New ISTA Test Procedure for European FTL Shipments
Eric Hiser, ISTA Vice President of Standards and Certifications
ISTA continues to invest in research to ensure its test procedures accurately reflect real-world distribution environments. Recent research initiatives funded and conducted in Europe identified a need for a test procedure that better represents Full Truckload (FTL) shipment conditions in that region. As a result, ISTA has developed a new procedure: ISTA Project 3N: Similar Packaged-Products in Unitized Loads for Truckload Shipment in Europe.
New ISTA Test Procedure
ISTA Project 3N: Similar Packaged-Products in Unitized Loads for Truckload Shipment in Europe- Test Classification: ISTA 3 Series – General Simulation Test (Overview and Equipment Required)
Scope and Purpose
ISTA Project 3N is a general simulation test designed for unitized loads shipped via Full Truckload (FTL) carriers within Europe. The procedure was developed using field data collected from European FTL shipments and reflects distribution conditions specific to that region and mode of transport.Key Characteristics
- Applicable to unitized loads shipped Full Truckload within Europe
- Incorporates a new vibration profile developed from European FTL field data
- Includes fundamental elements of ISTA 3E, based on industry feedback and its common use in Europe to assess packaged product performance
Technical Background
Field data collected during this research effort showed that European FTL shipments experience vibration characteristics not fully represented in existing ISTA procedures. To address this, ISTA 3N includes a vibration profile developed specifically from European FTL transport data.In addition, industry input indicated that many companies currently use ISTA 3E for similar applications in Europe. To support continuity and familiarity, core elements of ISTA 3E were incorporated into ISTA 3N where appropriate.
Get the New Procedure
ISTA Project 3N is available through the ISTA Store and is free to ISTA members with login access. The procedure can be downloaded as:- An individual test procedure, or
- Part of the ISTA Resource Book
Staying Current with ISTA Test Procedures
To ensure use of the most current ISTA Test Procedures, users are encouraged to visit the ISTA Test Procedures page. This page includes helpful resources such as Selecting & Using ISTA Test Procedures, Procedure Changes & Development, and All About Our Consensus Body Approach.Reviewing these resources helps users stay informed of the latest updates, revisions, and development activities.