ASTM D7386-16
Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Packages for Single Parcel Delivery Systems

Standard No.

ASTM D7386-16

Release Date

2016

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Latest

ASTM D7386-16

Scope

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. 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.

1.1 This practice provides a uniform basis of evaluating, in a laboratory, the ability of shipping units, weighing up to but not exceeding 150 lb (68 kg), intended for the single parcel delivery system to withstand the hazards associated with the distribution environment. This is accomplished by subjecting them to a test plan consisting of a sequence of anticipated hazard elements encountered in the distribution cycles. This practice is not intended to supplant material specifications or existing pre-shipment test procedures.

1.2 The suitability of this practice for use with hazardous materials has not been determined.

1.3 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.

1.4 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. Specific precautionary statements are given in 1.1.

ASTM D7386-16 Referenced Document

• ASTM D4332 Standard Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
• ASTM D5265 Standard Test Method for Bridge Impact Testing
• ASTM D5487 Standard Test Method for Simulated Drop of Loaded Containers by Shock Machines
• 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 D6653 Standard Test Methods for Determining the Effects of High Altitude on Packaging Systems by Vacuum Method
• ASTM D951 Standard Test Method for Water Resistance of Shipping Containers by Spray Method
• ASTM D996 Standard Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments

ASTM D7386-16 history

• 2016 ASTM D7386-16 Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Packages for Single Parcel Delivery Systems
• 2012 ASTM D7386-12 Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Packages for Single Parcel Delivery Systems
• 2008 ASTM D7386-08 Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Packages for Single Parcel Delivery Systems