Load Stability Testing
Pallet and load stability is crucial for the transit of goods. Smithers has developed unique tests to ensure that unit loads are planned well, reinforced properly, and perform well in the field.
Smithers Expert Leads ISTA Load Stability Workgroup Seeking Industry Support
Published: 11/07/2023
(Akron, Ohio) – July 11, 2023 - Smithers, a leading provider of testing, consulting, information, and compliance services, announces that an International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) load stability workgroup is issuing a call for supply chain industry partners struggling with load stability issues to support ongoing testing research. The workgroup is chaired by Michael Kuebler, Technical Director of Distribution Testing, Smithers and the workgroup is seeking collaborative partners to progress their research.In late 2018, the ISTA load stability workgroup was established after Smithers submitted a new protocol request. The group is researching test methods for predicting the effects of non-restrained horizontal impacts and non-restrained long-duration horizontal impact events on unitized loads in a generalized supply chain. Commonly observed problems caused by these events are tipping and leaning of unit loads.
“At this stage, we’re ready to start testing our theories on actual unit loads with known issues,” said Kuebler. “We’re seeking industry partners who are struggling with field issues due to lack of load stability and are willing to provide samples for laboratory testing. Those unit loads would undergo various predictive test methods so we can document correlations between field issues and laboratory results.”
“Concerns of load stability, which may lead to product damage throughout distribution, are frequently expressed by packaging designers as they balance field performance and sustainability goals,” said Eric Hiser, Vice President—Standards & Certification, ISTA. “We want to address these industry concerns through research-based, data-driven predictive tools, such as test protocols, to better understand packaged-product performance to the hazards generally found in each supply chain.”
To discuss participation in this research, please contact Michael Kuebler at mkuebler@smithers.com or 330-746-7441.
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About Smithers:
Founded in 1925 and headquartered in Akron, Ohio, Smithers is a multinational provider of testing, consulting, information, and compliance services. With laboratories and operations in North America, Europe, and Asia, Smithers supports customers in the transportation, life science, packaging, materials, components, consumer, cannabis, dry commodities, and energy industries. Smithers delivers accurate data, on time, with high touch, by integrating science, technology, and business expertise, so customers can innovate with confidence.
About the International Safe Transit Association:
The International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) is a member-based nonprofit that empowers organizations, and their people, to minimize product damage throughout distribution and optimize resource usage through effective package design. Worldwide, ISTA is the most trusted, knowledgeable and respected authority in predictive package-performance testing and design standards, helping its members develop more effective packaging to withstand the ever-changing risks of the global distribution environment. For more information, visit www.ista.org.
