ASTM D4169-14

Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This practice provides a guide for the evaluation of shipping units in accordance with a uniform system, using established test methods at levels representative of those occurring in actual distribution. The recommended test levels are based on available information on the shipping and handling environment, and current industry/government practice and experience  (1-13).6 The tests should be performed sequentially on the same containers in the order given. For use as a performance test, this practice requires that the shipping unit tested remain unopened until the sequence of tests are completed. If used for other purposes, such as package development, it may be useful to open and inspect shipping units at various times throughout the sequence. This may, however, prohibit evaluating the influence of the container closure on container performance.  
4.2 For Distribution Cycle 18, as referred to in MIL-STD-2073–1, the use of this practice is defined in subsequent sections identified as DC-18.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice provides a uniform basis of evaluating, in a laboratory, the ability of shipping units to withstand the distribution environment. This is accomplished by subjecting them to a test plan consisting of a sequence of anticipated hazard elements encountered in various distribution cycles. This practice is not intended to supplant material specifications or existing preshipment test procedures.  
1.2 Consider the use of Practice D7386 for testing of packages for single parcel shipments.  
1.3 The suitability of this practice for use with hazardous materials has not been determined.  
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.5 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Oct-2014
• ICS: 55.040 - Packaging materials and accessories
• Technical Committee: D10 - Packaging
• Drafting Committee: D10.21 - Shipping Containers and Systems - Application of Performance Test Methods

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D4169-09 - Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• Referred By: ASTM D5639/D5639M-20 - Standard Practice for Selection of Corrugated Fiberboard Materials and Box Construction Based on Performance Requirements
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• Referred By: ASTM D5168-22 - Standard Practice for Fabrication and Closure of Triple-Wall Corrugated Fiberboard Containers
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• Referred By: ASTM D1974/D1974M-22 - Standard Practice for Methods of Closing, Sealing, and Reinforcing Fiberboard Boxes
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• Referred By: ASTM D6198-18 - Standard Guide for Transport Packaging Design
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• Referred By: ASTM D7478/D7478M-11(2017) - Standard Specification for Heavy Duty Sheathed Wood Crates
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• Referred By: ASTM A700-14(2019) - Standard Guide for Packaging, Marking, and Loading Methods for Steel Products for Shipment
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• Referred By: ASTM E1133-86(2022) - Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Packaged Laboratory Apparatus for United States Government Procurements
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• Referred By: ASTM D6653/D6653M-13(2021) - Standard Test Methods for Determining the Effects of High Altitude on Packaging Systems by Vacuum Method
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• Referred By: ASTM F2097-20 - Standard Guide for Design and Evaluation of Primary Flexible Packaging for Medical Products
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• Referred By: ASTM D5277-22 - Standard Test Method for Performing Programmed Horizontal Impacts Using an Inclined Impact Tester
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• Referred By: ASTM D5276-19 - Standard Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by Free Fall
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• Referred By: ASTM D4728-17(2022) - Standard Test Method for Random Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• Referred By: ASTM D2063/D2063M-10(2018) - Standard Test Methods for Measurement of Torque Retention for Packages with Continuous Thread Closures Using Non-Automated (Manual) Torque Testing Equipment
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• Referred By: ASTM D6537-00(2021) - Standard Practice for Instrumented Package Shock Testing For Determination of Package Performance
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: D4169 − 14
StandardPractice for
Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4169; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope D999 Test Methods for Vibration Testing of Shipping Con-
tainers
1.1 This practice provides a uniform basis of evaluating, in
D4003 Test Methods for Programmable Horizontal Impact
a laboratory, the ability of shipping units to withstand the
Test for Shipping Containers and Systems
distribution environment. This is accomplished by subjecting
D4332 Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or
them to a test plan consisting of a sequence of anticipated
Packaging Components for Testing
hazard elements encountered in various distribution cycles.
D4728 Test Method for Random Vibration Testing of Ship-
This practice is not intended to supplant material specifications
ping Containers
or existing preshipment test procedures.
D5265 Test Method for Bridge Impact Testing
1.2 Consider the use of Practice D7386 for testing of
D5276 Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by
packages for single parcel shipments.
Free Fall
D5277 Test Method for Performing Programmed Horizontal
1.3 The suitability of this practice for use with hazardous
materials has not been determined. Impacts Using an Inclined Impact Tester
D5487 Test Method for Simulated Drop of Loaded Contain-
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
ers by Shock Machines
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
D6055 Test Methods for Mechanical Handling of Unitized
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
Loads and Large Shipping Cases and Crates
and are not considered standard.
D6179 Test Methods for Rough Handling of Unitized Loads
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
and Large Shipping Cases and Crates
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
D6344 Test Method for Concentrated Impacts to Transport
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Packages
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
D6653 Test Methods for Determining the Effects of High
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Altitude on Packaging Systems by Vacuum Method
D7386 Practice for Performance Testing of Packages for
2. Referenced Documents
Single Parcel Delivery Systems
2.1 ASTM Standards:
F1327 Terminology Relating to Barrier Materials for Medi-
D642 Test Method for Determining Compressive Resistance
cal Packaging (Withdrawn 2007)
of Shipping Containers, Components, and Unit Loads
2.2 Military Standards:
D880 Test Method for Impact Testing for Shipping Contain-
MIL-STD-810F Environmental Test Methods
ers and Systems
MIL-STD-2073–1 DOD Standard Practice for Military
D951 Test Method for Water Resistance of Shipping Con-
Packaging
tainers by Spray Method
2.3 Association of American Railroads Standards:
D996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environ-
General Information Bulletin No. 2 Rules and Procedures
ments
for Testing of New Loading and Bracing Methods or
Materials
This practice is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D10 on Packaging
andisthedirectresponsibilityofSubcommitteeD10.21onShippingContainersand
Systems - Application of Performance Test Methods.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2014. Published December 2014. Originally The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
approved in 2004. Last previous edition approved in 2009 as D4169 – 09. DOI: www.astm.org.
10.1520/D4169-14. Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, DODSSP, Bldg. 4,
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Section D, 700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5098, http://
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM dodssp.daps.dla.mil.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from Association of American Railroads (AAR), 425 Third St., SW,
the ASTM website. Washington, DC 20024, http://www.aar.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4169 − 14
3. Terminology 3.3.1 TOFC—trailer on flatcar.
3.3.2 COFC—container on flatcar.
3.1 Definitions—General definitions for the packaging and
distribution environments are found in Terminology D996.
3.3.3 TL—truckload.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.3.4 CL—carload.
3.2.1 acceptance criteria—the acceptable quality level that
3.3.5 LTL—less than truckload.
must be met after the shipping unit has been subjected to the
test plan. See Section 7. 4. Significance and Use
3.2.2 assurance level—theleveloftestintensitybasedonits 4.1 This practice provides a guide for the evaluation of
probability of occurring in a typical distribution cycle. shipping units in accordance with a uniform system, using
3.2.2.1 Discussion—Level I is a high level of test intensity established test methods at levels representative of those
occurring in actual distribution. The recommended test levels
andhasalowprobabilityofoccurrence.LevelIIIisalowlevel
of test intensity, but has a correspondingly high probability of are based on available information on the shipping and
handling environment, and current industry/government prac-
occurrence. Level II is between these extremes. For Distribu-
tion Cycle 18 (DC–18), see MIL-STD-2073–1 for definitions tice and experience (1-13). The tests should be performed
sequentially on the same containers in the order given. For use
of military levels of protection.
as a performance test, this practice requires that the shipping
3.2.3 coeffıcient of restitution—the ratio of the rebound
unit tested remain unopened until the sequence of tests are
velocity to the impact velocity.
completed. If used for other purposes, such as package
3.2.4 distribution cycle (DC)—the sequential listing of the
development, it may be useful to open and inspect shipping
test schedules employed to simulate the hazard elements
units at various times throughout the sequence. This may,
expected to occur for a specific routing of a shipping unit from
however, prohibit evaluating the influence of the container
production to consumption. See Table 1.
closure on container performance.
3.2.5 feederaircraft—small,potentiallynon-pressurizedair-
4.2 For Distribution Cycle 18, as referred to in MIL-STD-
craft used to transport express packages.
2073–1, the use of this practice is defined in subsequent
3.2.6 hazard element—a specific event that occurs in a sections identified as DC-18.
distribution cycle that may pose a hazard to a shipping unit.
5. Test Specimen
Theelementwillusuallybesimulatedbyasingletestschedule.
See Section 9.
5.1 Test specimens consist of representative samples of
complete shipping units, including actual contents. Products
3.2.7 shipping unit—the smallest complete unit that will be
with blemishes or minor defects may be used if the defective
subjected to the distribution environment, for example, a
component is not to be studied by the test and if the defect is
shipping container and its contents.
documented in the report. Dummy test loads are acceptable if
3.2.7.1 small shipping unit—for DC-18, a small shipping
testing the actual product might be hazardous. If a dummy load
unit is defined as one having no edge dimension or diameter
is used, it should be instrumented to determine if the fragility
over 60 in. (1.52 m) and a gross weight of 100 lb (45 kg) or
level of the actual product has been exceeded. Take care to
less.
duplicate the load characteristics of the actual product, and
3.2.7.2 large shipping unit—for DC-18, a large shipping
avoid unnecessary prehandling.
unit is defined as one having at least one edge dimension or
5.2 Care must be taken to ensure that no degradation has
diameterover60in.(1.52m)oragrossweightinexcessof100
occurred to either the product or the package if the test
lb (45 kg), or it is one that has a gross weight exceeding 100 lb
packages have been shipped to the test site. If any doubt exists
(45 kg) and is secured to a base or to the base of a shipping
as to the condition of the package, repack the product in new
unit.
packaging material before testing.
3.2.8 test plan—a specific listing of the test sequence to be
5.3 The number of test replications depends on the desired
followed to simulate the hazards anticipated during the distri-
objectives of the testing and the availability of duplicate
bution cycle of a shipping unit. Included will be the test
products and shipping containers. Replicate testing is recom-
intensity and number of sequential tests to be conducted. See
mended to improve the reliability of the test results.
8.5.
3.2.9 test schedule—the specific procedure to be used, 6. Conditioning
including the three assurance level intensities, and a reference
6.1 Ifthedistributioncyclecontainsclimaticconditionsthat
to the test method that is the basis of the schedule.
have an effect on the performance characteristics of the
3.2.9.1 Discussion—The purpose of the schedule is to simu-
product,shippingcontainer,orcomponentssuchascushioning,
late the forces occurring during any hazard element of the
use one of the following procedures. (It should be noted that
distribution cycle. See Section 9.
different atmospheric conditions are likely to exist between the
3.2.10 total velocity change, (∆V)—the sum of the impact
and rebound velocities.
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to a list of references at the end of
3.3 Abbreviations: this practice.
D4169 − 14
TABLE 1 Distribution Cycles
Performance Test Schedule Sequence
(see Section 9 for Test Schedule definition)
DC Distribution Cycle First Second Third Fourth Fifth Sixth Seventh
1 General Cycle—undefined distribution Schedule Schedule D Stacked Schedule F Schedule G Schedule J Schedule A
system A Vibration Loose-Load Rail Concentrated Handling
Handling Vibration Switching Impact
2 Specially defined distribution system, select from Schedules A through I
user specified (see Appendix X2)
3 Single package without pallet or skid, Schedule Schedule D Stacked Schedule F Schedule J Schedule A .
LTL motor freight A Vibration OR Loose-Load Concentrated Handling—
Handling Schedule C Vehicle Vibration Impact Manual
—Manual Stacking plus
Schedule E Vehicle
Vibration
4 Single package with pallet or skid, Schedule Schedule D Stacked Schedule F Schedule J Schedule A .
LTL motor freight A Vibration OR Loose-Load Concentrated Handling—
Handling Schedule C Vehicle Vibration Impact Mechanical
—Mechanical Stacking plus
Schedule E Vehicle
Vibration
5 Motor freight, TL, not unitized Schedule Schedule D Stacked Schedule E Schedule J Schedule A .
A Vibration Vehicle Concentrated Handling
Handling Vibration Impact
6 Motor freight, TL, or LTL—unitized Schedule Schedule D Stacked Schedule J Schedule A Schedule B .
A Vibration OR Concentrated Handling Warehouse
Handling Schedule C Vehicle Impact Stacking
Stacking plus
Schedule E Vehicle
Vibration
7 Rail only, bulk loaded Schedule Schedule D Stacked Schedule G Schedule A . .
A Vibration Rail Handling
Handling Switching
8 Rail only, unitized Schedule Schedule D Stacked Schedule G Schedule A Schedule B .
A Vibration Rail Handling Warehouse
Handling Switching Stacking
9 Rail and motor freight, not unitized Schedule Schedule C Vehicle Schedule E Schedule G Schedule F Schedule J Schedule A
A Stacking Vehicle Rail Loose-Load Concentrated Handling
Handling Vibration Switching Vibration Impact
10 Rail and motor freight, unitized Schedule Schedule D Stacked Schedule G Schedule J Schedule A Schedule B
A Vibration Rail Concentrated Handling Warehouse
Handling Switching Impact Stacking
11 Rail, TOFC and COFC Schedule Schedule G Rail Schedule D Schedule F Schedule A .
A Switching Stacked Loose-Load Handling
Handling Vibration Vibration
12 Air (intercity) and motor freight (local), Schedule Schedule D Stacked Schedule I Schedule E Schedule J Schedule A
over 150 lb (68.1 kg), or unitized A Vibration Low Vehicle Concentrated Handling
A
Handling Pressure Vibration Impact
13 Air (intercity) and motor freight (local, Schedule Schedule C Vehicle Schedule F Schedule I Schedule E Schedule J Schedule A
single package up to 150 lb (61.8 kg). A Han- Stacking Loose-Load Low Pres- Vehicle Vi- Concen- Handling
A
Consider using Practice D7386 dling Vibration sure bration trated Im-
for single parcel carrier shipments. pact
14 Warehousing (partial cycle to be added to Schedule Schedule B Ware- . . . .
other cycles as needed) A Han- house Stacking
dling
15 Export/Import shipment for intermodal Schedule Schedule C Vehicle Schedule A . . .
container or roll on/roll off trailer (partial A Han- Stacking Handling
cycle to be added to other cycles as dling
needed)
16 Export/Import shipment for palletized cargo Schedule Schedule C Vehicle Schedule A . . .
ship (partial cycle to be added to A Han- Stacking Handling
other cycles as needed) dling
D4169 − 14
TABLE 1 Continued
Performance Test Schedule Sequence
(see Section 9 for Test Schedule definition)
DC Distribution Cycle First Second Third Fourth Fifth Sixth Seventh
17 Export/Import shipment for break bulk Schedule Schedule C Vehicle Schedule A . . .
cargo ship (partial cycle to be added to A Stacking Handling
other Handling
cycles as needed)
Non-Commercial Government shipments
18 Refer to Annex A1 for Test Schedules applying to DC-18.
per MIL-STD-2073-1
A
This high altitude, non-pressurized transport simulation test may be deleted from this distribution cycle when testing shipping units that contain primary packages that
have a porous material.
origin and destination points of a distribution cycle, particu- Criterion 1—Product is damage-free.
larly for export/import cycles.) Criterion 2—Package is intact.
6.1.1 Conduct the test at standard conditions and compen-
Criterion 3—Both criteria 1 and 2.
sate for the effects of any climatic condition. Condition the Often,thismeansthattheshippingcontaineranditscontents
shipping units to a standard atmosphere of 73.4 6 2°F (23 6
aresuitablefornormalsaleanduseatthecompletionofthetest
1°C) and 50 6 2 % relative humidity. Condition fiberboard cycle. Detailed acceptance criteria may allow for accepting
container
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D4169 − 09 D4169 − 14
Standard Practice for
Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4169; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope
1.1 This practice provides a uniform basis of evaluating, in a laboratory, the ability of shipping units to withstand the distribution
environment. This is accomplished by subjecting them to a test plan consisting of a sequence of anticipated hazard elements
encountered in various distribution cycles. This practice is not intended to supplant material specifications or existing preshipment
test procedures.
1.2 Consider the use of Practice D7386 for testing of packages for single parcel shipments.
1.3 The suitability of this practice for use with hazardous materials has not been determined.
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.5 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D642 Test Method for Determining Compressive Resistance of Shipping Containers, Components, and Unit Loads
D880 Test Method for Impact Testing for Shipping Containers and Systems
D951 Test Method for Water Resistance of Shipping Containers by Spray Method
D996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
D999 Test Methods for Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers
D4003 Test Methods for Programmable Horizontal Impact Test for Shipping Containers and Systems
D4332 Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
D4728 Test Method for Random Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers
D5265 Test Method for Bridge Impact Testing
D5276 Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by Free Fall
D5277 Test Method for Performing Programmed Horizontal Impacts Using an Inclined Impact Tester
D5487 Test Method for Simulated Drop of Loaded Containers by Shock Machines
D6055 Test Methods for Mechanical Handling of Unitized Loads and Large Shipping Cases and Crates
D6179 Test Methods for Rough Handling of Unitized Loads and Large Shipping Cases and Crates
D6344 Test Method for Concentrated Impacts to Transport Packages
D6653 Test Methods for Determining the Effects of High Altitude on Packaging Systems by Vacuum Method
D7386 Practice for Performance Testing of Packages for Single Parcel Delivery Systems
F1327 Terminology Relating to Barrier Materials for Medical Packaging (Withdrawn 2007)
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.21 on Shipping Containers and
Systems - Application of Performance Test Methods.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2009Nov. 1, 2014. Published November 2009December 2014. Originally approved in 2004. Last previous edition approved in 20082009
as D4169 – 08.D4169 – 09. DOI: 10.1520/D4169-09.10.1520/D4169-14.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4169 − 14
2.2 Military Standards:
MIL-STD-810F Environmental Test Methods
MIL-STD-2073–1 DOD Standard Practice for Military Packaging
2.3 Association of American Railroads Standards:
General Information Bulletin No. 2 Rules and Procedures for Testing of New Loading and Bracing Methods or Materials
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—General definitions for the packaging and distribution environments are found in Terminology D996.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 acceptance criteria—the acceptable quality level that must be met after the shipping unit has been subjected to the test
plan. See Section 7.
3.2.2 assurance level—the level of test intensity based on its probability of occurring in a typical distribution cycle.
Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, Bldg. 4 Section D, 700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, Attn: NPODS.
www.aar.org
3.2.2.1 Discussion—
Level I is a high level of test intensity and has a low probability of occurrence. Level III is a low level of test intensity, but has
a correspondingly high probability of occurrence. Level II is between these extremes. For Distribution Cycle 18 (DC–18), see
MIL-STD-2073–1 for definitions of military levels of protection.
3.2.3 coeffıcient of restitution—the ratio of the rebound velocity to the impact velocity.
3.2.4 distribution cycle (DC)—the sequential listing of the test schedules employed to simulate the hazard elements expected
to occur for a specific routing of a shipping unit from production to consumption. See Table 1.
3.2.5 feeder aircraft—small, potentially non-pressurized aircraft used to transport express packages.
3.2.6 hazard element—a specific event that occurs in a distribution cycle that may pose a hazard to a shipping unit. The element
will usually be simulated by a single test schedule. See Section 9.
3.2.7 shipping unit—the smallest complete unit that will be subjected to the distribution environment, for example, a shipping
container and its contents.
3.2.7.1 small shipping unit—for DC-18, a small shipping unit is defined as one having no edge dimension or diameter over 60
in. (1.52 m) and a gross weight of 100 lb (45 kg) or less.
3.2.7.2 large shipping unit—for DC-18, a large shipping unit is defined as one having at least one edge dimension or diameter
over 60 in. (1.52 m) or a gross weight in excess of 100 lb (45 kg), or it is one that has a gross weight exceeding 100 lb (45 kg)
and is secured to a base or to the base of a shipping unit.
3.2.8 test plan—a specific listing of the test sequence to be followed to simulate the hazards anticipated during the distribution
cycle of a shipping unit. Included will be the test intensity and number of sequential tests to be conducted. See 8.5.
3.2.9 test schedule—the specific procedure to be used, including the three assurance level intensities, and a reference to the test
method that is the basis of the schedule.
3.2.9.1 Discussion—
The purpose of the schedule is to simulate the forces occurring during any hazard element of the distribution cycle. See Section
9.
3.2.10 total velocity change, (ΔV)—the sum of the impact and rebound velocities.
3.3 Abbreviations:
3.3.1 TOFC—trailer on flatcar.
3.3.2 COFC—container on flatcar.
3.3.3 TL—truckload.
3.3.4 CL—carload.
3.3.5 LTL—less than truckload.
D4169 − 14
TABLE 1 Distribution Cycles
Performance Test Schedule Sequence
(see Section 9 for Test Schedule definition)
DC Distribution Cycle First Second Third Fourth Fifth Sixth Seventh
1 General Cycle—undefined distribution Schedule Schedule D Stacked Schedule F Schedule G Schedule J Schedule A
system A Vibration Loose-Load Rail Concentrated Handling
Handling Vibration Switching Impact
2 Specially defined distribution system, select from Schedules A through I
user specified (see Appendix X2)
3 Single package without pallet or skid, Schedule Schedule D Stacked Schedule F Schedule J Schedule A . . .
LTL motor freight A Vibration OR Loose-Load Concentrated Handling—
Handling Schedule C Vehicle Vibration Impact Manual
—Manual Stacking plus
Schedule E Vehicle
Vibration
4 Single package with pallet or skid, Schedule Schedule D Stacked Schedule F Schedule J Schedule A . . .
LTL motor freight A Vibration OR Loose-Load Concentrated Handling—
Handling Schedule C Vehicle Vibration Impact Mechanical
—Mechanical Stacking plus
Schedule E Vehicle
Vibration
5 Motor freight, TL, not unitized Schedule Schedule D Stacked Schedule E Schedule J Schedule A . . .
A Vibration Vehicle Concentrated Handling
Handling Vibration Impact
6 Motor freight, TL, or LTL—unitized Schedule Schedule D Stacked Schedule J Schedule A Schedule B . . .
A Vibration OR Concentrated Handling Warehouse
Handling Schedule C Vehicle Impact Stacking
Stacking plus
Schedule E Vehicle
Vibration
7 Rail only, bulk loaded Schedule Schedule D Stacked Schedule G Schedule A . . . . . .
A Vibration Rail Handling
Handling Switching
8 Rail only, unitized Schedule Schedule D Stacked Schedule G Schedule A Schedule B . . .
A Vibration Rail Handling Warehouse
Handling Switching Stacking
9 Rail and motor freight, not unitized Schedule Schedule C Vehicle Schedule E Schedule G Schedule F Schedule J Schedule A
A Stacking Vehicle Rail Loose-Load Concentrated Handling
Handling Vibration Switching Vibration Impact
10 Rail and motor freight, unitized Schedule Schedule D Stacked Schedule G Schedule J Schedule A Schedule B
A Vibration Rail Concentrated Handling Warehouse
Handling Switching Impact Stacking
11 Rail, TOFC and COFC Schedule Schedule G Rail Schedule D Schedule F Schedule A . . .
A Switching Stacked Loose-Load Handling
Handling Vibration Vibration
12 Air (intercity) and motor freight (local), Schedule Schedule D Stacked Schedule I Schedule E Schedule J Schedule A
over 150 lb (68.1 kg), or unitized A Vibration Low Vehicle Concentrated Handling
A
Handling Pressure Vibration Impact
13 Air (intercity) and motor freight (local, Schedule Schedule C Vehicle Schedule F Schedule I Schedule E Schedule J Schedule A
single package up to 150 lb (61.8 kg). A Han- Stacking Loose-Load Low Pres- Vehicle Vi- Concen- Handling
A
Consider using Practice D7386 dling Vibration sure bration trated Im-
for single parcel carrier shipments. pact
14 Warehousing (partial cycle to be added to Schedule Schedule B Ware- . . . . . . . . . . . .
other cycles as needed) A Han- house Stacking
dling
15 Export/Import shipment for intermodal Schedule Schedule C Vehicle Schedule A . . . . . . . . .
container or roll on/roll off trailer (partial A Han- Stacking Handling
cycle to be added to other cycles as dling
needed)
16 Export/Import shipment for palletized cargo Schedule Schedule C Vehicle Schedule A . . . . . . . . .
ship (partial cycle to be added to A Han- Stacking Handling
other cycles as needed) dling
D4169 − 14
TABLE 1 Continued
Performance Test Schedule Sequence
(see Section 9 for Test Schedule definition)
DC Distribution Cycle First Second Third Fourth Fifth Sixth Seventh
17 Export/Import shipment for break bulk Schedule Schedule C Vehicle Schedule A . . . . . . . . .
cargo ship (partial cycle to be added to A Stacking Handling
other Handling
cycles as needed)
Non-Commercial Government shipments
18 Refer to Annex A1 for Test Schedules applying to DC-18.
per MIL-STD-2073-1
A
This high altitude, non-pressurized transport simulation test may be deleted from this distribution cycle when testing shipping units that contain primary packages that
have a porous material.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This practice provides a guide for the evaluation of shipping units in accordance with a uniform system, using established
test methods at levels representative of those occurring in actual distribution. The recommended test levels are based on available
information on the shipping and handling environment, and current industry/government practice and experience (1-13). The tests
should be performed sequentially on the same containers in the order given. For use as a performance test, this practice requires
that the shipping unit tested remain unopened until the sequence of tests are completed. If used for other purposes, such as package
development, it may be useful to open and inspect shipping units at various times throughout the sequence. This may, however,
prohibit evaluating the influence of the container closure on container performance.
4.2 For Distribution Cycle 18, as referred to in MIL-STD-2073–1, the use of this practice is defined in subsequent sections
identified as DC-18.
5. Test Specimen
5.1 Test specimens consist of representative samples of complete shipping units, including actual contents. Products with
blemishes or minor defects may be used if the defective component is not to be studied by the test and if the defect is documented
in the report. Dummy test loads are acceptable if testing the actual product might be hazardous. If a dummy load is used, it should
be instrumented to determine if the fragility level of the actual product has been exceeded. Take care to duplicate the load
characteristics of the actual product, and avoid unnecessary prehandling.
5.2 Care must be taken to ensure that no degradation has occurred to either the product or the package if the test packages have
been shipped to the test site. If any doubt exists as to the condition of the package, repack the product in new packaging material
before testing.
5.3 The number of test replications depends on the desired objectives of the testing and the availability of duplicate products
and shipping containers. Replicate testing is recommended to improve the reliability of the test results.
6. Conditioning
6.1 If the distribution cycle contains climatic conditions that have an effect on the performance characteristics of the product,
shipping container, or components such as cushioning, use one of the following procedures. (It should be noted that different
atmospheric conditions are likely to exist between the origin and destination points of a distribution cycle, particularly for
export/import cycles.)
6.1.1 Conduct the test at standard conditions and compensate for the effects of any climatic condition. Condition the shipping
units to a standard atmosphere of 73.4 6 2°F (23 6 1°C) and 50 6 2 % relative humidity. Condition fiberboard containers in
accordance with Practice D4332. The same atmospheric condition s
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