Packaging, Marking, and Loading Methods for Steel Products for Shipment

A700: Standard Guide for Packaging, Marking, and Loading Methods for Steel Products for Shipment

Ensuring steel products arrive at their destination in optimal condition is paramount for project success and cost-efficiency. ASTM A700, the "Standard Guide for Packaging, Marking, and Loading Methods for Steel Products for Shipment," provides an essential framework for achieving this critical objective. This authoritative standard is an indispensable resource for professionals involved in the preparation and transit of steel goods.

What is A700?

ASTM A700 is a comprehensive guide developed by ASTM International that outlines recommended practices for the packaging, marking, and loading of a wide range of steel products intended for shipment. Its primary purpose is to ensure steel products are protected from damage during transit and handled efficiently, thereby promoting uniformity, simplicity, sufficiency, and economy in shipping operations.

Scope & Purpose

This industry-leading standard governs the preparation of various steel products for shipment, including semi-finished steels, bars, structural shapes, wire products, tubular products, plates, sheets, strips, tin mill products, and castings. It provides guidance on methods to protect these materials from environmental factors and physical damage, assuming proper handling throughout the transportation process. A700 does not, however, address all safety concerns, which remain the responsibility of the user.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Logistics managers, shipping clerks, warehouse supervisors, materials engineers, and operations managers.
• • Industries affected: Steel manufacturing, fabricated metal product manufacturing, construction, transportation, and distribution.
• • Compliance nature: While often considered a recommended practice, compliance with A700 is frequently mandated by contractual agreements, purchase orders, and specific industry requirements, making it effectively a de facto standard for many.
• • Enforcement: Compliance is typically verified by receiving parties, quality control departments, and auditors during shipment inspections.

Key Requirements Overview

The standard requires meticulous attention to detail in preparing steel products for transit. Key provisions include:

• • Protective Packaging: Implementing appropriate packaging materials and methods to safeguard steel surfaces from corrosion, abrasion, and impact during handling and transit.
• • Legible Marking: Ensuring all packages and individual items are clearly and permanently marked with essential identification details such as product type, size, heat number, and purchaser information.
• • Secure Loading: Employing proven load securement techniques to prevent shifting, falling, or damage to the cargo during transportation across various modes.
• • Material Specification: Utilizing packaging materials that meet relevant ASTM specifications for durability and protection.
• • Documentation: Maintaining accurate weight and count records, and providing packaging lists or tally sheets as needed.

Related Standards & References

ASTM A700 often works in conjunction with other ASTM standards and industry regulations. Complementary documents include ASTM D5728 for the securement of cargo in intermodal and unimodal transport, ASTM D4169 for performance testing of shipping containers and systems, and various National Motor Freight Classification and Uniform Freight Classification rules that govern shipping practices. Reference is also made to international guidelines for cargo transport units.