Amazon Package Testing Type D is for less than truckload (LTL) of individually-packaged products that are less than 100 pounds (45 kg) or have a girth greater than 165 inches (4.19 m the standard handling shipping method is used for these products. The standard handling method, also referenced as floor loaded, is for individual packaged-products that are received at an Amazon.com Fulfillment Center with no pallet or with multiple packaged products on a single pallet and are intended to ship to the end consumer without a pallet. Type D products qualify for Amazon SIOC status and are tested based on the ISTA 6 SIOC Type D test sequence outlined in the chart below.
The purpose of Type D testing is to evaluate the protective performance of packaging for goods. The package will undergo testing related to conditions that are normally encountered throughout transportation to the end consumer. During testing, the product and package are together, considered one unit and tested accordingly. Not all shipping conditions can be tested with Type D alone. For example, this does not test for any irregular handling.
Type D testing is specific to Less-Than-Truckload, or less than load, (LTL) delivery for standard packaged-products. Both elongated and flat packaged-products are included in this category. All packages that qualify for this test type are not palletized or skidded.
Amazon ISTA partnership has specific requirements for the package to be eligible for Amazon Package Testing Certifications. The requirements are as follows:
Package Construction– the package must be a rigid six-sided rectangular box. The package must be able to pass the ISTA 6-Amazon.com test method as it simulates single parcel delivery or Less-than-Truckload (LTL) shipping methods. Padded mailers and rigid envelopes can be used but six-sided boxes are the preferred packaging. Polybags, protrusions, windows, and cut-outs are not permitted. Any access holes must be smaller than 3” x 1.5” x 1.5”.
Package Sealing– All open edges of the package must be sealed in such a way that it will remain intact throughout the entire shipping process. Staples are not permitted as a sealing method but can be used on the manufacturer glue joint. Any locking tabs must be sealed with tape or glue. Oversized products may use straps or bands provided they are not metal, and add to the structural integrity of the package for the outer shipper. Straps and bands must be fitted tightly around the product. Straps and bands are not permitted to bind together multiple packages.
Package Printing and Identification Labeling– Package labels and markings must clearly identify the contents of the package and any special handling instructions.
Product-to-Packaging Ratio– Amazon defines “Product” as the total cubic volume of the primary product and the pieces included that are necessary for the product to function. Product-to-Package ratio is calculated as: volume of the product / total volume of the package to produce a percentage that is box utilization score.
The Basics of Amazon Type D Testing:
Testing Timeline
Request a quote from Keystone’s package testing engineers. Keystone will review your request and the current standards to provide an accurate quote. Once the quote is approved, Keystone technicians will be in contact to ensure that samples remain compliant throughout the process. See How to Submit a Sample for specific instructions. The product will undergo testing in accordance with the Testing Type requirements. After the Amazon packaging testing is completed, the vendor will receive an Amazon standard lab report that is to be submitted to Amazon for package testing certification.
Pass/Fail Guidelines
This is a pass/fail test. Pass/fail standards will be determined prior to testing by the shipper, manufacturer, Amazon.com, and other stakeholders. They must determine the following:
- What constitutes damage to the product
- What damage tolerance level, if any, is allowable
- The correct methodology to determine product condition at the end of testing
- The acceptable package condition at the end of testing
Recertification is Required When:
- There are any changes to packaging
- There are changes to product design
- Amazon observes damage during shipment to the customer
Keystone Compliance, an Amazon Packaging Certification Lab, provides vendors with the testing to certify their products to receive the benefits of Amazon’s SIOC status. With significant packaging testing knowledge, globally-recognized accreditation, short lead times and affordable prices, Keystone Package Testing is the best ISTA 6 Amazon transit testing lab partner.
Request a quote here or contact us at (724) 698-2994.
Type D – LTL Delivery of Individual Packaged-Products Less Than 100 lb (43 kg) |
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| Sequence Number | Test Category | Test Type | Test Level | Remarks |
| 1 | Atmospheric Preconditioning TEST BLOCK 1 |
Temperature and Humidity | Lab ambient, 12 hours | Required |
| 2 | Atmospheric Conditioning TEST BLOCK 1 |
Controlled Temperature and Humidity | Temperature and humidity chosen from table | Optional |
| 3 | Shock TEST BLOCK 3 |
Tip/Tip Over | Use a 22 degree tip angle | Required for packages ≥48 in. (1.2 m) tall and any one base dimension < ½ the height; or for packages ≥ 30 in. (760 mm) tall and with a center of gravity vertical location > ½ the package height |
| 4 | Shock TEST BLOCK 4 |
Free-Fall Drop | 6 drops – 18 in (460 mm) max | Required |
| 5 | Compression, Vertical TEST BLOCK 9 |
Test in the intended shipping orientation or most stable orientation | Calculated from formula, Maintain force for 1 hour | Required, Machine, or weights and load spreader |
| 6 | Compression, Horizontal TEST BLOCK 10 |
Clamping Simulation | Calculated from formula, Clamp in multiple orientations as directed |
Required For any of the 2 axes with a width dimension ≥ 24 in (610mm) and < 75 in (1905 mm) |
| 7 | Vertical Vibration TEST BLOCK 13 |
Random With Top Load |
Overall Grms level of 0.54 | Required |
| 8 | Shock TEST BLOCK 16 |
Free-Fall Drop | 6 drops – 32 in (810 mm) max | Required |
| 9 | Shock TEST BLOCK 22 |
Full Rotational Flat Drop | Varies with packaged-product dimensions | Required for Elongated and Flat Packages |
| 10 | Shock TEST BLOCK 23 |
Bridge Impact | Hazard Box dropped 16 in (400 mm) | Required for Elongated Packages Only |
| 11 | Shock TEST BLOCK 24 |
Concentrated Edge Impact | Hazard Box dropped 16 in (400 mm) | Required for Flat Packages Only |
Keystone Package Testing provides vendors with the testing to certify their products to receive the benefits of Amazon’s SIOC status. With significant package testing knowledge, globally-recognized accreditation, short lead times and affordable prices, Keystone Package Testing is the best ISTA 6 Amazon transit testing lab partner.
Request a quote here or contact us at (724) 698-2994.
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