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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
ASTM D6198-12 Referenced Document
ASTM D1974 Standard Practice for Methods of Closing, Sealing, and Reinforcing Fiberboard Boxes
ASTM D3332 Standard Test Methods for Mechanical-Shock Fragility of Products, Using Shock Machines
ASTM D3580 Standard Test Methods for Vibration (Vertical Linear Motion) Test of Products
ASTM D4003 Standard Test Methods for Programmable Horizontal Impact Test for Shipping Containers and Systems
ASTM D4169 Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems
ASTM D4728 Standard Test Method for Random Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers
ASTM D4919 Standard Specification for Testing of Hazardous Materials Packagings
ASTM D5276 Standard Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by Free Fall
ASTM D5487 Standard Test Method for Simulated Drop of Loaded Containers by Shock Machines
ASTM D6055 Standard Test Methods for Mechanical Handling of Unitized Loads and Large Shipping Cases and Crates
ASTM D6179 Standard Test Methods for Rough Handling of Unitized Loads and Large Shipping Cases and Crates
ASTM D6344 Standard Test Method for Concentrated Impacts to Transport Packages
ASTM D642 Standard Test Method for Determining Compressive Resistance of Shipping Containers, Components, and Unit Loads
ASTM D6537 Standard Practice for Instrumented Package Shock Testing For Determination of Package Performance
ASTM D6653 Standard Test Methods for Determining the Effects of High Altitude on Packaging Systems by Vacuum Method
ASTM D6804 Standard Guide for Hand Hole Design in Corrugated Boxes
ASTM D7030 Standard Test Method for Short Term Creep Performance of Corrugated Fiberboard Containers Under Constant Load Using a Compression Test Machine
ASTM D7386 Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Packages for Single Parcel Delivery Systems*, 2024-04-20 Update
ASTM D7387 Standard Test Method for Vibration Testing of Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) Used for Shipping Liquid Hazardous Materials (Dangerous Goods)
ASTM D7660 Standard Guide for Conducting Internal Pressure Tests on United Nations (UN) Packagings
ASTM D880 Standard Test Method for Impact Testing for Shipping Containers and Systems
ASTM D996 Standard Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
ASTM D999 Standard Methods for Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers
ISO 4180 Packaging — Complete, filled transport packages — General rules for the compilation of performance test schedules
ASTM D6198-12 history
2018ASTM D6198-18 Standard Guide for Transport Packaging Design
2012ASTM D6198-12 Standard Guide for Transport Packaging Design
2007ASTM D6198-07 Standard Guide for Transport Packaging Design
2001ASTM D6198-01e1 Standard Guide for Transport Packaging Design
2001ASTM D6198-01 Standard Guide for Transport Packaging Design
2000ASTM D6198-00 Standard Guide for Transport Packaging Design