6 FedEx-A Test

Additional Information can be found on the ISTA website.
Simulation Tests
Integrity Testing for Packaged Products weighing 150lb (68kg) or Less and less than 165” combined length and girth.

The 6 FedEx- A test was created as part of a joint effort between ISTA and FedEx.  It  established standards that protect loads during the distribution cycle.
The FedEx drop test is one of the simulations proposed by the company to simulate potential damages that could occur during distribution.
They recommend a series of pre-shipment tests to be done to simulate FedEx air and ground shipping environments.
Tests performed include an impact test, compression tests, vibrations tests and rotary vibration test. These tests are used to evaluate the integrity and performance of the packaging.

Packages for this test fall under three different categories.

1. Flat package– A package that the shortest dimension is 8″ or less and the next shortest dimension is at a minimum four times the length of the shortest side.
2. Elongated Package-  packages that the longest dimension is at least 36″ and the other two dimensions are measure 20% or less than the longest length.
3. Regular Package– Any package that does not fit into other two categories.

The testing procedure varies depending in package category, contents and whether or not it is a U.S. shipment or international.

Flat Packages

Flat packages shipping in the United States containing Medical items, electronics or powdered items are subjected to:

1. Free fall drop test
2. Compression test
3. Concentrated impact test
4. Random vibration test(US)

Flat packages that are shipped in the United States that do not contain any of the previously mentioned items are subjected to:

1. Free fall drop test
2. Compression test
3. Concentrated impact test
4.  Rotary vibration test.

All flat packages shipped internationally are subjected to:

1. Free fall drop test
2. Compression test
3. Concentrated impact test
4. Random vibration test(international)
5. Second free fall drop test

Elongated Packages

Elongated packages shipping in the United States containing Medical items, electronics, or powdered items are subjected to:

1. Free fall drop test
2. Bridge impact test
3. Compression test
4. Random vibration test(US)

Elongated packages that ship in the United States that do not contain the previously mentioned items are subjected to:

1. Free fall drop test
2. Bridge impact test
3. Compression test
4. Rotary vibration test

Elongated Packages shipped internationally are subjected to:

1. Free fall drop test
2. Bridge impact test
3. Compression test
4. Rotary vibration test(international)
5.  Second free fall drop test

Regular Packages

Regular packages shipping in the United States containing Medical items, electronics, or powdered items are subjected to:

1. free fall drop test
2. compression test
3. random vibration test(US)

Regular packages shipping in the United States that do not contain the previously mentioned items are subjected to:

1. Free fall drop test
2. Compression test
3. Rotary vibration test(US)

Regular packages shipping internationally are subjected to:

1. Free fall drop test
2. Compression test
3. Random vibration test(international)
4. Second free fall drop test

To request a test click here