Shipping containers are used worldwide to export products and raw materials to manufacturers and commercial consumers by train, truck, plane or large boat. Shipping containers are in most cases large reusable containers made out of a durable steel frame. Shipping containers have to undergo several ASTM inspection tests during the manufacturing process because shipping containers are exposed to several different types of stress. International Standards require manufacturers to perform and adhere to the ASTM standard practice D4169 – 09.
Key Shipping Container Inspection and Quality Control Tests
Impact Test
The Impact test ASTM D880 – 92 mimics various types of shocks that are possible to occur during the handling of shipping units. The Impact test will help to determine the strength of the shipping container to protect the product contents inside against these shocks.
Water Resistance Test
The water resistance test ASTM D951 – 99 for shipping containers is used to assess the water resistance of shipping containers. The water resistance test can also be used to assess the strength of the shipping container in resisting deterioration and breakdown caused by water.
Vibration Testing
The vibration test ASTM D999 – 08 has 3 different methods of vibration testing depending on the shipping container.
- Method 1 is a repetitive shock tests which is used for testing of individual shipping containers that are being transported unrestrained on the bottom of a vehicle.
- Method 2 is a single container resonance test. This test assess the strengths and abilities of an individual container and its interior packaging to protect the products and materials from transportation vibrations.
- Method 3 is a vertical stack resonance test. This test is used to determine whether or not the strength of the shipping container can withstand large loads when stacked vertical.
Horizontal Impact Test
The horizontal impact test ASTM D4003 – 98 provides an accurate measurement of the shipping container's strengths and abilities to protect a product or material from failure due to any horizontal impacts.
