ASTM B900-16(2022)

Standard Practice for Packaging of Copper and Copper Alloy Mill Products for U.S. Government Agencies

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This practice is applicable to packaging of copper alloy mill products for shipment to agencies of the U.S. government.  
4.2 It establishes packaging of rod, bar, shapes, plate, sheet, strip, foil, wire, flat wire, rolled bar, forgings, pipe, and tube products.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice establishes requirements for packaging, packing, and marking intended to ensure proper and safe storage and transportation of copper and copper alloy mill products, both foreign and domestic, for direct shipment to government activities or shipment processed at a military activity or agency. This practice details the materials, methods, containers, and procedures for the preparation for shipment of copper and copper alloy mill products. Mill products wherein copper is the basic metal are within the scope of this practice. Commercial packaging establishes the minimum requirements that apply unless Level A or B packing is specified (see 6.1).  
1.2 Units—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.  
1.3 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 to 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: 30-Sep-2022
• ICS: 77.120.30 - Copper and copper alloys
• Technical Committee: B05 - Copper and Copper Alloys
• Drafting Committee: B05.91 - Editorial and Publications

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D143-23 - Standard Test Methods for Small Clear Specimens of Timber
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D3951-18(2023) - Standard Practice for Commercial Packaging
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM D6251/D6251M-23 - Standard Specification for Wood-Cleated Panelboard Shipping Boxes
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM D6251/D6251M-19 - Standard Specification for Wood-Cleated Panelboard Shipping Boxes
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2019
• Refers: ASTM B846-19a - Standard Terminology for Copper and Copper Alloys
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2019
• Refers: ASTM B846-19 - Standard Terminology for Copper and Copper Alloys
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2019
• Refers: ASTM F1667-18 - Standard Specification for Driven Fasteners: Nails, Spikes, and Staples
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2018
• Refers: ASTM D4444-13(2018) - Standard Test Method for Laboratory Standardization and Calibration of Hand-Held Moisture Meters
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2018
• Refers: ASTM D3951-18 - Standard Practice for Commercial Packaging
• Effective Date: 01-May-2018
• Refers: ASTM F1667-17 - Standard Specification for Driven Fasteners: Nails, Spikes, and Staples
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2017
• Refers: ASTM D828-16 - Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Paper and Paperboard Using Constant-Rate-of-Elongation Apparatus
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2016
• Refers: ASTM D3951-15 - Standard Practice for Commercial Packaging
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2015
• Refers: ASTM F1667-15 - Standard Specification for Driven Fasteners: Nails, Spikes, and Staples
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM F1667-13 - Standard Specification for Driven Fasteners: Nails, Spikes, and Staples
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2013
• Refers: ASTM D4444-13 - Standard Test Method for Laboratory Standardization and Calibration of Hand-Held Moisture Meters
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2013

Overview

ASTM B900-16(2022), titled Standard Practice for Packaging of Copper and Copper Alloy Mill Products for U.S. Government Agencies, is an internationally recognized standard developed by ASTM. This standard provides comprehensive requirements for packaging, packing, and marking essential for the safe and effective storage, handling, and transportation of copper and copper alloy mill products shipped to U.S. government agencies. It covers both domestic and foreign products and sets minimum requirements for materials, methods, containers, and procedures used in preparing copper mill products for shipment. The practice applies to a wide variety of product forms, including rod, bar, shapes, plate, sheet, strip, foil, wire, flat wire, rolled bar, forgings, pipe, and tube.

Key Topics

• Scope of Application
  The standard details packaging requirements for copper and copper alloy mill products intended for U.S. government activities. It is applicable whether products are shipped directly or processed through military activities.

• Product Forms Covered
  Includes a wide range of copper-based mill products: rods, bars, shapes, sheets, strips, foils, wires (including flat wire), rolled bars, forgings, pipes, and tubes.

• Levels of Packaging

  • Commercial packaging: Minimum acceptable protection using standard industry practices, except when Levels A or B are specified.
  • Level A: Provides the highest degree of protection suitable for severe worldwide shipping, handling, and storage conditions.
  • Level B: Offers moderate protection for less severe, but still significant, shipping and storage environments.

• Packaging Materials & Methods
  Specifies the acceptable quality, types, and construction methods for packaging materials, including wood, fiberboard, waterproof papers, tapes, strapping, reels, spools, and pallets.

• Container Types
  Lists standard shipping container categories, such as nailed wood boxes, wirebound boxes, fiber and metal drums, pallet boxes, skidded lifts, hand bundles, reels, special containers, and fiberboard boxes.

• Identification & Marking
  Outlines marking requirements to ensure traceability and compliance with relevant government and military standards.

• Safety & Compliance
  Users are responsible for ensuring safety, health, and environmental practices, as well as adherence to regulatory limitations related to packaging and shipping.

Applications

ASTM B900-16(2022) is widely used in several contexts:

• Procurement and Contract Fulfillment
  Ensures that suppliers and contractors packaging copper and copper alloy mill products for U.S. government contracts meet uniform standards, minimizing damage, loss, or contamination during transit and storage.

• Logistics and Warehousing
  Supports logistics providers and warehouse managers in maintaining the integrity and traceability of copper products through standardized packing and marking.

• Military and Government Supply Chains
  Facilitates the shipment of critical materials to defense installations and government activities by specifying packaging robust enough to withstand a range of transportation scenarios.

• International and Domestic Shipments
  Provides assurance that products shipped both domestically and internationally will arrive secure and undamaged, aligning with the World Trade Organization’s standardization principles.

• Quality Assurance Programs
  Used as a reference for developing or auditing packaging quality systems within copper product manufacturing and distribution businesses.

Related Standards

When implementing or interpreting ASTM B900-16(2022), the following standards are often referenced for packaging, materials, and testing:

• ASTM D3951 - Practice for Commercial Packaging
• ASTM D5118/D5118M - Practice for Fabrication of Fiberboard Shipping Boxes
• ASTM D1974/D1974M - Practice for Closing, Sealing, and Reinforcing Fiberboard Boxes
• ASTM D6251/D6251M - Practice for Fabrication and Closure of Triple-Wall Corrugated Fiberboard Containers
• ASTM F1667 - Specification for Driven Fasteners: Nails, Spikes, and Staples
• MIL-STD-129 - Military Marking for Shipment and Storage
• MIL-STD-147 - Palletized Unit Loads
• ANSI/ASQC Z1.4 - Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection by Attributes

These related standards help ensure comprehensive compliance for packaging, shipping, and quality control of copper and copper alloy mill products.

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Keywords: ASTM B900, copper packaging standard, copper alloy mill products, government copper procurement, industrial packaging, military packaging, copper shipment, copper material handling, safe storage copper products.

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: B900 − 16 (Reapproved 2022)
Standard Practice for
Packaging of Copper and Copper Alloy Mill Products for
U.S. Government Agencies
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B900; 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* D143 Test Methods for Small Clear Specimens of Timber
D779 Test Method for Determining the Water Vapor Resis-
1.1 This practice establishes requirements for packaging,
tance of Sheet Materials in Contact with Liquid Water by
packing, and marking intended to ensure proper and safe
the Dry Indicator Method
storage and transportation of copper and copper alloy mill
D828 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Paper and
products, both foreign and domestic, for direct shipment to
PaperboardUsingConstant-Rate-of-ElongationApparatus
government activities or shipment processed at a military
D1974/D1974M Practice for Methods of Closing, Sealing,
activity or agency.This practice details the materials, methods,
and Reinforcing Fiberboard Boxes
containers, and procedures for the preparation for shipment of
D3951 Practice for Commercial Packaging
copper and copper alloy mill products. Mill products wherein
D4444 Test Method for Laboratory Standardization and
copper is the basic metal are within the scope of this practice.
Calibration of Hand-Held Moisture Meters
Commercial packaging establishes the minimum requirements
D5118/D5118M PracticeforFabricationofFiberboardShip-
that apply unless Level A or B packing is specified (see 6.1).
ping Boxes
1.2 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be
D5168 Practice for Fabrication and Closure of Triple-Wall
regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are
Corrugated Fiberboard Containers
mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for
D5330/D5330M Specification for Pressure-Sensitive Tape
information only and are not considered standard.
for Packaging, Filament-Reinforced
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the D6251/D6251M Specification forWood-Cleated Panelboard
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Shipping Boxes
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- D6254/D6254M Specification for Wirebound Pallet-Type
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and to
Wood Boxes
determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to
F1667 Specification for Driven Fasteners: Nails, Spikes, and
use. Staples
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
2.2 ANSI Standard:
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ANSI/ASQC Z1.4 Sampling Procedures and Tables for In-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
spection by Attributes
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
2.3 Federal Specifications:
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
A-A-55057 Panels, Wood/Wood Based: Construction and
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Decorative
PPP-B-585 Boxes, Wood, Wirebound
2. Referenced Documents
PPP-B-621 Boxes, Wood, Nailed and Lock-Corner
2.1 ASTM Standards:
PPP-B-1055 Barrier Material, Waterproof, Flexible
B846 Terminology for Copper and Copper Alloys
PPP-D-705 Drum: Metal Shipping, Steel, (Over 12 and
Under 55 Gallon)
PPP-D-723 Drums, Fiber
This practice is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee B05 on Copper and
PPP-D-729 Drums: Metal, 55-Gallon (for Shipment of Non-
CopperAlloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B05.91 on Editorial
and Publications.
corrosive Material)
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2022. Published October 2022. Originally
approved in 1999. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as B900 – 16. DOI:
10.1520/B0900-16R22.
2 3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from DLA Document Services, Building 4/D, 700 Robbins Ave.,
the ASTM website. Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, http://quicksearch.dla.mil.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B900 − 16 (2022)
2.4 Military Standards: 3.2.12 sulfate paper, n—wood-pulp paper made by the
MIL-STD-129 Military Marking for Shipment and Storage sulfate process.
MIL-STD-147 Palletized Unit Loads
4. Significance and Use
3. Terminology
4.1 This practice is applicable to packaging of copper alloy
3.1 For definitions of terms related to copper and copper mill products for shipment to agencies of the U.S. government.
alloys, refer to Terminology B846.
4.2 It establishes packaging of rod, bar, shapes, plate, sheet,
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
strip, foil, wire, flat wire, rolled bar, forgings, pipe, and tube
3.2.1 deckboard, n—piece or pieces of lumber fastened at
products.
right angles to the stringers or skids of a pallet to form a
5. Classification
load-bearing surface.
5.1 Shipping containers, for Levels A and B packing (see
3.2.2 gross weight, n—the bare-item weight and the weight
7.6 and 7.8), having common characteristics are as follows:
of all packaging and packing materials.
5.1.1 Category 1—Boxes, nailed wood, wire-bound wood,
3.2.3 interleaving, n—the protective material placed be-
wood-cleated plywood, and wood cleated, veneer, paper over-
tween two adjacent pieces of metal.
laid (see 7.6.1).
3.2.4 net weight, n—the bare-item weight.
5.1.2 Category 2—Fiberand metal drums (see 7.6.2).
5.1.3 Category 3—Pallets and pallet boxes (see 7.6.3).
3.2.5 nominal, adj—the rough–sawn, commercial size des-
ignation for lumber common to the industry. 5.1.4 Category 4—Skidded lifts (see 7.6.4).
5.1.5 Category 5—Hand bundles (see 7.6.5).
3.2.6 packing; Level A—the protection required to meet the
5.1.6 Category 6—Secured lifts (without skids) (master
most severe worldwide shipment, handling, and storage con-
bundles) (see 7.6.6).
ditions.
5.1.7 Category 7—Reels and spools (see 7.6.7).
3.2.6.1 Discussion—A Level A package must be capable of
5.1.8 Category 8—Fiberboard boxes (see 7.6.8).
protecting material from effects of direct exposure to extremes
5.1.9 Category 9—Special containers (see 7.6.9).
of climate, terrain, and operational transportation environ-
ments.
6. Ordering Information
3.2.7 packing; Level B—the protection required to meet
6.1 Orders for products shall specify the following packag-
moderate worldwide shipment, handling, and storage condi-
ing information:
tions.
6.1.1 ASTM designation and year of issue.
3.2.7.1 Discussion—ALevel B package must be capable of
6.1.2 Fiberboard box, if other than Class 1 (see 7.6.8).
protectingmaterialnotdirectlyexposedtoextremesofclimate,
6.1.3 Level of packaging and level of packing if other than
terrain, and operational transportation environments.
commercial (see 7.4 and 7.6.9.1).
3.2.8 packaging; commercial—although not specifically de-
6.1.4 Maximum gross weight of container (see 7.6.1.6 –
fined by any government regulation or instruction, commercial
7.6.1.8, 7.6.3 and 7.6.4).
packaging (preservation and packing) is understood to be those
6.1.5 When palletized drums are required (see 7.8.2.7).
practices by manufacturers and contractors to protect and
6.1.6 When bare welding rod in wire form is required in
identify material and items packaged for retail and wholesale
fiber drums (see 7.8.2.7).
distribution purposes.
6.1.7 When cores fitted with slinger ring attachment are
3.2.8.1 Discussion—Practice D3951 provides guidance in
required for shafting (see 7.8.2.7).
the application of commercial packaging.
6.1.8 When coiled wire is required in lighter or heavier net
3.2.8.2 Discussion—It has been determined by joint DoD
weight (see 7.8.2.7).
instructions that commercial, also in some areas addressed as
6.1.9 When saddles are required (see 7.8.3.1).
industrial, packaging should only be used or specified when
6.1.10 Special marking required (see 7.9).
such packaging is known to satisfy the DoD needs. Such use
7. Detailed Requirements
should be determined before a contract for supplies is awarded
or within the life cycle of the contract when substantial savings
7.1 Options—Unless otherwise specified, packaging and
to the government may result. Commercial (industrial) pack-
packing requirements selection shall be at the option of the
aging should not be specified where multiple shipments and
contractor.
handlings are anticipated or desired.
7.2 Packaging and Packing Materials—Materials not cov-
3.2.9 skid, n—one of a pair or series of parallel wood
ered by applicable specifications or not specifically described
runners affixed to the underside of boxes, crates, or an item
herein shall be of the best commercial quality and suitable for
allowing entry of truck forks, or to facilitate sliding.
the purpose intended.
7.2.1 Packaging—The use of packaging materials shall be
3.2.10 sound woods, n—wood free of any form of decay,
in accordance with 7.8.
incipient or advanced, and from insert holes.
3.2.11 stringer, n—a wooden member fastened at right 7.3 Level A:
anglestotheload-bearingmembersofapalletorthedeckboard 7.3.1 Waterproof Barrier Materials—The material shall
of a platform. consist of 100 % sulfate paper suitably coated or laminated to
B900 − 16 (2022)
meet the following tensile-strength requirement when tested in 7.5.1.2 Plywood—Plywood for boxes shall be in accordance
accordance with Test Method D828 and the following water- withType I or II, Class 2 of SpecificationA-A-55057 for Level
resistance requirement when tested in accordance with Test A packing, and Type III, Class 1 of Specification A-A-55057
Method D779. If an asphalt laminate [base weight 30 lb for Label B packing.
(13.6 kg) minimum] is used, the paper shall have a minimum
7.6 Container Construction Packing and Securing Methods
base weight of 30 lb per 500 sheets 24 in. by 36 in. (609.6 mm
(Levels A and B):
by 914.4 mm) (30-30-30-minimum).
7.6.1 Category 1, Boxes:
Tensile strength per inch width (weaker direction) 15 lb (16.8 kg)
7.6.1.1 Nailed Wood Boxes (All Groups of Wood)—The
Water resistance (dry indicator method) 10 h
construction and style of nailed wood boxes shall be in
7.3.2 Alternatively, waterproof-barrier materials in accor-
accordance with Figs. 1-6 and Tables 1-4. Side, top, and
dance with Specification PPP-B-1055 may be used at the
bottom sections 9 ⁄2 in. (241.3 mm) or less in width shall be
contractor’s option.All wrapping material in contact with bare
made of one piece, whenever possible. Spliced boards, when-
metal surfaces shall be within the pH range from 5.0 to 10.0.
ever necessary, on nailed wood boxes are permissible. The
7.3.3 Interleaving Paper—Interleaving paper shall be anti-
boards shall be butted and the splicing board shall extend on
tarnishing, non-corrosive, uncreped paper of 10 lb (4.54 kg)
each side of the joint at least three times the width of the board
minimum base weight.
being spliced. The splicing board shall equal the width and
7.3.4 Unit Containers—Fiberboard boxes and closure meth-
thickness of the boards being spliced. Nails shall be clinched.
ods used for packaging wire on spools, wire and tube in coils,
7.6.1.2 Skid (Runners)—Except as specified herein, boxes
or similar products shall be in accordance with Practices
having a gross weight exceeding 600 lb (272 kg) shall be
D5118/D5118M and D1974/D1974M. Where specific con-
modified by the addition of nominal 2 in. by 4 in. (50.8 mm by
tainer designs are not described by the applicable specification,
101.6 mm) skids positioned flatwise across the width of the
the manufacturer’s commercial practice shall apply.
box and located approximately 4 in. (101.6 mm) from the ends
7.4 Commercial—Unless Level A or B packing is specified
of the box. In attaching skids, nailing shall be through the
(see 6.1), the following shall apply.
bottomboardsandintotheskids.Whenlongitudinal,aswellas
7.4.1 Packaging material(s) shall be sufficient to afford
girthwise, straps are required, the skids shall be notched to
adequate protection against physical damage during shipment
permit passage of the straps between the skids and the bottom
from the supply source to the first receiving activity for
of the box. Skids are not required for boxes shipped on pallets,
immediate use. This level may be in accordance with Practice
boxes in a skidded master shipping unit, or boxes 7 ft (2.13 m)
D3951 when such meets the requirements of this level.
or over in length.
7.6.1.3 Thickness of Lumber—The thickness of lumber for
7.5 Packing (Levels A and B):
nailed wood boxes shall be in accordance with Tables 1-3.
7.5.1 Wood—Requirements for wood for boxes, pallets,
7.6.1.4 Nails—The nails for nailed wood boxes shall be in
reels, and similar items with regard to species, quality, and
accordance with Table 4.The specific nail size will be found in
dimensions shall be in accordance with Specification PPP-B-
Specification F1667 Type I, Style 4A–Box Nails.
621 except as modified in 7.5.1.2 and Tables 1-3.
7.6.1.5 Strapping—Nailed wood boxes shall be strapped
7.5.1.1 Seasoning—The wood shall be seasoned to a mois-
turecontentnotmorethan18 %norlessthan12 %.Atthetime with flat steel strap or round wire having a breaking strength
equivalent to that of the flat steel strap. Strap placement shall
of inspection of containers, the moisture content of the wood
shall not be less than 8 %. Wood for pallets shall be seasoned be in accordance with Figs. 1-6, as applicable.
to a moisture content not more than 22 % for deck boards and 7.6.1.6 Wirebound Boxes—Wirebound boxes shall conform
26 % for stringers. to Specification PPP-B-585, Class 3 use for Level A packing
TABLE 1 Nailed Wood Boxes for Straight Lengths of Bar, Rod, Shafting, Shapes, Flat Wire, and Tubular Products
A A
Ends End Cleats Battens
Minimum Top Styles 1 Styles 2, 4, 7,
Minimum Sides Styles 2, 4, 7, and 8 Styles 1A, 7, and 8
B C
Weight of Content, Box Styles and Bottom and 1A and 8
Thickness,
lb (kg) (See Figs. 1-6) Thickness, Minimum 1 or Minimum 1-Ply Minimum Minimum Minimum Minimum
in. (mm)
in. (mm) 2-Ply Thickness, Thickness, Width, Thickness, Width, Thickness,
D
in. (mm) in. (mm) in. (mm) in. (mm) in. (mm) in. (mm)
5 1 1 5 1 5
Up to 280 (127) 1, 2, and 4 ⁄8 (15.8) ⁄2 (12.7) 1 ⁄16 (27.0) ⁄8 (15.8) 2 ⁄2 (63.5) ⁄8(15.8) . .
5 5 1 5 1 5
281 to 560 1, 2, and 4 ⁄8 (15.8) ⁄8 (15.8) 1 ⁄16 (27.0) ⁄8 (15.8) 2 ⁄2 (63.5) ⁄8(15.8) . .
(128 to 254)
3 5 1 1 3 5 3 3
561 to 1120 1to8 ⁄4 (19.1) ⁄8 (15.8) 1 ⁄2 (38.1) 1 ⁄16 (27.0) 2 ⁄4 (69.9) ⁄8 (15.8) 2 ⁄4 (69.9) ⁄4 (19.1)
(255 to 508)
1 3 1 1 3 1 3 3
1121 to 2240 1to8 1 ⁄16 (27.0) ⁄4 (19.1) ⁄2 (38.1) 1 ⁄16 (27.0) 2 ⁄4 (69.9) 1 ⁄16 (27) 2 ⁄4 (69.9) ⁄4 (19.1)
(509 to 1016)
A
Nails used for end cleats shall pass through the ends and be clinched to not less than ⁄8 in. (3.175 mm). Nailing and clinching of battens shall be in such a manner as
to prevent damage by protruding heads or points to the contents of the box.
B
Ends of boxes having a weight content exceeding 2000 lb (907 kg) or ends of boxes exceeding 12 in. (305 mm) in depth shall be two-ply laminates of equal thickness
with the grain reversed.
C
Styles 2, 4, 7, and 8 boxes shall not be required if the depth of the box is 10 in. (254 mm) or less.
D
Combined thickness of two-ply end; grain of separate piles reversed.
B900 − 16 (2022)
TABLE 2 Nailed Wood Boxes for Flat Straight Lengths of Plate, Sheet, and a Strip
Ends End Cleats Battens
Minimum Top Styles 1 Styles 2, 4, 7,
C
Box Styles Minimum Sides Styles 2, 4, 7, and 8 Styles 1A, 7, and 8
A B
Weight of Content, and Bottom and 1A and 8
(See Figs. Thickness,
lb (kg) Thickness,
Minimum 1 or Minimum 1-Ply Minimum Minimum Minimum Minimum
1-6) in. (mm)
in. (mm)
2-Ply Thickness, Thickness, Width, Thickness, Width, Thickness,
D
in. (mm) in. (mm) in. (mm) in. (mm) in. (mm) in. (mm)
5 1 1
Up to 280 1, 2, and 4 ⁄8 (15.8) ⁄2 (12.7) 1 ⁄16(27.0) . . . . .
(127)
5 5 1 5 1 5
281 to 560 1, 2, and 4 ⁄8 (15.8) ⁄8 (15.8) 1 ⁄16 (27.0) ⁄8 (15.8) 2 ⁄2 (63.5) ⁄8(15.8) . .
(128 to 254)
1 5 1 1 3 3 3 3
561 to 1120 1to8 1 ⁄16 (27.0) ⁄8 (15.8) 1 ⁄2 (38.1) 1 ⁄16 (27.0) 2 ⁄4 (69.9) ⁄4 (19.1) 2 ⁄4 (69.9) ⁄4 (19.1)
(255 to 508)
1 5 1 1 3 1 3 1
1121 to 2240 1to8 1 ⁄16 (27.0) ⁄8 (15.8) 1 ⁄2 (38.1) 1 ⁄16 (27.0) 2 ⁄4 (69.9) 1 ⁄16 (27.0) 2 ⁄4 (69.9) 1 ⁄16 (27.0)
(509 to 1016)
1 1 1 3 1 3 1
2241 to 6000 1to8 1 ⁄2 (38.1) 1 ⁄16 (27.0) 2 (51) 1 ⁄16 (27.0) 2 ⁄4 (69.9) 1 ⁄16 (27.0) 2 ⁄4 (69.9) 1 ⁄16 (27.0)
(1017 to 2722)
Boxes for Products Over 4 ft (1.22 m) in Length
5 1 1 1 5
Up to 280 1or1A ⁄8 (15.8) ⁄2 (12.7) 1 ⁄16(27.0) . . . 2 ⁄2 (63.5) ⁄8 (15.8)
(127)
1 5 1 1 5
281 to 560 1or1A 1 ⁄16 (27.0) ⁄8 (15.8) 1 ⁄16(27.0) . . . 2 ⁄2 (63.5) ⁄8 (15.8)
(128 to 254)
1 5 1 3 3
561 to 1120 1or1A 1 ⁄16 (27.0) ⁄8 (15.8) 1 ⁄2(38.1) . . . 2 ⁄4 (69.9) ⁄4 (19.1)
(255 to 508)
1 3 1 1 3 1 3 1
1121 to 2240 1to8 1 ⁄2 (38.1) ⁄4 (19.1) 1 ⁄2 (38.1) 1 ⁄16 (27.0) 2 ⁄4 (69.9) 1 ⁄16 (27.0) 2 ⁄4 (69.9) 1 ⁄16 (27.0)
(509 to 1016)
1 1 1 3 1 3 1
2241 to 6000 1to8 1 ⁄2 (38.1) 1 ⁄16 (27.0) 2 (51) 1 ⁄16 (27.0) 2 ⁄4 (69.9) 1 ⁄16 (27.0) 2 ⁄4 (69.9) 1 ⁄16 (27.0)
(1017 to 2722)
A
Ends of boxes having a weight content exceeding 2000 lb (907 kg) or ends of boxes exceeding 12 in. (305 mm) in depth shall be two-ply laminates of equal thickness
with the grain reversed.
B
Styles 2, 4, 7, and 8 boxes shall not be required if the depth of the box is 10 in. (254 mm) or less.
C
Nails used for end cleats shall pass through the ends and be clinched to not less than ⁄8 in. (3.175 mm). Nailing and clinching of battens shall be in such a manner as
to prevent damage by protruding heads or points to the contents of the box.
D
Combined thickness of two-ply end; grain of separate piles reversed.
TABLE 3 Nailed Wood Boxes for Wire (Round or Flat) on Spools or in Coils, Tubes in Coils, Circles and Disks, Sheet and Strip in Rolls,
Forgings, or Similar Items
Ends End Cleats Battens
Minimum Top Styles 1 Styles 2, 4, 7,
C
Minimum Sides Styles 2, 4, 7, and 8 Styles 1A, 7, and 8
A B
Weight of Content, Box Styles and Bottom and 1A and 8
Thickness,
lb (kg) (See Figs. 1-6) Thickness,
Minimum 1 or Minimum 1-Ply Minimum Minimum Minimum Minimum
in. (mm)
in. (mm)
2-Ply Thickness, Thickness, Width, Thickness, Width, Thickness,
D
in. (mm) in. (mm) in. (mm) in. (mm) in. (mm) in. (mm)
5 1 1 5 1 5
Up to 280 (127) 1, 2, and 4 ⁄8 (15.8) ⁄2 (12.7) 1 ⁄16 (27.0) ⁄8 (15.8) 2 ⁄2 (63.5) ⁄8(15.8) . .
5 5 1 5 1 5
281 to 560 1, 2, and 4 ⁄8 (15.8) ⁄8 (15.8) 1 ⁄16 (27.0) ⁄8 (15.8) 2 ⁄2 (63.5) ⁄8(15.8) . .
(128 to 254)
3 5 1 3 3 3 3 3
561 to 1120 1to8 ⁄4 (19.1) ⁄8 (15.8) 1 ⁄16 (27.0) ⁄4 (19.1) 2 ⁄4 (69.9) ⁄4 (19.1) 2 ⁄4 (69.9) ⁄4 (19.1)
(255 to 508)
3 5 1 3 3 3 3 3
1121 to 2240 1to8 ⁄4 (19.1) ⁄8 (15.8) 1 ⁄16 (27.0) ⁄4 (19.1) 2 ⁄4 (69.9) ⁄4 (19.1) 2 ⁄4 (69.9) ⁄4 (19.1)
(509 to 1016)
1 1 1 3 1 3 3
2241 to 6000 2to8 1 ⁄2 (38.1) 1 ⁄16 (27.0) . . . 1 ⁄16 (27.0) 2 ⁄4 (69.9) 1 ⁄16 (27.0) 2 ⁄4 (69.9) ⁄4 (19.1)
(1017 to 2722)
A
Ends of boxes having a weight content exceeding 2000 lb (907 kg) or ends of boxes exceeding 12 in. (305 mm) in depth shall be two-ply laminates of equal thickness
with the grain reversed.
B
Styles 2, 4, 7, and 8 boxes shall not be required if the depth of the box is 10 in. (254 mm) or less.
C
Nails used for end cleats shall pass through the ends and be clinched to not less than ⁄8 in. (3.175 mm). Nailing and clinching of battens shall be in such a manner as
to prevent damage by protruding heads or points to the contents of the box.
D
Combined thickness of two-ply end; grain of separate piles reversed.
and Class 1 or 2 use for Level B packing. Unless otherwise 7.6.1.8 Wood, Cleated, Veneer, Paper-Overlaid Boxes—
specified (see 6.1), the gross weight of wirebound boxes shall Wood, cleated, veneer, paper-overlaid boxes shall conform to
not exceed the requirements of the box specification. Specification D6251/D6251M Class 2 for LevelApacking and
7.6.1.7 Wood, Cleated-Plywood Boxes—Wood cleated- Class 1 for Level B packing. Unless otherwise specified (see
plywood boxes shall be in accordance with Specification 6.1),thegrossweightshallnotexceedtheweightlimitationsof
D6251/D6251M, overseas type for Level A packing and the box specification.
domestic type for Level B packing. Unless otherwise specified 7.6.1.9 Closure and Strapping—Closure and strapping re-
(see 6.1), the gross weight shall not exceed, the weight quirements for wood cleated-plywood boxes and wood,
limitations of the box specification. cleated, veneer, paper-overlaid boxes shall be in accordance
B900 − 16 (2022)
FIG. 1 Style 1 Box
FIG. 2 Style 1A Box (Batten Reinforced Top and Bottom)
FIG. 3 Style 2 Box
FIG. 4 Style 4 Box
with the appendix to the applicable box specification (D6251/ 7.6.2.2 Metal Drums—Metal drums shall be in accordance
D6251M or PPP-B-585, as required). (See Table 5.)
with Specifications PPP-D-705 or PPP-D-729 at the option of
7.6.2 Category 2, Drums:
the contractor.
7.6.2.1 Fiber Drums—Fiber drums shall be in accordance
7.6.3 Category 3, Pallets and Pallet Boxes—Unless other-
with Specification PPP-D-723 Type II, Grade A for Level A
wise specified (see 8.1), the gross weight shall not exceed
packing and Type I, Grade A (class optional) for Level B
6000 lb (2722 kg).
packing.
B900 − 16 (2022)
FIG. 5 Style 7 Box (Batten Reinforced)
FIG. 6 Style 8 Box (Batten Reinforced)
A
TABLE 4 Nails
7.6.3.1 Pallets—Pallets for LevelAor B shipments shall be
For Nailing Top and Bottom to Sides and Ends
the expendable type and constructed as follows:
For Nailing Side to End Thickness of Top and
(1) Lumber—Allgroupsofwood(see7.5.1).Surfaceddeck
Inside Depth of Side Bottom, in. (mm)
1 5 3 1
or End, in. (mm) ⁄2 ⁄8 ⁄4 1 ⁄16
boards of fairly uniform width and spacing.
Thickness of Side, Minimum
(12.7) (15.8) (19.1) (27.0)
A
in. (mm) Nail Size (2) Thickness:
Minimum Nail Size
5 3
Deckboards—Groups I and II woods, 1 in. (25.4 mm)
⁄8 (15.8) 6d up to ⁄4 2d 3d 3d 4d
(19.1), incl
minimum. Groups III and IV woods ⁄4 in. (19.1 mm) mini-
1 3 1
1 ⁄16 (27.0) 12d over ⁄4 to 1 ⁄2 3d 3d 4d 5d
mum.
(19.2 to 38.1), incl
1 1 1 1
1 ⁄2 (38.1) 16d over 1 ⁄2 to 3 4d 4d 5d 7d
Stringers—All wood groups, 1 ⁄2 in. by 3 ⁄2 in. (38.1 mm by
(38.2 to 76.2), incl
88.9 mm).
Over 3 (76.3) 5d 6d 7d 10d
(3) Moisture Content:
A
See Specification F1667 Type I, Style 4B for nail size.
Deck boards, 22 % maximum.
Stringers, 26 % maximum.
(4) Design:
TABLE 5 Minimum Strap Sizes
Types—Single-face, wing-type, two-way entry (see Fig. 7).
Weight of Box Contents, lb (kg) Width by Thickness Size Strap, in. (mm)
1 Single-face, flush stringer, two-way entry (see Fig. 8).
Up to 280 (127) ⁄2 by 0.020 (12.7 by 0.51)
281 to 560 (128 to 254) ⁄8 by 0.020 (15.8 by 0.51)
Single-face, post-construction, four-way entry (see Fig. 9).
561 to 1120 (255 to 508) ⁄4 by 0.023 (19.1 by 0.58)
Stringers—Three stringers on pallet widths 30 in. (762 mm)
1121 to 2240 (509 to 1016) ⁄4 by 0.023 (19.1 by 0.58)
2241 to 6000 (1017 to 2722) ⁄4 by 0.035 (19.1 by 0.89) and over.
FIG. 7 Single Face Wing Type Design
B900 − 16 (2022)
FIG. 8 Single Face Design with Bottom Cleats
FIG. 9 Four-Way Entry Design
(Typical Pallet Construction)
7.6.3.2 Pallet Boxes—Wire-bound or nailed wood boxes 7.6.4.3 Protectors—Metal protectors, cushioning packs, or
with a pallet or skid-type base shall be used (see Figs. 10 and sheetsofcorrugatedfiberboardshallbeusedbetweenthestraps
11). Wire-bound pallet boxes shall be Type I, Class 1 or 2, or and the product.
Type III, Class 3 or 4 of Specification D6254/D6254M, 7.6.5 Category 5, Hand Bundles—Hand bundles of straight-
depending on the need for two-way or four-way entry bases or flat-length products shall be tied with rope, wire, flat steel
and on the weight of contents to be packed. Nailed-wood pallet straps, or tape in accordance with Specification D5330/
boxes shall be constructed of ⁄4 in. (19.1 mm) minimum D5330M.At least two ties shall be used. Spacing between ties
thickness of material; Group I, II, III, or IV woods. Stringers shall not exceed 6 ft (1.83 m). The ties shall be approximately
1 1
shall be minimum 3 ⁄2 in. by 3 ⁄2 in. (88.9 mm by 88.9 mm) as 12 in. (304.8 mm) from each end except where short lengths of
shown in Fig. 11. If the width of the box exceeds 40 in. (1016 the products will not permit. The weight of hand bundles shall
mm), a third stringer shall be added. not exceed 200 lb (91 kg).
7.6.4 Category 4, Skidded Lifts—Askiddedliftisameansof 7.6.5.1 Hand bundles of coiled wire and similar products
packing heavy products by securing skids (runners) to the shall have at least three ties.
product itself, either cross
...