What is Transit Testing?
Transit or packaging testing gives retailers and manufacturers information that anticipates how products will perform during the shipping process. Now more than ever, durable packaging is needed to keep up with international and domestic demand. Lighter materials, less packaging and material substitutions could mean fewer expenses but this can’t come at the cost of damaged goods. With renewed sustainability efforts, customers expect to receive their products intact, with as little packaging as possible.
What is Examined During Transit Testing?
Transit testing gives our engineers valuable data to make a custom transit protocol sustainable for specific supply chains. Understanding which factors are detrimental to packaging allows for more efficient package design. This means higher customer satisfaction, reduced costs in package design or replacing damaged goods, environmentally friendly materials and a better brand image. The innovative transit testing that BoldtSmith Packaging uses gives our engineers definitive evidence of the way a package is handled as it goes through the supply chain. Using a data recording device, we record the hazards that occur during shipping such as:
- Drop height -Packages are often dropped during transit and packaging must be designed with this in mind. A drop test simulates the freefall of a package. Corners, edges and surfaces are then examined. An informative drop test fills a package at varying weights, at different heights. It’s important to simulate real-life scenarios and create packaging with this data in mind.
- Orientation - Orientation is helpful to manufacturers and for the design of a package. This information is useful for securing the proper handling of goods and preventing damage.
- Number of drops - Knowing the average number a package is dropped before you begin to see damage is useful for package design. Packaging must be durable while avoiding the unnecessary use of material. Customers care how their goods are packaged and manufacturers want to make cost-effective packages.
- Vibration frequencies - This data is imperative for exterior and interior purposes. A customer may receive their package intact only to find the product inside is damaged. There is no warning for vibration damage until a package is opened. This scenario requires time and money from the manufacturer who must now start the shipping process over.
- Temperature - Packages go through several hot and cold environments during transit. Temperature can affect the durability of the package. Steps should be taken to ensure a package is not under or over designed to meet average temperatures.
- Humidity - Packages are exposed to many different weather conditions and often different climates during international shipping. Making sure a package is suitable against high temperatures and rain is important for preventing moisture damage.
