests—For lifting by wire rope,
cable, or woven fiber slings to determine the ability of the
3. Terminology
shipping unit to withstand the compression of slings.
3.1 Definitions—General terms in these test methods are
1.2 Additional Test Methods:
defined in Terminology D996.
1.2.1 Additional test methods that apply to mechanical
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
handling and rough handling tests of unitized loads and large
3.2.1 clamp lift attachment—a lift truck attachment used for
cases and crates include incline impact tests, described in Test
clamp handling products packaged in flat-sided packages.
Method D880; horizontal impact tests, described in Test
3.2.2 forklift attachment—a lift truck attachment used to
Method D4003.
handle large unitized or palletized loads.
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on
Packaging and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.21 on Shipping
Containers and Systems - Application of Performance Test Methods. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2019. Published August 2019. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as D6055 – 96 (2014). Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/D6055-96R19. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6055 − 96 (2019)
3.2.3 large shipping case or crate—shipping container con- Alternatively, any suitable pulling device equipped with a
structed of any material and of such size and weight to require gripper jaw may be used.
mechanical handling. A case or crate of this type may weigh
5.5 Grabhook Test and Sling Test Apparatus—In lifting the
from 100 lb (45 kg), up to many tons and measure proportion-
case or crate with grabhooks or slings, a hoist with grabhooks
ately. The case or crate may be secured to or carried by a base
or slings attached is the simplest and easiest, but the test may
or pallet. Frame members may be provided for rigidity
be made with a tackle or by lifting the case or crate with jacks
throughout the container.
and setting it into grabhooks or slings supported by some form
3.2.4 push-pull attachment—a lift truck attachment used for
of truss.
push-pull handling products packaged using slip sheets.
6. Test Specimen and Number of Tests
3.2.5 shipping unit—the smallest complete unit that will be
6.1 Test several shipping units of a given design, if possible,
subjected to the distribution environment, for example, a
to obtain replication of results. If in the instance of a number of
shipping container and its contents.
cases wrapped or banded together, it is not possible to test an
3.2.6 spade lift attachment—a lift truck attachment used for
entire unitized load, then sufficient cases should be assembled
top handling products packaged in interlocked double-cover
such that the height and one base dimension are nearly the
boxes or folded cap- or folded flap-style cartons.
same as the proposed unitized load. For the clamp, spade lift,
3.2.7 unitized load—consists of a number of packages (two
or push-pull test, use an entire unitized load. The same case or
or more) secured together as a shipping unit. These packages
unitized load may often be used for all applicable tests if not
when unitized typically weigh more than 100 lb (45 kg). The
tested to failure. Load the shipping unit for the test with the
unitized method may be shrink wrapping, stretch wrapping,
actual contents for which it was designed, or if this is not
banding, strapping, taping, or gluing. A base consisting of a
possible, with a dummy load simulating such contents in mass,
pallet or slip sheet may or may not be used.
shape, and position in the shipping unit.
4. Significance and Use 7. Conditioning
4.1 These test methods are designed for use in most cases
7.1 It is recommended that atmospheres for conditioning be
with the actual equipment to be used in load handling. selected from those in accordance with Practice D4332. Unless
otherwise specified, fiberboard and other paperboard contain-
4.2 These test methods may be used in evaluating the
ers shall be preconditioned and conditioned in accordance with
shipping unit as to suitability for mechanical handling by
the standard atmosphere specified in Practice D4332.
standard user-specified load-handling equipment.
4.3 These test methods will allow the user to determine 8. Acceptance Criteria
integrity and stability of the load as well as provide guidance
8.1 Reference Practice D4169 for acceptance criteria and
to improve the design of the unit load where deficiencies are
the correlation to relative performance criteria.
found.
9. Mechanical Handling Tests with Lift Trucks
4.4 Damagetoproductsorpackagesobservedduringtesting
may be expected to correlate at least in a qualitative way to
9.1 Test Method A—Fork Lift Test Procedure
damage observed in actual distribution handling systems.
9.1.1 Handling on Test Course:
9.1.1.1 Use an actual lift truck equipped with user-specified
5. Apparatus fork attachments. See Annex A1 for recommended standard
course for lift truck handling tests.
5.1 Fork Truck Test Apparatus—In performing the fork
9.1.1.2 The operator is to lift and transport to each obser-
truckhandlingtest,useanactuallifttruckwithforkattachment
vation point in a manner typical of current practice.
to lift the shipping unit. The lift truck and blade(s) shall be
9.1.1.3 The minimum number of handlings and fork type
capable of handling the size and quantity of products in
and size shall be specified by the user; however, it should be
accordance with current practice.
noted that the effects of temperature and humidity in the testing
5.2 Spade Lift Test Apparatus—In performing the spade lift
environment may vary greatly and, if so, may affect the
test, use an actual lift truck with spade lift attachment to lift the
strength of the shipping unit. For this reason, it may be useful
shipping unit under the lifting flap. The lift truck and blade(s)
to specify the minimum number of handlings based on test
must be capable of handling the size and quantity of products
periods representing these extremes.
in accordance with current practice.
9.1.1.4 Examine the load during and after each test cycle to
5.3 Clamp Lift Handling Test Apparatus—In performing the determine if failure occurred.
clamp handling test, use an actual lift truck with the appropri-
9.2 Test Method B—Spade Lift Test Procedure:
ate load clamping device to lift the shipping unit. Provision
9.2.1 Use an actual lift truck equipped with the spade lift
shall be made to measure the clamp force between the platens
attachment to be used in actual practice. See Annex A1 for
using a load cell(s) or other suitable device.
recommended standard course for lift truck handling test.
5.4 Push-Pull Test Apparatus—In performing the push-pull 9.2.2 The operator is to engage, lift, and transport the load
test, use an actual lift truck with the appropriate gripper jaw for to each observation point in a manner typical of current
pulling the load by the slip sheet tab onto the load plate. practice.
D6055 − 96 (2019)
9.2.3 If normal handling requirements specify two or more 9.3.4.3 When using a single-load cell clamp force indicator
unitshigh,thetestshouldbeconductedwithanequivalentload to measure clamp force for non-articulating clamps, position
on the test specimen. This test can be repeated for a
...