Package testing is an essential requirement for any product being shipped. Both consumer packages and shipping containers have a risk of being dropped or being impacted by other items. Package integrity and product protection are important packaging functions. Tests are conducted to measure the resistance of packages and products to controlled laboratory shock and impact. Testing also determines the effectiveness of package cushioning to isolate fragile products from shock.

Vibration is encountered during shipping (vehicle vibration, rough roads, etc.) and movement on conveyors. The ability of a package to withstand these vibrations and to protect the contents can be measured by several laboratory test procedures. Some allow searching for the particular frequencies of vibration that have potential for damage. Random vibration to better represent complex vibrations measured in field studies of distribution environments.