ASTM D6198-01e1 - 10.10.2001
 
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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

 
2. Referenced Documents

D999-08(2023)

Standard Test Methods for Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers

D4003-98(2024)

Standard Test Methods for Programmable Horizontal Impact Test for Shipping Containers and Systems

D4169-23e1

Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems (Includes all amendments and changes 3/27/2024).

D996-23

Standard Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments

D880-92(2021)

Standard Test Method for Impact Testing for Shipping Containers and Systems

D642-25

Standard Test Method for Determining Compressive Resistance of Shipping Containers, Components, and Unit Loads

D6179-20(2025)

Standard Test Methods for Rough Handling of Unitized Loads and Large Shipping Cases and Crates

D5487-16(2022)

Standard Test Method for Simulated Drop of Loaded Containers by Shock Machines

D5276-19(2023)

Standard Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by Free Fall

D3332-99(2023)

Standard Test Methods for Mechanical-Shock Fragility of Products, Using Shock Machines

D1974-98

Standard Practice for Methods of Closing, Sealing, and Reinforcing Fiberboard Boxes

D7386-25

Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Packages for Single Parcel Delivery Systems

D7030-04(2022)

Standard Test Method for Short Term Creep Performance of Corrugated Fiberboard Containers Under Constant Load Using a Compression Test Machine

D6804-24a

Standard Guide for Hand Hole Design in Corrugated Boxes (Includes all amendments and changes 10/17/2024).

D6653-01

Standard Test Methods for Determining the Effects of High Altitude on Packaging Systems by Vacuum Method

D6537-00(2021)

Standard Practice for Instrumented Package Shock Testing For Determination of Package Performance

D6344-04(2024)

Standard Test Method for Concentrated Impacts to Transport Packages

D6055-96(2019)

Standard Test Methods for Mechanical Handling of Unitized Loads and Large Shipping Cases and Crates

ISO 4180

Complete Filled Transport Packages--General Rules for the Compilation of Performance Test Schedules Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.

D4728-17(2022)

Standard Test Method for Random Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers

D4919-23

Standard Guide for Testing of Hazardous Materials (Dangerous Goods) Packagings

D7660-20(2025)

Standard Guide for Conducting Internal Pressure Tests on United Nations (UN) Packagings

D7387-26

Standard Test Method for Vibration Testing of Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) Used for Shipping Liquid Hazardous Materials (Dangerous Goods)

D3580-22

Standard Test Methods for Vibration (Vertical Linear Motion) Test of Products