Short answer: ISTA groups transit tests into series: 1 is non-simulation, 2 is partial simulation, 3 is general simulation and 6 is member performance. ISTA 3A covers packaged products of 150 lb (70 kg) or less sent by parcel delivery. ASTM methods separately cover drop, vibration and compression tests of shipping containers.
ISTA series
| Series | What ISTA says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Series | Non-simulation screening tests that challenge the integrity of the product and package combination | [1] |
| 2-Series | Partial simulation: basic 1-Series elements combined with at least one 3-Series element; for refining preliminary designs, not for predicting shipping performance | [1] |
| 3-Series | General simulation of transport hazards in the lab, for understanding damage risk; can include drop heights, shaped random vibration and atmospheric conditioning | [1] |
| 6-Series | Member performance tests created by an ISTA member or with ISTA for unique supply chain needs, such as those of certain large retailers or carriers | [1] |
| Procedure 3A | Individual packaged products weighing 150 lb (70 kg) or less shipped by parcel delivery, air or ground | [1] |
Test families named on Wikipedia
| Test | What the page says | Method named |
|---|---|---|
| Drop | Shock and impact; simple drop tests can be used for evaluations | ASTM D5276 drop test of loaded containers by free fall [2] |
| Vibration | Simulates shipping and conveyor movement to find fatigue, loose closures and abrasion | ASTM D999 [2] |
| Compression | Force needed to crush a package, stack or unit load | ASTM D642 [2] |
| Performance protocol | A protocol for evaluating shipping containers and systems | ASTM D4169 [2] |
Wikipedia says tests verify that requirements in a specification, regulation or contract are met, validate suitability for end use and reproduce stresses found in the field [2]. ISTA notes its own pages do not describe a drop procedure; those details sit in its overview documents [1].
Questions to ask a supplier about carton testing
- [ ] Has this carton and insert design been tested, and under which named procedure? (general practice)
- [ ] Which series and which drop heights, as stated in the test report? [1]
- [ ] Does the test cover the parcel route the order will use? [1]
- [ ] Was the packed weight within the procedure's weight limit? [1]
- [ ] Who holds the report, and can a copy be attached to the sample approval? (general practice)
- [ ] What happens if a carton fails in transit: replacement terms in writing (general practice)
Practical packing advice for fronted frames is on the packing glass and acrylic fronted frames page. This page does not state what testing any maker carries out.
Questions answered
What does ISTA 3A cover?
ISTA says Procedure 3A covers individual packaged products weighing 150 lb (70 kg) or less that ship by parcel delivery, by air or ground.
Is a 2-Series test a prediction of shipping performance?
No. ISTA says 2-Series tests are used to refine preliminary designs and are not intended to predict shipping performance.
Which ASTM method covers drop testing?
Wikipedia names ASTM D5276, drop test of loaded containers by free fall.
Sources
| No. | Source page | Publisher | Fetched |
|---|---|---|---|
| [1] | ISTA test procedures | International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) | 2026-11-13 |
| [2] | Package testing | Wikipedia | 2026-11-13 |
Start an enquiry when your list is ready; we reply within 1 business day.
As of 2026-11-13. General information, not legal, customs or tax advice. Wording is paraphrased from the pages linked above; your written quote and contract govern. Examples use invented numbers unless a source is named.