Amazon Packaging Test Type F is for less than truckload (LTL) of individually packaged-products that require pallet handling. Under the pallet handling method, individually packaged-products are received at Amazon.com Fulfillment Center on their own individual pallet and are intended to ship to the end consumer on a pallet. Type F products qualify for Amazon SIOC status and are tested based on the ISTA 6 SIOC Type F test sequence outlined in the chart below.
The purpose of the Amazon Package Testing Type F is to evaluate the protective performance of packaging for goods. The package will undergo testing related to vibrations, shocks, and other stresses that packages normally encounter throughout transportation to the customer. During testing, the product will be inside the package and they are considered together. Not all shipping conditions can be tested with Type F alone. For example, this does not test for any irregular handling.
Amazon Packaging Type F testing is specific to Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) delivery for pallet packaged-products. Both elongated and flat packaged-products are included in this category. All packages that qualify for this test type are palletized or skidded.
This test type required the use of a top load apparatus during vibration testing. The apparatus is also required for testing Types D, E, and H. The top load is added to simulate the effects of 6 lb/ft3 on top of a package. There are specific requirements for this top load apparatus.
The apparatus itself must be certain size and distributed according to the size package that is being tested. It must be positioned with overhang on smaller packages and then positioned evenly over larger packages (18in or more) to distribute the weight over the surface of the package. Keystone technicians have extensive experience working with these apparatuses. They are qualified and prepared to work with any package and implement creative solutions to ensure that testing is done in accordance with Amazon’s regulations.
The Basics of Amazon Type F 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 testing is completed, the vendor will receive an Amazon standard lab report that is to be submitted to Amazon for Amazon 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
As an Amazon Packaging Certification Lab, 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 Amazon transit testing lab partner.
Request a quote here or contact us at (724) 698-2994.
Type F – LTL Delivery of Individual Palletized Packaged-Products |
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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 chart | 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 5 |
Rotational FLAT Drop | 9 in (230 mm) | Required |
| 5 | Shock TEST BLOCK 6 | Rotational EDGE Drop | 9 in (230 mm) | Required |
| 6 | Shock TEST BLOCK 7 |
Rotational CORNER Drop | 9 in (230 mm) | Required |
| 7 | Shock TEST BLOCK 8 |
Inclined or Horizontal Impact | 48 in/sec (4 ft/sec) (1.2 m/sec) impact velocity or velocity change | Required |
| 8 | Compression, Vertical TEST BLOCK 9 |
Top-to-Bottom Pallet on top | Calculated from formula | Required, Machine or weights and load spreader |
| 9 | Shock TEST BLOCK 11 |
Fork Lift Simulation | Flat Push and Rotate tests, Elevated Push and Pull tests | Required |
| 10 | Vertical Vibration TEST BLOCK 14 |
Random With Top Load | Overall Grms level of 0.54 | Required |
| 11 | Shock TEST BLOCK 17 |
Rotational FLAT Drop | 9 in (230 mm) | Required |
| 12 | Shock TEST BLOCK 18 |
Rotational EDGE Drop | 9 in (230 mm) | Required |
| 13 | Shock TEST BLOCK 19 |
Rotational CORNER Drop | 9 in (230 mm) | Required |
| 14 | Shock TEST BLOCK 20 |
Inclined or Horizontal Impact | 48 in/sec (4 ft/sec) (1.2 m/sec) impacts or 3 in. (76 mm) drops | Required |
| 15 | Shock TEST BLOCK 24 |
Concentrated Edge Impact | Hazard box dropped 16 in (410 mm) | Required for Flat Packages Only |
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