Ask X3What does 49 CFR 178.980 (Stacking test) require?
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According to 49 CFR 178.980, the stacking test is required for the qualification of all Large Packagings design types that are intended to be stacked. To ensure compliance as a motor-carrier owner, you must follow these specific requirements:
* Special Preparation:
* Except for flexible Large Packagings, all Large Packagings must be loaded to their maximum permissible gross mass.
* Flexible Large Packagings must be filled to at least 95 percent of their capacity and to their maximum net mass, with the load evenly distributed.
* Test Method:
* Place the Large Packagings on their base on level, hard ground.
* Apply a uniformly distributed superimposed test load equal to 1.8 times the combined maximum permissible gross mass of the similar Large Packagings that may be stacked on top during transportation.
* Apply the load using one of these methods: stacking one or more same-type Large Packagings (loaded to maximum gross mass) on top, or placing the calculated test load weight on a flat plate or reproduction of the base stacked on the test packaging.
* Duration of the load:
* Standard Large Packagings: At least five minutes.
* Fiberboard and wooden Large Packagings: 24 hours.
* Rigid plastic Large Packagings that bear the stacking load: 28 days at 40 °C (104 °F).
* Periodic Retest Options:
* You may retest the package using the standard method outlined in 49 CFR 178.980(c), or you may use a dynamic compression testing machine on an empty, unsealed packaging at room temperature using the specified formulas and procedures.
* Passing Criteria:
* Metal or rigid plastic: No permanent deformation making it unsafe for transportation, and no loss of contents.
* Fiberboard or wooden: No loss of contents and no permanent deformation making the whole packaging (including the base pallet) unsafe for transportation.
* Flexible: No deterioration making it unsafe for transportation, and no loss of contents.
* Dynamic compression test: No permanent deformation making the whole packaging (including the base pallet) unsafe for transportation, and maximum deflection cannot exceed one inch.