ASTM D6198-18

Standard Guide for Transport Packaging Design

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This guide assists users in design and development of packaging intended for the protection of goods while they are in transit from point of origin to final destination. By following all steps of this guide, users will be assured that the most important factors are included in package design. In some cases, the sequence of steps may be changed, and often the steps may occur simultaneously with concurrent work activities.  
4.2 The design process focuses on protection from hazards of handling, storage, and shipping while recognizing the economics of all other facets of distribution, including packaging materials and labor, and transportation.  
4.3 In transport packaging, distribution  is generally defined as inclusion of handling, storage, and transportation factors.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers an approach to design of packaging for distributing goods through the hazards of handling, storage, and transportation.  
1.2 The principal content of this guide is the identification of the key steps involved in development of transport packages, including shipping containers, interior protective packaging, and unit loads. It is recognized that actual usage and application to individual design projects may vary appreciably without diminishing the value of the process. Consult with a packaging professional whenever needed.  
1.3 This guide is not intended for design of primary packaging unless the primary package is planned for use as a shipping container.  
1.4 The user of this guide must be aware of the carrier rules regarding packaging for shipment via each mode of transportation in which the transport package may move, such as the National Motor Freight Classification (less-than truckload) and the Uniform Freight Classification (railroad). For hazardous materials packaging, the packaging must perform to the requirements of the applicable modal regulations listed in Section 2.  
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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.6 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: 28-Feb-2018
• ICS: 55.180.10 - General purpose containers
• Technical Committee: D10 - Packaging
• Drafting Committee: D10.21 - Shipping Containers and Systems - Application of Performance Test Methods

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D6198-12 - Standard Guide for Transport Packaging Design
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018
• Refers: ASTM D6804-24 - Standard Guide for Hand Hole Design in Corrugated Boxes
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Refers: ASTM D999-08(2023) - Standard Test Methods for Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers
• 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 D4169-23 - Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM D5276-19(2023) - Standard Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by Free Fall
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM D3332-99(2023) - Standard Test Methods for Mechanical-Shock Fragility of Products, Using Shock Machines
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM D6804-19 - Standard Guide for Hand Hole Design in Corrugated Boxes
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• 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 D6055-96(2019) - Standard Test Methods for Mechanical Handling of Unitized Loads and Large Shipping Cases and Crates
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2019
• Refers: ASTM D7660-10(2018) - Standard Guide for Conducting Internal Pressure Tests on United Nations (UN) Packagings
• Effective Date: 01-May-2018
• Refers: ASTM D5276-98(2017) - Standard Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by Free Fall
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2017
• Refers: ASTM D6344-04(2017) - Standard Test Method for Concentrated Impacts to Transport Packages
• Effective Date: 01-May-2017
• Refers: ASTM D7386-16 - Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Packages for Single Parcel Delivery Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2016
• Refers: ASTM D3332-99(2016) - Standard Test Methods for Mechanical-Shock Fragility of Products, Using Shock Machines
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2016

Overview

ASTM D6198-18, Standard Guide for Transport Packaging Design, provides a comprehensive approach for the design and development of packaging intended to protect goods during transit. Published by ASTM International, this guide assists users in creating effective transport packaging solutions that address the hazards associated with handling, storage, and shipping. By following the recommended steps, packaging professionals and organizations can ensure their package designs are robust, cost-effective, and compliant with regulatory and environmental requirements.

Key Topics

ASTM D6198-18 addresses several critical areas in the transport packaging design process:

• Protection from Hazards: Focuses on protecting contents from mechanical hazards such as shock, vibration, compression, rough handling, moisture, temperature extremes, and environmental factors during distribution.
• Systematic Design Approach: Covers the sequence of key steps for transport packaging development, including identification of packaged contents' characteristics, analysis of marketing and distribution requirements, selection of packaging materials, and performance testing.
• Regulatory Compliance: Highlights the importance of adhering to carrier rules and regulations for various transportation modes, including National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC), Uniform Freight Classification (railroad), and modal regulations for hazardous materials.
• Performance Testing: Encourages the use of laboratory and performance tests, such as impact, vibration, and compression tests (referencing relevant ASTM test methods), to validate and optimize transport package designs.
• Documentation and Monitoring: Stresses the need for thorough documentation of requirements, design records, test results, and ongoing monitoring of packaging performance during actual distribution.

Applications

Implementing ASTM D6198-18 delivers practical benefits for a wide range of industries involved in packaging for transportation, including manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain management. Key applications include:

• Transport Packaging Development: Guide for designing shipping containers, interior protective packaging, and unit loads for safe and efficient distribution of goods.
• Consistent Performance: Ensures that packages safeguard products through all stages of handling, storage, and shipping, minimizing damage and loss.
• Economic Optimization: Balances effective protection with cost efficiency by considering material selection, labor, transportation costs, and the environmental impact.
• Regulatory Readiness: Prepares packages to meet stringent carrier and regulatory requirements across different modes of transport and geographical regions.
• Quality Assurance: Promotes performance testing and benchmarking to verify package integrity and compare with industry standards and competitor designs.

Industries that benefit include:

• Manufacturing and industrial goods
• E-commerce and retail distribution
• Automotive and aerospace parts shipping
• Chemical and hazardous materials packaging

Related Standards

ASTM D6198-18 references and is supported by several additional standards and regulatory documents to provide a cohesive framework for transport package design and testing, including:

• ASTM D642 - Compressive Resistance of Shipping Containers
• ASTM D880 - Impact Testing for Shipping Containers
• ASTM D999, D3332, D3580, D4728, D5276, D5487 - Vibration, Shock, and Drop Testing Methods
• ASTM D4169 - Performance Testing of Shipping Containers
• ASTM D4919 - Testing Hazardous Materials Packagings
• ISO 4180 - General Rules for Performance Test Schedules of Transport Packages
• National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC)
• Uniform Freight Classification (railroad)
• IMDG Code, IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, ICAO Technical Instructions
• ISTM and Fibre Box Association Guidelines

By referencing and incorporating these related standards, ASTM D6198-18 provides a robust, industry-recognized foundation for developing, validating, and implementing effective transport packaging solutions suited for challenges in today's complex logistics environment.

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: D6198 − 18
Standard Guide for
Transport Packaging Design
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6198; 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 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This guide covers an approach to design of packaging
D642 Test Method for Determining Compressive Resistance
for distributing goods through the hazards of handling, storage,
of Shipping Containers, Components, and Unit Loads
and transportation.
D880 Test Method for Impact Testing for Shipping Contain-
1.2 The principal content of this guide is the identification
ers and Systems
of the key steps involved in development of transport
D996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environ-
packages, including shipping containers, interior protective ments
packaging,andunitloads.Itisrecognizedthatactualusageand D999 Test Methods for Vibration Testing of Shipping Con-
tainers
application to individual design projects may vary appreciably
D1974/D1974M Practice for Methods of Closing, Sealing,
without diminishing the value of the process. Consult with a
and Reinforcing Fiberboard Boxes
packaging professional whenever needed.
D3332 Test Methods for Mechanical-Shock Fragility of
1.3 This guide is not intended for design of primary pack-
Products, Using Shock Machines
aging unless the primary package is planned for use as a
D3580 Test Methods for Vibration (Vertical Linear Motion)
shipping container.
Test of Products
D4003 Test Methods for Programmable Horizontal Impact
1.4 The user of this guide must be aware of the carrier rules
Test for Shipping Containers and Systems
regarding packaging for shipment via each mode of transpor-
D4169 Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Con-
tation in which the transport package may move, such as the
tainers and Systems
National Motor Freight Classification (less-than truckload) and
D4728 Test Method for Random Vibration Testing of Ship-
the Uniform Freight Classification (railroad). For hazardous
ping Containers
materials packaging, the packaging must perform to the re-
D4919 Guide for Testing of Hazardous Materials (Danger-
quirements of the applicable modal regulations listed in Sec-
ous Goods) Packagings
tion 2.
D5276 Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by
Free Fall
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
D5487 Test Method for Simulated Drop of Loaded Contain-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
ers by Shock Machines
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
D5639/D5639M Practice for Selection of Corrugated Fiber-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
board Materials and Box Construction Based on Perfor-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
mance Requirements
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
D6055 Test Methods for Mechanical Handling of Unitized
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
Loads and Large Shipping Cases and Crates
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
D6179 Test Methods for Rough Handling of Unitized Loads
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
and Large Shipping Cases and Crates
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
D6344 Test Method for Concentrated Impacts to Transport
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Packages
D6537 Practice for Instrumented Package ShockTesting For
Determination of Package Performance
ThisguideisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD10onPackagingand
is 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 March 1, 2018. Published April 2018. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D6198 – 12. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D6198-18. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6198 − 18
D6653/D6653M Test Methods for Determining the Effects 3.2.2 transport packaging—packaging for containment and
of High Altitude on Packaging Systems by Vacuum protection of goods during handling, storage, and transporta-
Method tion in the physical distribution process.The scope of transport
D6804 Guide for Hand Hole Design in Corrugated Boxes packaging includes all of industrial packaging as well as the
D7030 Test Method for Short Term Creep Performance of shippingcontainers,interiorprotectivepackagingandunitizing
Corrugated Fiberboard Containers Under Constant Load required for consumer packages.
Using a Compression Test Machine
4. Significance and Use
D7386 Practice for Performance Testing of Packages for
4.1 This guide assists users in design and development of
Single Parcel Delivery Systems
packaging intended for the protection of goods while they are
D7387 Test Method for Vibration Testing of Intermediate
in transit from point of origin to final destination. By following
Bulk Containers (IBCs) Used for Shipping Liquid Haz-
all steps of this guide, users will be assured that the most
ardous Materials (Dangerous Goods)
important factors are included in package design. In some
D7660 Guide for Conducting Internal Pressure Tests on
cases, the sequence of steps may be changed, and often the
United Nations (UN) Packagings
steps may occur simultaneously with concurrent work activi-
2.2 ISO Standard:
ties.
ISO 4180 Complete Filled Transport Packages—General
RulesfortheCompilationofPerformanceTestSchedules
4.2 The design process focuses on protection from hazards
2.3 Military Document:
of handling, storage, and shipping while recognizing the
MIL-HDBK-304 Package Cushioning Design
economics of all other facets of distribution, including pack-
2.4 Other Documents:
aging materials and labor, and transportation.
National Motor Freight Classification
4.3 In transport packaging, distribution is generally defined
Uniform Freight Classification, Rail Publication Service
as inclusion of handling, storage, and transportation factors.
International CivilAviation Organization Technical Instruc-
tions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air
5. Procedure
IMDG Code, International Maritime Dangerous Goods
5.1 Introduction:
Code
5.1.1 Although no single procedure can be expected to meet
IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations
all requirements for all design options, there are general areas
United States Code of Federal Regulations Title 49, Trans-
of information that are necessary for the design process to be
portation (CFR-49)
most useful. The more information in each of these areas that
International Safe Transit Association Procedures
can be obtained accurately, the greater the probability of
Fibre Box Handbook
optimizing the final design for cost performance utility,
Package Cushioning Design
timeliness, and environmental considerations. Other interested
parties,suchascustomersorendusers,shouldbecontactedfor
3. Terminology
any specific package design criteria.
3.1 Definitions— General definitions for packaging and
5.1.2 The following sequence, listed in 5.2 – 5.12, may not
distribution environments are found in Terminology D996.
always be applicable to every design process and may be
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: changed to fit particular circumstances, products, markets,
3.2.1 interior protective packaging—packaging materials or distribution methods, etc. Environmental hazards presented by
forms used within shipping containers to protect contents from the distribution environment (see 5.4) may be known long
damage in distribution by cushioning, bracing, spacing from before a new product (see 5.2) is fully designed or ready for
containerwalls,preventingabrasion,fillingvoids,andsoforth. distribution (see 5.3). Such knowledge can in fact contribute to
the design of the product to ultimately reduce the amount of
packaging that will eventually be required. The user of this
Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
guide is encouraged to examine each particular situation and
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
AvailablefromStandardizationOrderDesk,700RobbinsAvenue,Building4D, decidethebestorderinwhichtoproceed,withoutomittingany
Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094; http://quicksearch.dla.mil/.
of the basic steps that follow.
Available from National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA), 1001
North Fairfax St., Suite 600, Alexandria, VA 22314, http://www.nmfta.org. 5.2 Identify Physical Characteristics of the Package
Available from Railinc, 7001 Weston Pkwy, Suite 200, Cary, NC 27513.
Contents—It is important to know more about the package
Available from International CivilAviation Organization (ICAO), 999 Univer-
contents (goods) than simply its dimensions and weight. The
sity St., Montreal, Quebec, H3C 5H7, Canada.
8 package designer must be aware of physical and chemical
Available from International Marine Organization, 4 Albert Embankment,
London, Ontario 5E1 7SR Canada.
characteristics and hazardous properties so proper packaging
Available from International Air Transport Association (IATA), Customer
can be developed. These include: susceptibility to abrasion,
Service Rep., 800 Place Victoria, P.O. Box 113, Montreal, Quebec H4Z 1M1.
10 corrosion, temperature, static electricity, or magnetic fields; the
Available from U.S. Government Printing Office Superintendent of
ability to hold a load in compression, the contents’ ability to
Documents, 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Mail Stop: SDE, Washington, DC 20401,
http://www.access.gpo.gov.
withstandtheeffectsofshockandvibrationduringdistribution,
Available from International Safe Transit Association (ISTA), 1400 Abbott
and intended shelf life. See Test Methods D3332 and D3580
Road, Suite 160, East Lansing, MI 48823-1900, http://www.ista.org.
for methods of determining shock and vibration fragility of
Available from the Fibre Box Association, 500 Park Boulevard, Suite 985,
Itasca, IL, 60143; http:/www.fibrebox.org. products.
D6198 − 18
5.3 Determine Marketing and Distribution Requirements: recycling systems or markets will have significant impact on
5.3.1 Package design must include consideration of market- this issue. One commonly used approach to dealing with
ing and distribution requisites in addition to product character- environmentalimpactforbroadlydistributedgoodshasbeento
istics. These requirements, in many cases, take the form of use a design approach prioritizing the common concerns of
marketing graphics, product identification, and compliance Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Energy Recovery, and Safe Disposal.
labeling. For packages developed for products having focused markets
5.3.1.1 Compliance labeling can also take many forms. in specific locations, it may be more beneficial to emphasize a
Some items to consider are identification of country of origin, single element of the preceding concerns (that is, returnable
hazardous materials transportation regulations, Truth in Pack- packaging for products sold only locally, and so forth). The
aging requirements, and bar coding. Besides the actual printed design approach could also be altered to either increase
graphics, one may want to consider proper substrate for environmental efficiency or comply with appropriate
printing and any required coatings. regulations, legislation, or organization policies.
5.3.1.2 Distributionrequirementscanlikewisetakeonmany
5.5.2.3 One means of evaluating the overall effectiveness of
forms of consideration including: the number of units that will
apa
...

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: D6198 − 12 D6198 − 18
Standard Guide for
Transport Packaging Design
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6198; 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
1.1 This guide covers an approach to design of packaging for distributing goods through the hazards of handling, storage, and
transportation.
1.2 The principal content of this guide is the identification of the key steps involved in development of transport packages,
including shipping containers, interior protective packaging, and unit loads. It is recognized that actual usage and application to
individual design projects may vary appreciably without diminishing the value of the process. Consult with a packaging
professional whenever needed.
1.3 This guide is not intended for design of primary packaging unless the primary package is planned for use as a shipping
container.
1.4 The user of this guide must be aware of the carrier rules regarding packaging for shipment via each mode of transportation
in which the transport package may move, such as the National Motor Freight Classification (less-than truckload) and the Uniform
Freight Classification (railroad). For hazardous materials packaging, the packaging must perform to the requirements of the
applicable modal regulations listed in Section 2.
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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.6 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.
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
D996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
D999 Test Methods for Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers
D1974D1974/D1974M Practice for Methods of Closing, Sealing, and Reinforcing Fiberboard Boxes
D3332 Test Methods for Mechanical-Shock Fragility of Products, Using Shock Machines
D3580 Test Methods for Vibration (Vertical Linear Motion) Test of Products
D4003 Test Methods for Programmable Horizontal Impact Test for Shipping Containers and Systems
D4169 Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems
D4728 Test Method for Random Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers
D4919 Guide for Testing of Hazardous Materials (Dangerous Goods) Packagings
D5276 Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by Free Fall
D5487 Test Method for Simulated Drop of Loaded Containers by Shock Machines
D5639/D5639M Practice for Selection of Corrugated Fiberboard Materials and Box Construction Based on Performance
Requirements
This guide 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 Oct. 1, 2012March 1, 2018. Published November 2012April 2018. Originally approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 20072012
as D6198 – 07.D6198 – 12. DOI: 10.1520/D6198-12.10.1520/D6198-18.
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.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6198 − 18
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
D6537 Practice for Instrumented Package Shock Testing For Determination of Package Performance
D6653D6653/D6653M Test Methods for Determining the Effects of High Altitude on Packaging Systems by Vacuum Method
D6804 Guide for Hand Hole Design in Corrugated Boxes
D7030 Test Method for Short Term Creep Performance of Corrugated Fiberboard Containers Under Constant Load Using a
Compression Test Machine
D7386 Practice for Performance Testing of Packages for Single Parcel Delivery Systems
D7387 Test Method for Vibration Testing of Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) Used for Shipping Liquid Hazardous
Materials (Dangerous Goods)
D7660 Guide for Conducting Internal Pressure Tests on United Nations (UN) Packagings
2.2 ISO Standard:
ISO 4180 Complete Filled Transport Packages—General Rules for the Compilation of Performance Test Schedules
2.3 Military Document:
MIL-HDBK-304 Package Cushioning Design
2.4 Other Documents:
National Motor Freight Classification
Uniform Freight Classification, Rail Publication Service
International Civil Aviation Organization Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air
IMDG Code, International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code
IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations
United States Code of Federal Regulations Title 49, Transportation (CFR-49)
International Safe Transit Association Procedures
Fibre Box Handbook
Package Cushioning Design
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions— General definitions for packaging and distribution environments are found in Terminology D996.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 interior protective packaging—packaging materials or forms used within shipping containers to protect contents from
damage in distribution by cushioning, bracing, spacing from container walls, preventing abrasion, filling voids, and so forth.
3.2.2 transport packaging—packaging for containment and protection of goods during handling, storage, and transportation in
the physical distribution process. The scope of transport packaging includes all of industrial packaging as well as the shipping
containers, interior protective packaging and unitizing required for consumer packages.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This guide assists users in design and development of packaging intended for the protection of goods while they are in transit
from point of origin to final destination. By following all steps of this guide, users will be assured that the most important factors
are included in package design. In some cases, the sequence of steps may be changed, and often the steps may occur simultaneously
with concurrent work activities.
4.2 The design process focuses on protection from hazards of handling, storage, and shipping while recognizing the economics
of all other facets of distribution, including packaging materials and labor, and transportation.
4.3 In transport packaging, distribution is generally defined as inclusion of handling, storage, and transportation factors.
5. Procedure
5.1 Introduction:
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Available from Standardization Order Desk, 700 Robbins Avenue, Building 4D, Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094; http://quicksearch.dla.mil/.
Available from National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA), 1001 North Fairfax St., Suite 600, Alexandria, VA 22314, http://www.nmfta.org.
Available from Railinc, 7001 Weston Pkwy, Suite 200, Cary, NC 27513.
Available from International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), 999 University St., Montreal, Quebec, H3C 5H7, Canada.
Available from International Marine Organization, 4 Albert Embankment, London, Ontario 5E1 7SR Canada.
Available from International Air Transport Association (IATA), Customer Service Rep., 800 Place Victoria, P.O. Box 113, Montreal, Quebec H4Z 1M1.
Available from U.S. Government Printing Office Superintendent of Documents, 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Mail Stop: SDE, Washington, DC 20401, http://
www.access.gpo.gov.
Available from International Safe Transit Association (ISTA), 1400 Abbott Road, Suite 160, East Lansing, MI 48823-1900. 48823-1900, http://www.ista.org.
Available from the Fibre Box Association, 500 Park Boulevard, Suite 985, Itasca, IL, 60143; http:/www.fibrebox.org.
D6198 − 18
5.1.1 Although no single procedure can be expected to meet all requirements for all design options, there are general areas of
information that are necessary for the design process to be most useful. The more information in each of these areas that can be
obtained accurately, the greater the probability of optimizing the final design for cost performance utility, timeliness, and
environmental considerations. Other interested parties, such as customers or end users, should be contacted for any specific
package design criteria.
5.1.2 The following sequence, listed in 5.2 – 5.12, may not always be applicable to every design process and may be changed
to fit particular circumstances, products, markets, distribution methods, etc. Environmental hazards presented by the distribution
environment (see 5.4) may be known long before a new product (see 5.2) is fully designed or ready for distribution (see 5.3). Such
knowledge can in fact contribute to the design of the product to ultimately reduce the amount of packaging that will eventually
be required. The user of this guide is encouraged to examine each particular situation and decide the best order in which to proceed,
without omitting any of the basic steps that follow.
5.2 Identify Physical Characteristics of the Package Contents—It is important to know more about the package contents (goods)
than simply its dimensions and weight. The package designer must be aware of physical and chemical characteristics and
hazardous properties so proper packaging can be developed. These include: susceptibility to abrasion, corrosion, temperature, static
electricity, or magnetic fields; the ability to hold a load in compression, the contents’ ability to withstand the effects of shock and
vibration during distribution, and intended shelf life. See Test Methods D3332 and D3580 for methods of determining shock and
vibration fragility of products.
5.3 Determine Marketing and Distribution Requirements:
5.3.1 Package design must include consideration of marketing and distribution requisites in addition to product characteristics.
These requirements, in many cases, take the form of marketing graphics, product identification, and compliance labeling.
5.3.1.1 Compliance labeling can also take many forms. Some items to consider are identification of country of origin, hazardous
materials transportation regulations, Truth in Packaging requirements, and bar coding. Besides the actual printed graphics, one may
want to consider proper substrate for printing and any required coatings.
5.3.1.2 Distribution requirements can likewise take on many forms of consideration including: the number of units that will ship
in a container; the composition and attributes of the primary package; the identity of customers and their handling and storage
requirements; the package disposal criteria; total volume expected per shift/day/year; expected life cycle; the planned modes of
transport; domestic and international rules or regulations for packaging via those transport modes; types of distribution channels;
maximizing loads in carrier vehicles; freight classification; handling and storage requirements; production equipment; environ-
mental issues; etc.
5.3.1.3 This listing is not all inclusive and other considerations than these also may be important to the total package design.
5.4 Identify Environme
...